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Breastfeeding 101Breastfeeding isn't as easy, or as hard, as you may think. Breastfeeding isn't as easy as the pictures of serene mothers feeding their newborns would have you believe, nor as hard as some of the old wives' tales may suggest. It does take some work and practice to get both you and your baby used to each other, but the benefits for mom and baby are definitely worth it!
WHY BREAST IS BEST Breastfeeding is good for mom and baby. But one of the most rewarding benefits is the special bonding that develops between mom and her new baby as they get to know each other. Here are more of the proven health advantages for breastfed babies and their mothers: Fewer illnesses, faster recovery.
The antibodies found in breast milk provide antibodies that make it easier for a baby to fend off illnesses such as colds and ear infections. Not only do breastfed babies tend to get sick less often, but when they do get sick, they get better faster than babies who are not breastfed. Plus premature babies who get breast milk have fewer gastrointestinal problems. Long-term health benefits for baby. The positive effects of breastfeeding last well beyond babyhood. A study in the British Medical Journal reports that babies exclusively breastfed for six months are 43% less likely to become obese as children; if they were breastfed for more than a year, they were 72% less likely to be overweight. Another British study suggests that breastfed babies have a reduced risk for hypertension later in life. Brian Palmer, a dentist in Kansas City, MO, found that breastfeeding reduces the risk of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea later in life. He theorizes that bottle nipples change the shape of a baby's mouth in early months and this can contribute to problems later. Pounds off for Mom. Producing breast milk requires about 500 calories a day, contributing to a woman's weight loss after her baby is born. "When I breastfed, the pregnancy pounds seemed to melt off," says Kate Nelson, mother of three, from New York City. Early studies indicate breastfeeding may decrease a woman's risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer. It also appears to protect against osteoporosis. TIPS FOR SUCCESS Breastfeeding takes practice and patience. Many moms experience:
Jean Foland, mother of two from Columbus, NE, says she and her first baby Sean, a preemie, had a rough beginning. "He was jaundiced and too weak to breastfeed," Foland says. "I had to pump my milk and they fed the milk to the baby through a tube. It wasn't the easiest way to start, but I felt it was the best way for Sean. In just a few days he was strong enough to nurse. The nurses helped me get started breastfeeding." Foland successfully breastfed for eight months. "Our second baby had trouble choking on too much milk," reports Tawn Bueltman, mother of four, who lives in rural Nebraska, "but I found if I nursed her while I was laying down, she was able to keep up and swallow the milk more easily. After a few months she could nurse in any position." Pamela Schaffart, a certified nurse-midwife from Columbus, NE, reassures first-time breastfeeding moms that, "It can take up to six to 10 weeks for mom's body and baby to get into the rhythm of producing milk and getting used to, and comfortable with, the breastfeeding process." Begin with the basics. During the last weeks of pregnancy, prepare a quiet breastfeeding area, complete with a basket full of the supplies you will need while breastfeeding--a burp rag, tissues, pillows to support your back and arms, etc. Before you sit down to breast-feed, turn on the answering machine, go to the bathroom, and change the baby, so you are prepared and can be comfortable and relaxed while you feed your baby. Maky sure the baby is latching on well (this will help prevent sore nipples). The baby's jaws should grasp the areola, not just the nipple. Her nose should be touching your breast, but she should be able to breathe; use your thumb to press your breast out of the way of her nose if you have large or engorged breasts. Experiment with holding your baby in different positions to see which one is most comfortable for you and the baby. If you've had a cesarean section, ask your midwife or health care provider for suggestions so you can avoid pressure on the incision. Prevent sibling rivalry. Older children have to adjust to the time mom spends caring for the new sibling. In the beginning, the time spent nursing the new baby may prompt some jealousy or acting out. Here are a few tips for helping the big brother or sister:
Avoid pessimists. Discouragement can come from family members, friends or even professionals. Schaffart says, "It's easier to breastfeed if your family is supportive. But if they're not, find a support person who has breastfed, and join a local support group if there's one available." If you're planning to have your baby in a hospital, look for one with a baby-friendly certification. According to Marie Kozel, a lactation consultant at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, NE, "Baby-friendly hospitals have a goal to promote practices that will help a mom and baby be successful if they choose to breastfeed." When you interview your baby's prospective doctor or nurse practitioner, ask about breastfeeding. Ask a female if she breastfed, and for how long. Ask a male if his wife breastfed. Ask health care professionals how they deal with breastfeeding problems. Do they suggest working with lactation specialists, or just giving formula? Hopefully, the hospital staff will support your decision to breastfeed, but if not, you can still successfully nurse your child. As Tammy Edwards discovered, "When my daughter was born, the staff was not very supportive of my decision to breastfeed. They gave her bottles and only brought her to me at hospital-designated times. I left the hospital as soon as my doctor okayed my dismissal. It was a little harder, but after a day or two at home Alicia adjusted to breastfeeding with no problems." Be confident in your decision, and show that confidence. If people discourage you, just smile and say, "I've made had the decision that's best for me and my baby. I'm confident I'm doing the right thing." Cindy Circo, mother of two, relates, "When I heard discouraging remarks, sometimes I got mad but mostly I just listened (or pretended to), and moved on. When you know you're doing what is right for you and your baby, it doesn't matter what people say or think about that decision." Return to work with confidence. Returning to work can disrupt the breastfeeding routine you've worked so hard to establish, but with some planning and flexibility, you can continue to breastfeed after your return to your job. "The week before I went back to teaching afternoon preschool, I adjusted our feeding schedule," says Tawn. "I nursed right before I left to teach, and right when I get home. Taylor didn't need a bottle while I was gone." Unfortunately, some bosses are not supportive. "When I returned to work after my baby was born, my (female!) boss forbade me to pump my breasts, even in the privacy of my own office," recounts Buffie Nelson, mother of two. Her solution: "I pumped whenever I nursed (pumped on one side and nursed on the other). I had so much milk in the freezer that I never had to worry about running out." Some moms find it difficult to pump. Instead, they nurse right before they drop their babies off at the caregivers, and right away when they pick the baby up. They leave instructions not to feed the baby, if possible, after a certain hour, so that he will be eager to nurse and relieve mom's engorged breasts at pick-up time. Some moms use their lunch hours and breaks to breastfeed, if the day care is close to their places of employment. When interviewing caregivers, be sure and talk about their views on breastfeeding and if they will be supportive of your decision to continue nursing. Moms who breastfeed, even for just a few weeks, are offering their babies a wonderful start in life. Be confident in your decision, and you can overcome any difficulties associated with breastfeeding. *by Shelly Burke Related Articles Helpful Information for Fathers |
