Breastfeeding Tips For A Successful First Yearby Lynn Turner
Breastfeeding your baby is one of the most important things you can do
as a new mom. It is a fact that mother's milk is best and should be
given to babies over formula, when possible. The American Academy of
Pediatrics recommends new mothers nurse their babies until the child's
first birthday-and preferably longer.
With all this being said,
it also needs to be mentioned that although breastfeeding is best, it
can be hard work. Here are a list of helpful tips to help you through
the first year!
1. Get Support
Surround yourself with other
women and mothers who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding, have
breastfeed babies themselves and can walk you through the "ins and
outs" of breastfeeding as you are making your own way. You will
have lots of questions and concerns along the way, so having a strong
and knowledgeable support group will see you though!
Where to get
help: At the hospital, take advantage of as many visits with the lactation consultant
before you get discharged. She can help you with latching on, getting baby in a accurate and comfortable nursing position, measuring for a nursing bra and anything else you may need help with as you start your journey as a nursing mom. When you get home, locate your local La Leche League and breastfeeding resource center and schedule a visit. You may even be able to schedule a home visit in some cases.
2.
Be Prepared By Educating Yourself on Breastfeeding Before Your Baby is
Born
Knowing what happens to your body, how and when milk comes in,
and how to help your child nurse will be invaluable when you start
nursing. There are so many new things and experiences you will go
though that will be confusing and sometimes even scary when you don't
understand. A favorite book to read and add to your personal library
would be, The Nursing Mothers Companion. Bookmarking La Leche Leage and The International
Lactation Cosulting Association's websites is a must- there you will
find answers to questions, find forums of mothers who are breastfeeding
too!
3. Take Care of Yourself
This is priority #1. To
help ward off illnesses, stress and low milk production you have to get
enough sleep, drink plenty of water and continue taking your
prenatal vitamin while you nurse. To keep your energy level up it is also helpful to eat small healthy
meals throughout the day. Make sure to relax and take naps
with your baby every day. And take some quiet time in the day for yourself. Do some stretching, walking, journaling, meditating or whatever you love to do that is relaxing for you.
4. Invest in a Few Breastfeeding Necessities
5 Good Nursing Bras (Bravado is a great choice)
5 Nursing Tank Tops and Shirts (Motherhood has some nice tops at great prices!)
My Brest Friend Nursing pillow
Lansinoh Nipple Cream
Breast Comfort Pads (Booby Tubes are the best!)
Nursing Pads (LANACare are my choice)
The Nursing Mothers Companion Book
Breast Pump (Ameda)
Breastfeeding Resources:
La Leche League
International Lactation Consultant Association
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