Get Supported! The art of breastfeeding

Before giving birth I made a decision that I would breastfeed our baby.   I felt that it was important to breastfeed our child due to all of the healthy benefits for the baby.  

I first want to state that what to feed your infant is your personal decision.  You may choose to breastfeed, you may not.   I was not a breastfeed baby and I like to think that I turned out ok.  

With that said, if you have the ability and the interest to breastfeed kudos to you!

One of the three reasons why we decided to hire a doula were for help with achieving a natural childbirth, help with nursing and advice with cloth diapering. 

I have to say that our doula was the best advocate, supporter and assistant with helping me to be successful with nursing our daughter.  She came to our house multiple times after Madeline was born to assist with getting Madeline to latch properly and was also on call via phone 24 hours a day.   

If you haven't already done so, check out my post about doulas What's a Girl to Doula

 

If you don’t hire a doula to come to the house take advantage of nursing groups at your local hospitals.   Most hospitals offer a nursing support group or hotline that you can phone to speak with a lactation consultant. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Leaving the house to attend a support group may be the last thing you want to do in the first couple of days or weeks that you are home with your little one but trust me, it will be worth the effort.  So pull on the sweats and head out the door!

About two weeks after delivering Madeline I was still struggling with her latching.  She would often try to “help” by placing her hands in her mouth, falling asleep, wiggling, sinking down into the Boppy…so during a tearful nursing session I told Jason that I just wasn’t sure I could do it. 

My amazing husband headed out the door with a 20% off Babies R Us coupon to return with a My Breast Friend Nursing Pillow.  It is honestly the best invention and totally worth the money.   So ladies, add a My Breast Friend Nursing pillow to your baby registry.  You won’t be disappointed.

There is so much that I could write about nursing but I think the important thing to note are the benefits to you and the baby.   Breast milk is the perfect food for your little one.   It contains all of the needed nutrition for your baby and also contains disease-fighting elements to protect your infant from illnesses.  

In addition, studies have shown that breastfed babies have lower risks for allergies, SIDS, may lower a child’s risk of becoming obese, may increase a child’s IQ and helps to build an emotional connection between you and your baby.  

One of the best benefits of breastfeeding for you is the fact that it will help you get your pre baby body back.  You can burn up to 500 extra calories a day breastfeeding.  So in the early days when you feel like it is an accomplishment to get a shower and brush your teeth, know that you are also burning off those pregnancy love handles in the process. 

Also, know that nursing can be painful in the beginning unrelated to the appropriateness of your technique.  I felt like I was doing something wrong when my toes curled every time Madeline latched.    I wish someone had told me that the pain would subside as my body got use to the change and hormones were back to normal levels.  In the mean time, stock up on Lansinoh Lanolin ladies.   It is amazing!   

And finally don’t give up! Phone friends and family members who have nursed for encouragement and support.  Also take advantage of breastfeeding support groups in your area.   It doesn’t have to be at the hospital or birthing center in which you gave birth.  Try lots of groups until you find one that is helpful and provides the support you need.  The best nursing group that I attended was at the hospital in which my sister in law gave birth to my nephew. 

Below is a list of suggested items for breastfeeding.   Good luck!

*Nursing bras, tank tops and sleeping bras

*Nursing stool

*My Breastfriend Nursing Pillow

*Bamboobies reusable nursing pads –these things are AMAZING and so worth every penny!

*Breast pump- I love my Medela Pump in Style but have heard good things about other pumps.  Do some research and find the pump that will work best for you.