Many women plan to breastfeed their babies after they give birth. It is the most natural means of feeding her baby a custom made food that is produced from the very same source that conceived him.
But this very natural process may not come easily, so here are a few basics to remember when starting a breastfeeding relationship.
Be Prepared: Reading books such as La Leche League’s Womanly Art of Breastfeeding can be a great resource prior to the birth of a baby. This can help a new mom gain perspective on what is to come and can serve as a reference after the baby is born.
Talking to a Lactation Consultant and other breastfeeding mothers can also be a great resource for a new mom. Attending a La Leche League meeting in your area may help answer questions that you may have. To find a group in your area: www.lalecheleague.org.
Don’t Watch the Clock: A newborn can breastfeed as often as every hour and a half. This can be tiring for a new mom recovering from childbirth. It’s important to remember that these first few weeks can be crucial to establishing a good breastfeeding relationship and this time will go by quickly.
Preparing for the constant motherly attention the baby will need can be key. Recruit relatives and neighbors to help out with meals and housework. To make waking up for the nighttime feeding easier – be sure to take naps during the day as the baby does.
Remember the Benefits: The benefits to the breastfeeding baby are countless. They begin with the nutrition and the antibodies that are in the mother’s milk, but they continue with the reduction of allergies and ear infections. More benefits are still being discovered in the studies today including the decreased risk of Type II diabetes and childhood obesity.
The benefits to the breastfeeding mother are just as important. She has a decreased risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. It can help control blood loss after birth as it helps to contract the uterus. Breastfeeding also helps with postpartum weigh loss and occasionally postpartum depression.
Every baby deserves the best start in life. Following these simple steps may help a new mom overcome some beginning obstacles and start enjoying her newborn baby.
Andrea D. Kirkham is a graduate of Penn State’s College of Communications with a minor in Women’s Studies. She currently writes and plays at home with her two sons, husband and two dogs who keep life crazy and fun. Her passions are reflected in her writings about holistic childcare and natural living, including breastfeeding and cloth diapering. For more information about Andrea’s availability and writing – please email her at adkirkham@yahoo.com.
#1 Nice to meet you!
I am grateful for Andrea’s article. I had such trouble nursing my daughter, but I’m glad I stuck with it for 22 months (!) and let her rhythms and needs, not some artificial schedule suggested by the pediatrician, guide me in how often I nursed. I had a rough start with my son too, but once I relaxed, things got better. I was also grateful for the wisdom and support I got from the Holistic Moms Network – a national non-profit connecting parents who are passionate about holistic health and green living. Every time I posted on the online forum with questions, I would get heaps of great advice from other moms who were going through or had gone through what I had. I am grateful for the existence of Holistic Moms and groups like it.
I have multiple personalities today. I meant to tell you to check out the blogs I like to read on my blog