Jun
I have been exclusively breastfeeding my baby since he was born a little over 6 weeks ago. While I was pregnant I had the fear that many women do, that I wouldn’t be able to breastfeed. So I took that time to do as much research as I could and be prepared before he was born. I learned quite a few things and I’m glad I did because I truly think had I not been as prepared as I was, it wouldn’t have worked out as well as it did.
In my opinion, which isn’t very professional but it worked for me, these are the six most important things I think a new mom should know about breastfeeding. They are the things I think that could potentially make or break a breastfeeding relationship.
1. Feed on demand and not on a schedule. A long time ago, pediatricians used to tell mothers that they should try to schedule their babies’ feedings. Some pediatricians still think this is good advice. Don’t judge how often your baby should eat by how often other babies eat or most importantly, how often a formula fed baby eats. Some babies only eat every 3-4 hours. Mine ate every 1-2 hours. During the early days I sometimes fed him upwards of 18 or 19 times a day. Yes it was tiring, but I look back on it now and say it was so worth all of the exhaustion! Breastmilk only takes 90 minutes to digest while formula takes much longer. I know it seems like the grass is greener on the other side but you’ll be surprised at how well you adapt – and how good you’ll feel – with your new sleep schedule. Really, would you rather go down to the kitchen at 3:00am to mix a bottle or just pick your baby up and put him on your breast while you’re still laying down? It really does get easy, I promise.
2. Don’t time your baby. If he’s eating from one breast let him finish before offering the other one. You’ll know he’s done when he unlatches or pushes away. This ensures he gets both the less filling foremilk and the fattier hindmilk. Then offer the other breast. If he’s still hungry he will take it. If not, don’t worry, just offer this one first at the next feeding. “15 minutes, burp, switch, 15 minutes” is old advice. This might be how some babies eat, but not all. Your baby will eat for as long as he needs to. Listen to what he is telling you.
3. Every time formula is used to supplement, if you don’t pump during that time, you are telling your body that that milk isn’t needed when it very much is or was. If you are asked to supplement and do, pump pump pump. If you want to maintain your supply and your beautiful breastfeeding relationship, you will have to keep up the milk output to match the times your baby is eating or you’ll probably never make enough to go back to exclusive breastfeeding. Likewise, if you are pumping, don’t judge how much your baby is getting by your pump output. Babies are extremely good at finding milk and they are getting a lot more than your pump is. A baby put on an empty pumped breast will almost always find more milk.
4. Babies lose weight after they are born. Much like you are pumped full of fluids and lose weight after labor, your baby is also filled with fluids. His skin is saturated (he’s been floating in liquid for 9 months!), his belly is full of amniotic fluid and his intestines are full of meconium (By the way – there’s no better laxative then colostrum to pass that jaundice inducing meconium so nurse nurse nurse!) Don’t worry if he loses weight. As long as he is making wet and poopy diapers and is back to his birth weight at two weeks of age, he is doing good! There is probably even more wiggle room than that but I am not a lactation consultant and that’s all I know.
5. Growth spurts. They typically happen at predictable times…10 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months. It’s during these times that your mental state will truly be tested. Baby may be looking to nurse around the clock. It’s not because you’re not making enough. You are..and soon you’ll be making more. Your baby is nursing every hour because he is building your milk supply to keep up with his growing nutritional needs. Cuddle up and enjoy it because you’ll be watching him walk down the aisle before you know it!
6. Be confident and trust your body. I feel this is the most important thing that you can do before you begin your breastfeeding relationship. Women have been doing this for thousands of years… formula is new, relatively speaking. We wouldn’t have survived as a species if it weren’t for this amazing thing our bodies can do. Likewise, surround yourself by supportive and knowledgeable people. If you get the feeling from your pediatrician that they aren’t 100% for breastfeeding, find a lactation consultant (many hospitals employ them). Pediatricians don’t have extensive schooling in breastfeeding, lactation consultants do. You can also get in touch with La Leche (http://www.llli.org/)
If all else fails, don’t beat yourself up if breastfeeding doesn’t work out for you. Formula was made for a reason, and it should be used when it needs to be used. But trust yourself and trust your body. Go into it with an “I can!” attitude.
I hope that all of my friends will someday be able to discover the same beautiful relationship that my son and I have with their own children! There’s nothing else in the word like watching your baby grow and knowing that you’re the one that’s fueling that growth!
Breastfeeding mamas, what are some things you think are important for a new mom to know?
