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Breast-feeding 101

April 17, 2008

As a new mom, you have heard about the wonderful benefits of breast-feeding, and probably feel overwhelmed by the amount of advice, tips, and pressure to get it right. Oddly, everyone seems to feel they have a right to ask you your plans, ask how the breast-feeding is going, and how long you will keep it up. But breast-feeding can be stressful and you need to have faith that you will get it right- with practice!

Now more than ever, there is pressure to breast feed because of new research reports on the dangers of BPAs leaching from formula cans, the dangers of plastics from nipples and bottles, and the occasional story about contaminated formula. So here are some suggestions for making it a little easier, and more successful.

  • 1. position, position, position:
    When you first start to breast feed, you may need some help learning how you, and your baby, best “fit” together. You may need some help trying different positions until you and the baby form a good team- and she learns how to latch on. The position that works best for you and your newborn may not be the same as the one that worked for your mom, or best friend, or sister. It depends on many factors including your nipple size, the baby’s palate and tongue, and what position feels comfortable. Try different positions until you, and baby, can relax. Ask for help from your pediatrician or the hospital maternity nurses. And be patient.
  • 2. Supply and demand:
    It’s very simple concept- the more you nurse, the more you stimulate milk production. The more milk produced, the better the baby feeds- and feels-and the happier you both will be. So, as soon as possible, get your baby on an every 2-3 hour feeding schedule, even if it means waking him up.
  • 3. Put your baby to work:
    don’t let your baby snack- meaning nurse for a few minutes and then fall asleep and then nurse for a few minutes and then fall back asleep- this can be an endless, and painful process. Keep your baby awake to get his job done- keep him loosely wrapped, wiggle his toes, talk to him, keep the lights on, and don’t rock him. He has a job-a very important job- to do and he needs to be efficient. Babies that “snack”- meaning nurse frequently but ineffectively- all day are more likely to get colic. And their moms are more likely to get run down, frustrated and sad.
  • 4. Keep it simple:
    Until your baby has a well-established breast-feeding schedule, don’t make the baby nurse on both breasts each feed. Let your baby nurse from one breast thoroughly, up to 15 minutes, and then burp her. If she still seems hungry, then offer the other breast. If not, use the pump on that breast and then, next session, start nursing on the other side.
  • 5. Nurture your nipples
    Be sure to let your nipples dry after your nurse. Let the breast mil dry on them unless you are in a hurry. Be sure to use breast pads and proper breast-feeding bras. Use a nipple cream that is free of chemicals so that you do not have to wash it off before nursing. Be sure to check the labels carefully and avoid products containing steroids or fragrances.
  • 6. Eat, Sleep and Drink:
    Eat plenty of high-quality fat, which your baby needs for brain growth and is critical for his eye development. You also need to drink extra amounts of fluids, as breast-feeding can be very dehydrating. You MUST sleep, or your body wont heal and rebalance. Be sure to check with your doctor about taking any supplements or medications, even from the health food store.
  • 7. Pamper yourself- emotionally and physically
    Remember that it took 9 months to create your newest family member, and your body and soul deserve to be pampered from all the hard work. Don’t let breast-feeding discourage or confuse or depress you. And be sure to ask for help if you are feeling particularly blue- your baby’s health depends on your health and you need to be supported and cared for during the transition from pregnancy to motherhood.

Posted by NatalieGeary | Filed Under Dr Geary 

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