So, you've decided to breastfeed - wonderful! We're here
to help you get prepared, and to supply you with resources
for help if you need it. Breastfeeding is such a natural
thing; you would think that mother and baby should just
instinctively know how to do it. While there is truth to
that statement, there are a number of reasons why
breastfeeding might get off to a rough start. Mom might have
flat or inverted nipples, be tired and sore from a difficult
birth or recovering from a c-section, or be unaware of how
to watch for a good latch. Baby might be groggy from
medications given during labor or have difficulty learning
to latch on properly if (s)he received a pacifier or a
bottle in the hospital. Your best bet for breastfeeding
success is to arm yourself with knowledge beforehand, to
have a few necessary supplies on hand, and to be aware of
the resources that are available for help if you need them.
Breastfeeding Books
There are lots of books available on breastfeeding; some
provide better information than others. Current research
supports feeding one cue (whenever the baby is hungry) as
the best approach, so be wary of any book that encourages
you to feed your baby on a predetermined schedule. Some good
books to start with are
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League
International,
The Breastfeeding Book by William and Martha Sears, and
The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins. If
you plan to return to work after the birth of your baby,
Nursing Mother, Working Mother by Gale Pryor would be a
valuable addition to your library. Motherwear's
Essential Breastfeeding Guide
also an excellent resource that can be downloaded and
printed for free.
Breastfeeding Supplies
Very little is needed in the way of supplies to breastfeed
successfully - as a mother you're already possess the most
important "equipment"! But there are few things that are
good to have on hand to make the process go more smoothly.
The first is 3-4 good nursing bras.
Motherwear offers the most extensive selection of
high-quality and stylish
nursing bras available in sizes 32A to 50J.
Be sure to
choose
carefully to ensure a proper fit. In the early weeks,
you will probably want to use
breast pads
as well to help with any milk leakage. You may also want to
have some
Lansinoh Cream
or other nipple cream on hand in case you have any problems
with soreness. In addition, there are nice breastfeeding
support kits available that would make a nice gift for
any nursing mother.
If you're going to be returning to work and will be unable
to nurse your baby there, you will need to purchase a good
breast pump and
storage containers. You will also need to get a few
bottles. Special cleaning brushes and/or racks for the
dishwasher can be helpful as well.
Breastfeeding Resources
While most mothers anticipate that breasfeeding will go
smoothly right from the start, it is a good idea to be aware
of resources for help should you need them.
La Leche League
International offers excellent mother-to-mother support
by phone, local meetings, and sometimes even in-home visits.
Experienced breastfeeding mothers are available to answer
questions about common problems as well as just lend a
sympathetic ear. If you find yourself with a more serious
problem or medical condition, you should have the name of a
good board certified
lactation
consultant to call. It is always better to seek out help
early on than to let the problem compound over time, making
it more difficult to solve.