If you know anything about breastfeeding you know the almost endless benefits for yourself and your baby. You probably also know at least one mom who had a lot of trouble or couldn’t find a way to make it work. Well, no need to worry! With a little preparation you will have all the information and resources you need to have a great breastfeeding experience.
Prepare for success, plan for challenges!
First, I want you to prepare for success, but have a plan for challenges. There is a learning curve when it comes to breastfeeding. For the first couple weeks breastfeeding can be intense. It can take up to 40 days to get things to where they are much easier. You’re learning and so is your baby (while also learning to be a mom and a new family). Make a commitment to do all you can for the first 6 weeks. Write down the reasons breastfeeding is important to you and your baby and post it where you will see it. Even moms with challenges see the wonderful rewards of breastfeeding by the end of this time.
Take a great class with your primary support person!
A great class will teach you what to expect when you meet your baby. It will help you feel comfortable and confident as you and your baby learn to breastfeed. A great class teaches you about the importance of the hour after birth, laid back breastfeeding with baby leading the way, amazing things about breast milk and breastfeeding, the difference support makes, pumping, returning to work and more!
Get help sooner rather than later!
Remember, nature would not design a system where it hurts to feed a baby. Trust your instincts. If you feel like something’s not right, get help! Call an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) a Certified Lactation Educator or La Leche League. Breastfeeding should not cause damage to your body. You should not be struggling, but learning. The sooner you get help the more comfortable you will be, the happier your baby will be and the sooner you will both master breastfeeding.
Prepare your support team!
Give dad or your primary support person an action plan. Tell them how important breastfeeding is and let them know how they can support you. If you have people in your life that may not be supportive ask them to educate themselves and give them things they can do to be supportive. Make a plan with your partner so they can handle more challenging situations like unwanted guests, guests you may not feel comfortable nursing in front of and visitors who may not be supportive.
Start breastfeeding right after birth and stay skin-to-skin!
Study’s have shown that when babies get skin-to-skin with mom right after birth and are supported in breastfeeding right away it goes smoother and mom’s are more successful in meeting there breastfeeding goals. If baby can’t be skin-to-skin with mom then dad or another support person can provide the wonderful benefits of skin-to-skin contact. Moms make the best baby warmers.
Products: Go useful over popular!
Don’t bother with the highly popular boppy pillow, unless you want it for baby’s tummy time or an extra pillow. The laid back approach with baby leading the way may make nursing pillows unneeded. If you do want a nursing pillow there are much better breastfeeding pillows such as the MY Brest Friend pillow, which doesn’t move around and slide off your lap like other pillows. Lanolin is another highly marketed product that I feel is better replaced. Olive oil from your kitchen or a whipped olive oil product would be much better such as Motherlove’s Nipple Cream or Earth Mama Angle Baby Natural Nipple Butter. Ask a breastfeeding friend what their favorite breastfeeding product is.
Wait to buy that expensive nursing bra!
Get a comfy bra in pregnancy that has some stretch or a little room. Wait to spend the big bucks on that fancy fitted bra once breastfeeding is established. Your breasts may change quite a bit while they are learning how much milk your baby needs. Also, be sure to get fitted for your new bra by someone who has a lot of experience with breastfeeding mom’s. It’s worth a trip to Mother’s Haven in CDA to know you have the right fit.
Buy a good pump!
Yes, pumps can be expensive but a good pump is worth the money! It is very important to get a quality pump like Medela or Ameda if you’re planning on pumping very often, especially if you are returning to work. This piece of equipment will need to do its job well to ensure your continued breastfeeding success. Carefully consider the risks when thinking about buying a used pump as there are health concerns. Check with your health insurance provider, health savings account information or tax preparer for assistance in purchasing a breast pump as a medical device.
To find all these amazing resources locally, check out the Breastfeeding Support Resources in our Provider Directory!
