Emily Lovely
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least a year, and The World Health Organization advocates two years. The facts are clear: breastfeeding is best for both you and your baby. Breast milk evolves with your baby to provide perfect nutrition and has numerous benefits, including reducing the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), boosting baby’s immune system and possibly raising IQ, intimate bonding, faster return to your pre-baby weight and lowering your risk for cancer. Not to mention the money and time saved!
While breastfeeding may seem like a no-brainer, it can take dedication to master. Most hospitals offer breastfeeding classes and have lactation consultants (a.k.a. breastfeeding gurus) on staff to help novice nursers. You may also want to stock up on items that boost your breastfeeding efforts, such as a nursing bra, nursing support pillow, breastfeeding cover, nursing tops, breast pads and a good quality breast pump. To get the best start, try breastfeeding within an hour of delivery (or if you have a c-section, as soon as you’re united with your baby). If circumstances prevent you from meeting your bundle of joy for longer, start expressing milk using a breast pump to stimulate your milk production. The first few weeks are key to establishing your milk supply so it’s important to nurse and nurse as often as baby desires (typically every 1-3 hours).
During the initial days of breastfeeding the first milk your body makes is called colostrum – a thick yellowish substance packed with nutrients and antibodies ideal for your newborn’s first meals. Within 3-5days your body will begin producing mature milk that increases in volume and is thinner and white.
The key to effective breastfeeding is making sure your baby is latched correctly to the breast. If she isn’t latched on properly you will end up with sore nipples and a frustrated baby. There are four main positions for nursing: cradle, cross-cradle, clutch (football hold), and lying down. In the begininning it may be easier for you to use cross cradle or clutch, but it’s best to experiment until you discover the most comfortable position for you.
Signs of a good latch include: hearing rhythmic swallowing, baby’s lips are flanged (like a fish), baby’s nose and chin are touching your breast. Also, your nipple should be nice and round once baby is no longer latched. If your nipple appears pinched, baby was not on correctly. Let your infant eat as long as he wants on one breast (typically about 15 minutes for a newborn) and then offer the other side if you desire. If your baby is satiated don’t push him to eat more, just alternate which breast you start with.
Many new moms worry their babies aren’t getting enough to eat, but if your infant is eating every 1-3 hours, is satisfied after feedings, and voiding and stooling adequately, you’re doing just fine! If any of these isn’t happening, speak to your pediatrician and/or local lactation consultant.
You don’t need to follow a strict diet while breastfeeding, but it’s helpful to stay well hydrated and limit caffeine and alcohol, which may be inadvertently shared through your milk or hinder your milk supply. And if your baby is gassy, you may want to pass on the gas-causing foods (such as pizza, cabbage, broccoli or beans) to see if that helps.
While some mothers experience sore nipples and engorgement in the first weeks, breastfeeding should not be painful or distressing. Although there are many products on the market that help alleviate nipple / breast pain, expressing colostrum and rubbing it on your cracked nipples is much more effective. If you have difficulty or suffer discomfort seek advice from your doctor or a lactation consultant. There are many organizations dedicated to breastfeeding that can help you find local resources for assistance and support. La Leche League, The International Lactation Consultant Association, Ameda and Medela are good places to start. And whether you breastfeed for three months or three years, you are doing what’s best for your baby… and you!
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