Here’s a different topic for today regarding breastfeeding! We all know how important the gut microbiome is and breastfeeding is a natural, inexpensive way to help your baby’s gut get all those good bacteria! Natalie Michele the author of maternityathome.com was gracious enough to share this with us.
Preparation for Breastfeeding – What You Need to Do
Expecting mothers are known to prep and prepare for the months leading up to birth. From painting and decorating the nursery to cleaning late into the night, women feel the natural instinct to prepare for the birth of their next child. One area that some women forget to prepare is breastfeeding.
Years ago, women were told to toughen up their nipples before birth. Some of the methods can send chills through your spine. Thankfully, there is no reason to attempt to make your nipples tougher. Any attempt won’t give you the results you hoped. There are some things you do want to do to prepare for breastfeeding.
1. Specify on Your Birth Plan: If you took the time to write a birth plan, you need to specify that you desire no artificial nipples be given to your baby. The plan should mention no pacifiers, sugar water or formula unless medically indicated or approved by you. Make sure to note that any artificial feeding is given through an oral syringe. Keeping all of these items away from your baby will reduce the chance of nipple confusion.
2. Read and Get Support: Breastfeeding may be natural, but it can be complicated at times. In an age when breastfeeding isn’t the norm in some areas, lack of information and support is one of the top reasons mothers end up not breastfeeding their child. Attend a local LLL group. Reach out to other moms in your area. Pick up a few breastfeeding books to get to know the basics. Also, find a great lactation consultant in your area who will make a hospital visit and a home visit after birth.
3. Get All Needed Items: Before your baby comes, you need to stock up on needed items. You should have at least two or three supportive nursing bras. A nursing bra for sleep is also a great purchase. You will need nursing pads, either disposable or reusable. Lanolin or nipple cream is required for sore nipples.
You may want to look into some easy, button up pajamas for easy breastfeeding those first few weeks. Many mothers like breastfeeding tank tops to make breastfeeding in public easier and discreet. You may want a nursing cover as well.
Mothers can purchase several other items for breastfeeding. A breast pump is essential if you plan to go back to work or leave your baby for any extended period. Using a breast pump means you will need breast milk storage bags and bottles. A nursing pillow can make those long nursing sessions easier on the arms and back. Also, a sling and rocking chair are some beneficial, but not needed, items.
4. Find a Supportive Pediatrician: Not all pediatricians are knowledgeable about breastfeeding. To ensure you have a successful breastfeeding relationship, it is essential for you to have a pediatrician who follows the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for breastfeeding. Ideally, they will have an extensive knowledge on breastfeeding as well.
5. Take a Breastfeeding Class: If you are feeling nervous about breastfeeding, you may want to check out a local breastfeeding class. Your local WIC office, hospital or La Leche League may offer them. This is a great place to meet other breastfeeding or pregnant mothers in the area. You can feel safe here asking all of those questions that are nagging you every day.
6. Know Your Baby’s Nourishment Needs: The first week of life is one of the hardest for breastfeeding mothers. There is no way to know just how much breast milk your infant is drinking. It is easy to doubt your ability to breastfeed successfully.
It can take up to five days before your milk fully comes in. Waiting can cause anxiety and doubt; mothers believe they are starving their new baby. Remember, your breast makes colostrum at the beginning, which is essential for a healthy breastfeeding relationship.
Colostrum is full of nourishment for your child. In the beginning, your child’s stomach is the size of a marble. Over the next few days, they will gradually need more. The best way to know if they are getting enough milk is to check their wet and dirty diapers. Bring your baby to breast as frequently as possible to bring in your milk.
7. Expect Discomfort: Not every mother is going to experience the excruciating pain cited by some mothers, but every mother is going to have some discomfort while breastfeeding. Your nipples are in for a significant change. Use nipple cream diligently after each feeding. Give them air as needed.
The most important way to keep your nipples from cracking is to check your baby’s latch each feeding to make sure it is correct. A bad latch can cause cracking and bleeding, which is a terrible way to start your breastfeeding relationship.
Once you have your new baby, leave all of those formula samples at home. During the late night feedings, you don’t want to have them in your house. You will be tempted to give up and use formula instead. So remember, as a new mother you are more than capable of breastfeeding your baby as long as you prepare ahead of time.
Check out more info all tailored to mom’s and addressing concerns regarding pregnancy all the way thru infancy
— Check out Natalie’s site——http://maternityathome.com