Breastfeeding

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Breastfeeding is natural and convinient.  Research has shown that breastfeeding is the optimal method of feeding and nurturing infants.  Mother’s milk contains the ideal balance of nutrients, enzymes, anti-bodies, anti-infective and anti-inflammatory substances, hormones and growth factors.  Breastfeeding also provides a time of important interatcion between mother and child, contributing to the bonding process.  In addition, breastfeeding is very economical: there are no formulas, bottles, nipples, etc.  to buy and fewer doctor visits because of illness. 

Although, natural, breastfeeding is a learned skill.  Before our time, breastfeeding was passed down from mother to daughter.  Unfortunately, some of us do not have a the opportunity to learn in this natural way due to changes in the last century or so.  My mother did not breastfeed me, quite frequently, in the 70′s babies were given a bottle in the hospital by the nurses and mothers were not urged to learn to nurse.  I have learned (like many of my friends) on my own.  It has been a wonderful experience, one that I would not trade for ANYTHING in the world.  Nursing my two sons has provided them with the best start possible and has solidified a bond that cannot be broken. 

I nursed by oldest son for 23 months.  I think of our last nursing session often.  It actually brings tears to my eyes when I remember that early morning when he had his last feeding of the milk that my body made just for him.  My youngest son is 8 months old.  Nursing is all he knows!  He has never had a bottle and thinks a sippy cup is more of a teething toy.  Looking down at his beautiful blue eyes when he’s happily nursing away is makes us both feel safe, happy and united. 

I will continue to share my nursing journey as it happens.  I’ll update this page frequently in hopes that I can help another mom/baby pair to have a successful breastfeeding relationship.  I will tell you the good, the bad, the ugly and the amazing…stay tuned!

• That first Latch…Day 1! :  Best time to nurse after birth is…right after birth!  You will notice your little one routing very shortly after he/she is born.  Rooting is a way they let you know they are ready to suckle, they turn their head and move their little lips towards your breast.  If your baby does this and circumstances allow, then go for it!  You do not have to wait until a nurse helps you or  until you get into your room (if you’re having a hospital birth). 
• Try to express a little bit of colostrum (the yellow/gold substance that proceeds breastmilk) out to entice your baby and get it flowing a little you’ll want to hold your breast in one hand (cup it, with your hand in the shape of a C…your nipple must be erect, you may have to squeeze it a little extra if you’ve had any narcotics or an epidural during birth…sometimes the drugs can effect  your body’s stimulation, ie, a hard nipple) and direct the baby’s open mouth towards the nipple.  You can use a little bit of oomph when you do this to ensure the baby gets the whole nipple and areaola into his  mouth.  Continue to hold the breast while you nurse, until you get the hang of nursing, holding the baby, etc. 
• The baby may only latch for a moment or even a second, and then fall asleep or turn away. He/she may just put her tongue on your nipple, this is normal and healthy! Congrats..you have begun your nursing relationship…its a truly special one!!!

  More content and articles:

The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mother and Child

Once Bitten, Twice Shy…Twice Bitten, Oh my!

Postpartum issues I was NOT expecting! Going from 1 child to 2.

Tongue-Tied? Snip that Frenulum