The decision to breastfeed a newborn is a personal one. Breastfeeding is a learned art so education and support are key to successfully nursing a baby.
Learn About Breastfeeding
Before baby is born, take time to learn about the benefits and techniques of breastfeeding. From economics (it is estimated that nursing mothers save over $1000 during the first year) to convenience, the rewards for breastfeeding mothers are many. Studies show that babies who are breastfed benefit too. Nursing babies tend to have less gas, diarrhea, and constipation, less risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and better dental and facial development.
Consider meeting with a lactation consultant prior to the birth of the baby. Family doctors, obstetricians and hospitals will have contact information for licensed lactation consultants. The purpose of the pre-birth visit is to discuss questions and issues of breastfeeding. The consultant can also evaluate mother's nipples, as flat or inverted nipples require special assistance when nursing.
To learn more, search out classic books on breastfeeding, such as:
- The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, La Leche League International (Plume Publishing, 2004).
- Dr. Mom's Guide to Breastfeeding, Marianne Neifert (Plume Publishing, 1998).
- The Nursing Mother's Companion, Kathleen Huggins (Harvard Common Press, 2005).
- Nursing Your Baby, Karen Pryor & Gayle Collins (Harper Paperbacks, 4th ed. 2005).
- The Breastfeeding Book, Martha and William Sears (Little, Brown and Company, 2000).
Helpful Breastfeeding Tools
There are some items available to make breastfeeding easier. Invest in at least two nursing bras. By the 6th to the 8th month of pregnancy, breast size generally stabilizes, making it a good time to select nursing bras. These special bras have hooks in the front panel of each cup to make access to breasts easier for mother and baby. Consider purchasing or borrowing nursing tops, which have discrete openings to allow breastfeeding anytime, anywhere. Bra pads, washable or disposable, help to keep nipples dry between feedings.
A breastfeeding pillow is helpful to support the baby's head during feeding. Many new mothers find a rocking chair or glider, as well as a foot stool, make nursing easier.
Some mothers find it convenient to collect and store breastmilk to be used at a later time. From hospital grade to occasional use, there is a style of breast pump to suit every nursing mom. Other accessories for feeding pumped breast milk include collection containers, storage bags and bottles.
Breastfeeding Support
La Leche, an international breastfeeding support network, has been available for over 50 years. They offer support groups all over the world, as well as books and publications and an online resource. The Nursing Mothers Council offers free breastfeeding counseling and free pamphlets, along with its informational website.
Offering baby a relaxed and happy feeding relationship is a wonderful gift for a mother to give her newborn. Armed with information and support, new mothers can achieve a satisfying nursing relationship.
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