10 breastfeeding tips for moms-to-be
Tracy B. McGinnis
1. Prepare yourself and avoid the “booby traps.”
Experts agree that asking questions, gathering information and finding a lactation consultant prior to breastfeeding are key in making the transition a smooth one. Dr. Pamela Berens, M.D., Associate Professor Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Reproductive Sciences at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston and certified lactation consultant, says often women don’t have a mother, close friend or family member from whom they can get enough information about nursing, and doctors aren’t always in the know, either. “Many health care professionals aren’t taught about breastfeeding and may not have adequate information to answer your questions, but many hospitals have a lactation consultant on staff.”
If your hospital doesn’t have one on staff, ask your doctor for a referral or seek out experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM).
Andi Silverman, author of “Mama Knows Breast: A Beginner’s Guide to Breastfeeding” suggests programming your lactation consultant into your cell phone. “If you need help, you’ll know where to find it.” Silverman adds to get help as soon as possible. “The longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.”
In addition to seeking out a lactation consultant, Silverman suggests reading a breastfeeding book, watching another mom breastfeed or taking a breastfeeding class. “Those little babes come out hard-wired, knowing instinctively how to eat. We, unfortunately, need to learn how to feed them.”
Danielle Rigg, co-founder/CEO of the non-profit BestForBabes.com, says to treat preparing for breastfeeding like working out, planning a wedding or interviewing for a job. “The worst time to learn about breastfeeding is after the baby is born when you’re exhausted, vulnerable and your self-confidence is low.”
Rigg says women need to educate themselves about what she calls “booby traps” associated with breastfeeding, referring to the myths, misinformation and other pitfalls. “Turn down and toss out the formula freebies: It’s like having a box of donuts in your house when you go on a diet!”
2. Feed baby soon after delivery
“Feed the baby as soon as possible after the delivery,” says Silverman. “Also, keep her in your recovery room, rather than the nursery, so that you’ll be able to feed her as soon as she starts crying. Put a note on the bassinet telling the nurses that you are breastfeeding, and you don’t want your baby to have a bottle or pacifier.”
Stacey H. Rubin, M.N., APRN, IBCLC, and author of The ABCs of Breastfeeding: Everything a Mom Needs to Know for a Happy Nursing Experience, agrees with Silverman and says avoiding separation after birth is important is establishing the breastfeeding relationship and bonding. “Hold the baby immediately after birth and establish what is comfortable for both you and your child.”
Berens adds, “The baby is usually in a more alert state at this time than he or she may be in the next 24 hours. A newborn may take 10 to 15 minutes each breast at each feeding, so she will be spending a lot of time early on breastfeeding. When the baby is more experienced and her milk supply is established, the baby will nurse more quickly and less often.”
3. “Early and often”
Dr. Berens says many women are surprised at how often they need to nurse, especially early on when babies are learning and moms are establishing their milk supply.
“I see many new mothers who have a ‘perceived’ insufficient supply of milk. Many of these mothers really do have enough milk, but some don’t make enough milk. For those who don’t make enough milk, many times it is because the mother didn’t feed the baby frequently enough and therefore her body didn’t get enough demand to make more milk. This is really a situation where adequate supply typically results from adequate demand.”
Berens suggests starting off with frequent nursing (10-12 times a day on each breast) and decrease frequency as the baby gets more efficient and confident.
4. Wait for bottles and pacifiers
Silverman says that waiting until your baby is three to four weeks old before trying to give her a bottle will give your milk supply time to establish. Berens agrees and says using formula instead of breastfeeding will result in less demand on your body to make milk.
“The baby has to learn how to get the milk from your breast and the way the baby feeds from a bottle requires different mechanics for the baby’s mouth. It can make it more difficult for the baby to learn to breastfeed if you use a bottle early.”
One reason new moms may be temped to use a bottle is a fear that their baby is not getting enough food or gaining weight. Berens says, “Don’t give the baby a bottle ‘just in case’ unless there is a real medical reason (like your baby has lost too much weight since birth). Many women give the baby formula because they don’t trust that their baby is getting enough food.”
5. Have a positive mindset
First-time moms can have anxiety when approaching breastfeeding, and although normal, experts suggest finding ways to work through you fears early on. “Develop a positive mindset and know how to handle your problems as they arise,” suggests Rubin. “If you have a negative view from the onset, your guaranteed problems and likely to give up at the first sign of trouble.”
Rigg’s tip – get inspired! “One of the most important things you can do it watch another mother breastfeed and find out what motivates you.”
6. Learn to recognize hunger signals
It may be difficult to understand your little one at first, but recognizing your baby’s hunger signals is another way to improve your chances for successful breastfeeding. “Your baby is unique and will give off unique signals to tell you that he/she is ready for feeding. Trust yourself; you know more about your child than you think,” says Rubin.
7. Don’t be shy about breastfeeding
“Unless you plan on spending months on end tethered to your couch, you will be taking that baby out with you,” says Silverman. “She’ll need to eat, and soon enough you’ll get used to feeding her anywhere and everywhere so don’t be shy about breastfeeding outside your home.” Silverman also suggests learning how to use a breast pump so that you can leave a bottle for someone to give the baby, which will allow you to get out of the house.
8. Ask for help
Lactation consultant Irene Zoppi suggests surrounding yourself with people you can offer you encouragement. “Support organizations such as La Leche League International (LLL) and the Nursing Mothers’ Council offer breastfeeding support to women in local communities. By attending League meetings you’ll have the opportunity to meet and compare notes with other breastfeeding mothers.”
Silverman adds, “Enlist your family, friends and spouse to help you once the baby is born. Accept all offers to cook, clean and do laundry! This will allow you to concentrate on the feedings.”
9. Think ahead
The “to-do” list for a new mom is long and always growing, but thinking ahead and buying things like nursing bras before baby arrives, as well as figuring out a private place to pump when you go back to work will make your transition smoother when the time has arrived.
10. Relax and enjoy your baby
It may seem hard at first, but try not to stress out and enjoy this new bonding time you have with your baby. Berens adds, “Stress makes breastfeeding more difficult – it has to do with brain chemicals and hormones. It can make it more difficult for your milk to let down.” Berens says not to focus on just the milk, but spend time with your baby and develop a good relationship.
“Sometimes during the first few days, just lying with the baby ’skin to skin’ with the baby on your chest and warm blankets covering you both will help you to relax and possibly make the baby more ready to nurse well.”
Read more:
