Five Breastfeeding Tips for the New Mother

Breastfeeding is, by far, one of the most beautiful bonds that can be shared between mother and child. Not only is breastmilk the perfect food, but the mother-child connection created while nursing is one that most breastfeeding moms agree to be unparalled. Sadly, many mothers do not create this bond with their children. Some women are unsure how to breastfeed, some are uneducated about the benefits of breastfeeding, and others are unsupported. Some women may feel intimidated or afraid. Our society is not one that has completely normalized breastfeeding as it should be. In a world where formula companies run endless ads promoting their concoctions and nursing mothers are sometimes ostracized by airlines, corporations, and even celebrities, women face mixed messages about the importance and ease of breastfeeding. If more women were properly educated and prepared for this wonderful bond, they might enjoy more success. The following are five tips for new nursing mothers to help support and educate them so that they may continue to give their children one of life's greatest gifts.

1)More Than Likely, You Are Making Plenty Of Milk!

One of the biggest reasons that many new mothers turn to formula is the belief that they are not making enough milk. Some parenting books suggest putting babies on a schedule of four-hour feedings. While this might work for formula fed babies, breastmilk tends to digest faster, leaving the breastfed baby wanting to nurse more frequently. New mothers should be aware that their nursing babies do best when fed on demand - and they demand a lot! Besides filling baby's tummy, mothers need to realize that nursing is a source of great comfort for the new baby. Suckling and being close to mom is often as good as the milk they receive, so babies sometimes want to be in that spot much of the time. New mothers should also know that it is not uncommon for newborn babies to nurse up to and over 12 times a day; just because a baby recently nursed doesn't mean they don't want to nurse again. Baby's diaper output is a far greater predictor of adequate milk intake than the frequency of nursing. New babies should have 6-8 wet diapers and 2-3 dirty diapers per day once the mother's milk comes in. If baby is eliminating sufficiently, mom can be more assured that even though she may have a frequent nurser, baby is most likely getting plenty to eat and does not need formula supplementation. Newborn babies do not require bottles of water.

There are few cases where the mother may have trouble producing enough milk, though overall these cases are rare. If a mother does feel that her supply is inadequate, there are steps she can take. Some are dietary in nature, taking supplements and drinking special teas meant to help with lactation. These can be found at most health food stores. There are even some prescriptions available to help with milk production. A mother who has exhausted all natural remedies for increasing supply should see her doctor and be sure to express her desire to keep nursing.

2) Nursing Takes Practice

Though nursing is rarely shown in the media, when it is, it is usually shown as a beautiful, easy relationship between mother and baby. What isn't shown is the struggle that many mothers and babies face when first learning to nurse. New moms need to remember that while they are learning to breastfeed, so is baby. It has been observed that if left be on mother's chest, most babies will naturally gravitate and latch on to a breast. Despite baby's natural ability to nurse, new mothers must still learn how to properly hold their baby while nursing, finding a position that is comfortable for both participants, and then help baby latch on to the breast correctly. Many babies struggle and cry and refuse to latch in the beginning - they are as new to the idea that they must now suckle for food as is the mother that she must provide this nourishment. Most often this struggle is short lived and is normal behavior, but it can still be frustrating. New moms should be supported and told that these feelings of frustration are normal and they will pass. The new mother may want to quit breastfeeding, feeling that she is not very adept at the practice - but it is this practice that will enable her to create a successful breastfeeding relationship. Mothers should allow themselves to set goals. If the new mother is becoming frustrated or disillusioned with the art of breastfeeding she should commit to trying to breastfeed for a little longer. She may set a goals such as: I will nurse for at least six weeks; at least one more week; at least one more day - at least one more feeding. Most mothers find that if they make it to the six week point, their breastfeeding relationship is well enough established that they will go on to breastfeed even longer. Current American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations are exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life with breastfeeding continuing through the first year and then for as long as desired by both mother and baby. In the first days of breastfeeding, a new mother may feel that 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding seems like a lifetime. If she realizes that, like learning to play the piano, she must practice, and each nursing session will lead one step closer to a full concerto. The bond that develops with her infant may soon change her tune so that she suddenly realizes that 6 months or a year is not even close to enough time to share in this special union.

3) One Bottle Won't Hurt, Will It?

Many well-meaning relatives want to help. One way that family members often think to help the new mom is with an offer to give the baby a bottle and allow mom a chance to rest, relax, and even sleep! While the new mother may be tempted to take this kind offer, she should be aware that introducing a bottle too early to a new nursling can lead to what lactation experts call "nipple confusion." A bottle nipple is often easier for baby to suckle as the milk flows much more easily from it than mom's own nipple. Also, the technique used to drink from a bottle nipple is different from that of mother's human one. Babies can get confused and then refuse to take mother's breast. It isn't unheard of that even one bottle can lead to the demise of a budding breastfeeding relationship. Most lactation experts agree that after 6-8 weeks of successful breastfeeding, a bottle may be introduced to the baby, preferably given by someone other than the mother. If the mother decides to introduce the bottle at this point, it is best that it contain expressed breastmilk.

4) If You're Having Trouble, Help Is Available!

New mothers can feel very alone when learning to nurse their babies. No one else can really help with feedings and if mom doesn't have other women in her life who were successful nursers it can seem that everyone is pushing a bottle toward the baby. There is help available. Online there are sources such as Kelly Mom (www.kellymom.com) or La Leche League (www.llli.org/), which are dedicated to breastfeeding. From the La Leche League (LLL) site, mothers can find links to support group meetings in their area. La Leche League offers mother-to-mother support for nursing moms and can be an invaluable resource for a new, struggling mother or just a place for the new mom to connect with other nursing mothers. La Leche League leaders have even been known to make house calls to help out new mothers. Most hospitals employ Lactation Consultants (LC), nurses who have been rigorously certified in breastfeeding education and are dedicated to helping mothers breastfeed. These resources can be invaluable both in the hospital and in the first few weeks at home for help and support. Mothers who give birth in a hospital should be sure to ask to speak with an LC before leaving with their new nurslings to ensure all their questions are answered and get contact information for new questions that might arise when they get home. Mothers who birth at home or with midwives should also remember to take into consideration the expertise of their midwives in offering helping with breastfeeding.

5) Give Yourself a Break

Many new mothers are too hard on themselves after giving birth. Birth is a huge ordeal and the new mother deserves to rest and spend quiet time with her baby. Many mothers see laundry mounting, dishes piling in the sink, and older children needing to be cared for and feel a sense of despair - how can they get everything done? Mothers need to be easier on themselves and if at all possible, allow others to care for the household while mom cuddles in bed with her new nursling. This is where those relative so desirous to help can lend a hand. Instead of giving the baby a bottle, fathers and partners, mothers and in-laws can be just as handy in helping keep the house in order and caring for other children while the new mom and baby spend time practicing and establishing their breastfeeding relationship. Some mothers refer to the time after their baby's birth as their "babymoon" - a time to relish and fall in love with their baby. The mother who allows herself this time will be rewarded with a quickly established bond between baby and herself as well as time to heal and recuperate. In the end, the mother who sets aside time in the beginning to practice breastfeeding may find that she is actually back on her feet and in the swing of things sooner than the mother who tries to accomplish too much at once. Laundry can wait, but a breastfeeding relationship won't.

Hopefully these five tips will help the mother who chooses to breastfeed feel confident in her choice and educated in where to find support. If she learns to take cues from baby, ask for help, and allow herself time to heal and practice her new found art, the new nursing mother will likely be rewarded with a strong, beautiful, breastfeeding relationship with her child, and the bond that is created will be one of her most cherished.