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Home > Why Breast Is Best
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Why Breast Is Best
"Breast is best" is what my fabulous midwife and friend shared with me nineteen years ago when my first child was born. Yet, it doesn't always come easily, especially with your first baby. Here are a few tips to help you be successful!
What to expect, in a nutshell . . ...
- Your milk will come in 3-4 days after the birth. Until then, your breasts will produce colostrum which is a thick and yellowish liquid. Your baby needs colostrum and it's ALL your baby needs until your milk comes in. Your baby isn't really ready for formula, and I realize there can be pressure in the hospital to supplement. However, there are many studies that suggest this is a "no no". Colostrum is rich in antibodies and easy to digest. It sets the stage for good digestion and your baby is really not ready to digest anything else until your milk comes in.
- Expect sore nipples for the first few weeks until they toughen up! However, severe cracking, pain and bleeding is a signal your baby may not have the right latch. I suggest contacting a lactation consultant in this case.
- Your breasts will leak and even spray across the room, so be sure to purchase some breast pads! I like the cloth breast pads the best, as I find the disposable ones tend to have crumpled up inside my nursing bra!
Get on it!
Your baby will be most alert and ready to nurse within the first few hours after birth. If you haven't had any complications it's best to nurse within the first few minutes, to tell you the truth! Not only will this set the stage for successful nursing, but when your baby nurses your uterus contracts so the nursing will help your body birth the placenta. Also, in those early days, the nursing (and contractions) helps you uterus decrease in size and go back in place. Otherwise, your midwife and/or the nurses in the hospital will be constantly (and annoyingly) massaging your uterus. Much more comfortable to breastfeed instead!
Have support!
With my first baby, my midwife and good friend was right by my side the first time Taylor latched on. She lended me some invaluable words of wisdom and support. Linda made sure I was comfortable, was holding Taylor correctly, and most importantly, that I was calm. A friend who is experienced in breastfeeding can be terrific support!
The correct latch is key!
This is when it was so helpful to have Linda standing by because a good latch is the difference between slightly sore nipples and cracked, bleeding and excruciating nipples! The key to a good latch is to make sure your baby has a good part of your areola in her mouth (rather than just the nipple).
Avoid bottles if you can!
Giving your baby a bottle too early (either formula or pumping breastmilk) could cause your baby to reject the breast. The reason is because the bottle is easier. It flows faster. The right timing for pumping and introducing the bottle is at four weeks.
Let your baby nurse on demand!
Frequent nursing is important for increasing your milk supply in these first weeks, and ensuring your baby gets enough to eat. Strive for fifteen or more feedings daily for the first six weeks after birth. And, the nursing should last for at least 25-50 minutes. Once your baby is more adept at sucking it won't take as long.
If you are having challenges with breastfeeding, remember to get support and keep reminding yourself that "breast is best". Breastmilk is booming with nutrients and antibodies that boost your babies immune system and digestive tract. Also, it's known to be fabulous for their developing brain and there are many studies around this topic! You too will benefit from breastfeeding, as it has been known to help avoid post partum depression. Also, breastfeeding is a natural metabolizer and I have found it gets those added pregnancy pounds off pretty fast!
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