Ten Tips for Breastfeeding Success
Mom, with all the confusing information about breastfeeding a new mom could feel overwhelmed. The next 10 tips are a collection from breastfeeding experts, mothers, health care practitioners, and others who care about protecting breastfeeding moms and babies. You can print these two pages and have them handy for the last days of pregnancy and first months after the baby is born.
1. If at all possible, plan for a natural birth. An uncomplicated birth makes breastfeeding easier because mother and baby are more alert and awake, getting breastfeeding off to the best start.
2. Insist on natural nipples. Leave clear for the hospital staff in writing and verbally that you are going to be breastfeeding and let them know you do not want your infant to receive any kind of artificial nipple. Try talking about this to your doctor a couple of months in advance.
3. Find a breastfeeding supporting Pediatrician and OB or Midwife. Some will tell you “breast is best” but recommend weaning to formula at the first sign of trouble. Find a true breastfeeding advocate who will help with challenges if they come up. –La Leche League is a good place you can ask for breastfeeding friendly professionals.
4. Listen to your baby. Babies nurse for a variety of reasons, some of which are not related to hunger. Nursing frequently ensures you’ll bring in a healthy milk supply to meet your baby’s needs. It’s also soothing to him and makes easier his transition into the outside world.
5. Wear your baby. Using a baby sling makes nursing easier because baby is close to you. Babywearing helps to organize baby’s movements and help him focus on nursing. It also makes nursing in public much more comfortable. Dr. William Sears said about this: “Probably one of the most wonderful aspects of a sling or carrier is that it allows breastfeeding on the move. Busy mothers can provide their babies with the best nutrition, yet still continue their lifestyles.”
6. Talk to your baby’s dad and your extended family. Be sure to communicate to them how you feel about nursing your baby. Sell them on the benefits so they’ll be part of your supporting team.
7. Learn to nurse in public. Breastfeeding author Amy Spangler says: “I encourage young women, if they have a comfort level doing so to please breastfeed their babies wherever they are because until we get that critical mass of women doing just that, we are not going to change the attitudes of the general public.” Practice at home in front of a mirror so you can feel comfortable in public..
8. Avoid comparing your baby with others. Remember that healthy, well fed breastfed babies come in all colors, shapes and sizes. Your baby will grow in a particular pattern mostly due to genetics.
9. Learn to get your latch right. Learning how to latch your baby onto the breast is probably the most important thing you can do to eliminate pain and ensure adequate draining of the breast. Get help if you and your baby are having trouble.
10. Try co sleeping. Sleeping with your baby makes breastfeeding much easier. Babies who sleep with their mothers take in more milk and stimulate mom’s breastfeeding hormones. Another good thing about co sleeping is that usually everyone gets more sleep.
