Send This Page to a Friend
The Best Breastfeeding Advice I Ever Got
Carrie Lauth
Recently I was with a group of Mothers who were discussing the
breastfeeding advice they had received as brand new Moms. I
realized quickly how fortunate I was to have been given the best
advice I ever got on breastfeeding by my own Mother.
The two things she told me prevented countless challenges in my
early breastfeeding experience, which I didn't fully appreciate
at the time.
Now, in my work as a Breastfeeding Educator, I realize what a
blessing her words were!
In those first days after the birth of my eldest child, I
remember two things she said to me:
1) "Don't question it!" In other words, Trust The Baby. And...
2) "Young lady, before I leave here you are going to learn how to
nurse that baby lying down!"
Tip #1 basically meant "Nurse the baby as often as he wants, even
if he just nursed 5 minutes ago".
Nursing often in those early weeks causes the milk supply to
increase quickly after the baby's birth, helps the uterus
contract more easily back to its prepregnancy size, prevents
engorgement, and promotes a plentiful milk supply. Frequent
nursing can help prevent jaundice, clears out the meconium
quickly, ensures adequate weight gain, and helps ease baby's
transition to life outside the womb.
I know now that babies want to nurse for so many reasons other
than just hunger. They nurse because they're thirsty, lonely,
bored, tired, cold, you name it! Nursing is extremely comforting
to a newborn who has spent his entire existence under his Mom's
heart, hearing her voice.
Scheduling feeds is not recommended for breastfeeding babies. A
baby who is allowed to nurse "on cue" is a happier baby, and
because he is more contented, Mommy is less stressed. Frequent
nursing also releases the "love hormone" oxytocin and relaxes Mom
which makes it easier for her to make the physical and emotional
transition to motherhood smoothly.
Tip #2 is a lifesaver! Learning how to nurse your baby lying down
ensures that you will get the sleep you need, even if baby nurses
frequently through the night. Any new, sleep deprived Mom who has
had the scary experience of falling asleep, sitting upright while
nursing their newborn infant knows that this is important!
Some Moms have difficulty napping during the day, but if they
nurse lying down, they will get more rest which is so important
in those early days, both for the physical recuperation after
childbirth but also to help prevent the "baby blues" which can be
exacerbated by fatigue.
It's not uncommon for newborns to have trouble handling the flow
of milk, especially if Mom has a strong milk ejection reflex or
"letdown". Nursing the baby lying down can help tremendously with
this challenge.
I hope these two bits of wisdom help you have a happy early
breastfeeding experience like they did me. Thanks Mom!
Carrie Lauth publishes a newsletter for Moms doing things the
natural way. Get your free copy plus extra goodies at
http://www.natural-moms.com
Search Our Site For More Related Info
Also See:
Index of Relationships & Marriage
Women's Health & Women's Issues
Your Health and Wellness Center
