How to Get a Good Start Breast-feeding

There are many things you can do ahead of time to prepare yourself for breast-feeding as well as getting a good start when you meet your new baby. Breastfeeding provides huge benefits for both you and your baby. Studies show that nursing mothers have a lower incidence of breast cancer, uterine and ovarian cancers. Breastfeeding also helps you to loose extra weight and keep your hormones balances. Babies also benefit from breast-feeding in many ways. One tiny drop of your milk has millions of white blood cells, antibodies, flora, and other essential nutrients. Breast milk is also always sterile so there is no need to worry about possible contamination caused by using formula. Here are some tips to help you get off to a good start breast-feeding.

1). Read- During your pregnancy read everything you can get your hands on about breast-feeding. A great book is called The Breastfeeding Book by Dr. Sears.

2). Seek support- One of the main reasons why women decide not to breast-feed or quit early on is because they have no support. Ask your spouse family and friends to encourage and support you. Join a support group during your pregnancy. This is a great opportunity to talk to other mothers and get advice first hand. The women at La Leche League are very encouraging and supportive. Check them out out: http://www.llli.org/

3). Breastfeed as soon as possible after birth. It is very important to breast-feed your baby right away after he or she is born or some time within the first hour. Newborns tend to sleep a lot right after birth so it is essential to get them acquainted with the breast as soon as possible.

4). Keep the baby in your room (Rooming In)- Keep the baby in the room so that you can feed the baby as often as possible. You will need to feed the baby frequently in the first few days. The baby is supposed to be hungry for the first few days because it encourages them to suck to bring the milk in. Your baby is also getting colostrum which helps to prepare their digestive system for mature milk. Don't listen to anyone who may tell you that you don't have enough milk. I heard this a lot in the beginning even from nurses, and thankfully I ignored it and both of my babies became very chubby from breast-feeding alone. I found that about half the nurses in the hospital were supportive and helpful when it came to breast-feeding while others were ready to give the baby a bottle right away.

5). Avoid bottles- Avoid bottles or supplements at least for the first six weeks after birth. Breast feed as often as possible without restrictions.

Sources:

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/pregnancy/birth/019.html

http://www.womenshealth.gov/breast-feeding/index.cfm?page=home

http://www.babycenter.com/breast-feeding-basics