The decision whether to breastfeed or not is a highly personal one. For first time mothers, getting as much information and support as possible is essential. 101 Reasons to Breastfeed by Leslie Burby is an excellent source of well-researched information on why breastfeeding is good for both your baby and you.
According to La Leche League, "Breastfeeding is natural but not instinctive; mothers need to learn how to do it".
La Leche League International is the premier authority on breastfeeding benefits and the research that supports it. We found some interesting articles on their site. There are also some excellent videos at www.breastfeeding.com. Additional resources can be found through Doulas, Midwives, Lactation Consultants and your own doctor.
THE BASICS
Look at breastfeeding as an expression of your relationship with your baby. If you view nursing as a new skill or "doing it right", you will miss out on the calm and beautiful feelings that you and your baby can enjoy. We heard one parent calling it a dance (with a rhythm and pace) that needs to be learned with a new partner. How you hold the baby (or use pillows to assist you), touch their fingers or stroke their cheek, look into their eyes, and/or play music in the background can affect the experience right from the start. There are several different nursing positions on the LaLeche League website; experiment to find which ones work best for you and your baby.
Start to breastfeed while your baby is still relatively calm. Learn to recognize your baby's feeding cues such as turning her head when you touch her cheek, smacking lips or putting her hands to her mouth. Your chest is a calming place for your baby because she can hear your soft voice and heartbeat. If you get yourself in a comfortable position and lay the baby in between your breast, she will start to try to find your nipple. Talk with her and make eye contact so she can sense you are there to comfort her. Don't be afraid to practice even when you know your baby's not hungry. Breastfeeding can often comfort babies when they are scared or tired.
Don't wait too long to feed your baby. When a baby is already screaming her tongue will not be in the right position to latch on. If your baby is already upset, and you offer a breast, but she turns away, you may need to soothe her by holding, swaying, rocking or walking prior to getting started. (Gathered from www.breastfeedingbasics.com).
When the baby arrives, moms often encounter real world issues as they try to implement what they've learned. It may not be as easy as you imagined, but don't give up because help is near!
Recommended reading:
Womanly Art of Breastfeeding 8th Edition published by La Leche League Int’l ($20)
Breastfeeding Information
PUMPING YOUR BREAST MILK
Common Reasons to Pump:
- Collect milk for when you are away.
- To allow your partner to feed the baby also.
- Relieve pain or pressure of engorged breasts.
- If your doctor instructs you to stop nursing due to medications you take that could be harmful to your baby or other medical reasons, you can pump ahead to have breast milk on hand.
(Updated August 2010. Rated by comfort, speed and ease of use. Medela products and components are BPA and DEHP free throughout the entire system, making this an eco-friendly option.)
Manual breast pump: Medela Harmony estimated $35. Best for occasional use.
Electric breast pumps:
1. Medela Swing, estimated cost $135. Single pump that can be worn for mobile pumping
(electric, or battery power).
2. Ameda Purely Yours, estimated cost $160. Double pump, efficient and easy to clean.
You can also purchase shoulder bag or backpack.
3. Medela Pump In Style Advanced, estimated cost $280. Double pump, best for those who need to
pump several times a day. Includes case, cooler, four bottles and battery pack.
Other options - rent a hospital-grade pump from your hospital, lactation consultant or medical supply store for $1- $3 a day. Search for "hospital breast pump rental". You will still need to purchase a collection kit and bottles. These pumps are designed for multiple users and include safety features to prevent the milk from getting inside the pump.
What to look for:
- Don't buy used or borrow breast pumps. Consumer grade pumps are designed to be single user devices.
- Go for adjustable suction features. What is comfortable to one person may be painful to another.
- Consider your individual needs for time and convenience.
- How work-friendly is it? Ease of use, motor noise level, cleaning requirements, portability, and type of pump: single, double alternating and double simultaneous which cuts the time in half,.
- Shop around online; cost can vary by $60.
- Check the warranty.
- If it hurts, something is wrong.
For more information
Breast Milk Storage Tips from Mayo Clinic
NUTRITION FOR MOM
When you are breastfeeding, you have a higher need for some vitamins and minerals. Following the USDA’s MyPyramid Plan for Moms will meet most of these increased needs. Their entry page for the Plan lets you select your level of breastfeeding to customize a plan for you. In addition they suggest:
Choose foods that have the vitamins and minerals you need. Choose these foods often to make sure you meet your nutrient needs while you breastfeed.
Also make choices that are low in “extras.” Extras are added sugars and solid fats in foods like soft drinks, desserts, fried foods, cheese, whole milk, and fatty meats. Look for choices that are low-fat, fat-free, unsweetened, or with no-added-sugars. They have fewer “extras.”
While you are breastfeeding your need for fluids increases. You may notice that you are thirstier than before. Drink enough water and other fluids to quench your thirst. A common suggestion is to drink a glass of water or other beverage every time you breastfeed. Some beverages, such as soft drinks and fruit drinks, contain added sugars. Limit your intake of these beverages. Drinking a moderate amount (up to 2 to 3 cups a day) of coffee or other caffeinated beverages does not affect your baby. The Dietary Guidelines recommend that breastfeeding women not drink alcoholic beverages. Any alcohol that is in your bloodstream while you are breastfeeding can pass into breast milk.
Vitamin and mineral supplements cannot replace a healthy diet. In addition to eating a healthy diet, some breastfeeding women may need a multivitamin and mineral supplement. Talk with your health care provider about taking a supplement, and follow his or her advice. Be sure to tell your provider about any supplements you are already taking, to protect yourself against taking too much.
WHAT IF I CHOOSE NOT TO BREASTFEED?
Parenting is an adventure during which we often make compromises. Often what is right for one family doesn’t work for another. Regardless, there’s no purpose in feeling guilty or sad about any decision you make, just stay focused on nurturing your baby and yourself.
Share your feelings with those closest to you and do your best to make good nutritional choices for you and your baby. If anyone tries to guilt trip you about it just tell them “I’ve made the choice that is right for me and my baby and I’m satisfied with that” (or something similar)!
WHAT CAN OTHERS DO TO HELP?
- Realize that most babies feed 8-12 times a day. This can make a new mom’s day pretty intense, so lower your expectations for housework, the health of your baby is more important!
- When it’s time to feed, help the mom get comfortable and be sure she has what she needs during nursing (i.e. glass of water, pillows, stool for feet)
- Help the mom get sleep, remind her to nap when the baby sleeps! Offer to do chores so that she can get the rest she needs. If pumped milk is available, offer to feed the baby when the mom needs a break.
- Run errands so that the mom can focus on the baby. Buy healthy snacks. Offer to cook a meal.
- Protect the mom’s privacy by limiting visitors or acting as a buffer when others are present. Suggest that it may be better for her to go to the nursery for uninterrupted nursing time when the living area is congested with people. Be vocal with others that the mom needs her rest and privacy.
- Let the mom share her feelings and listen without trying to “fix” any issues. Make sure the mom knows that you are there for her and ask what you might do to help.
