Happy Breastfeeding Awareness Month!

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month, I wanted to compile my tips for a successful breastfeeding relationship.  As a postpartum doula and lactation consultant, many expectant moms have told me how nervous they are about breastfeeding. It’s no wonder as to why some women have fear since horror stories abound about sore nipples, low milk supply and biting babies. I would like to offer you some peace of mind to help you prepare for your breastfeeding journey.

Tip 1: Stick with it! Don’t give up.

Breastfeeding is natural, just like walking is natural. But it takes time to figure it out! Can you imagine how many babies would give up walking if they gave up after their first fall? Think about the time and effort it takes for a baby to learn how to walk. Most infants start out crawling which builds core muscles, then they graduate to standing by holding on to something, then finally the baby will take her first step. This didn’t happen overnight, it is a process that takes time. Not all moms master breastfeeding within the first week or even the first month, but the ones that have determination to stick with it, have a much higher success rate.

Tip 2:  Surround yourself with supportive people that want you to succeed with your breastfeeding goals. It’s like anything in life; a little encouragement goes a long way. Solicit family and friends that offer positive support.

There is a story about a mother gorilla that was raised in an Ohio zoo. This mother gorilla failed to care for and nurse baby. When the gorilla became pregnant again, the zookeeper recognized the need for her to be surrounded by experienced moms to provide her with a model of care. Since there were no gorillas to model what breastfeeding should look like, the zookeeper went to the local La Leche League community and asked the nursing women to show up at the zoo with their infants and breastfeed their babies in sight of the pregnant gorilla. The results were great, the mother gorilla was successful the second time around.

Before you send me an email that you are insulted by being compared to a gorilla, hold on! I am merely stating that having a support system of experienced breastfeeding mothers in place, is tantamount to breastfeeding success!  If you can’t find a local bf support group, contact a postpartum doula. Postpartum doulas offer non-judgmental support for new families and have basic breastfeeding knowledge. DONA is a wonderful organization that has the resources in helping you find a doula in your area.

Tip 3:  Keep your baby as close to you as possible.

Having immediate access to your baby is an important factor for successful breastfeeding. Wearing your baby is one way to achieve this third tip. Early hunger cues are more readily attended to if the baby is worn or within close proximity. When early hunger cues are satisfied, the baby will be much more content. In addition to a content baby, demand feeding is beneficial to good milk supply. Wearing your baby in the Ergobaby Carrier not only keeps your baby close and comfortable, but is an easy way to nurse discreetly, wherever you go!

Tip 4:  Sleep whenever you can!

I know! I know it’s hard to find time, but if there is a chance to catch a few zzzz’s during the day while your baby is sleeping, go for it! Personally speaking, when sleep deprived, little problems seem to be much bigger than they are.  Sleeping is much more important than worrying about those dust bunnies that seem to come out when you least expect them! If you are well rested, breastfeeding problems are easier to deal with.

Tip 5:  Use the Internet Wisely.

There are many opinions about breastfeeding on the internet, but not all of them give good advice. Some sites are anecdotal while others are based upon scientific evidence. Going from one opinion to another can lead to frustration and confusion. Limiting the amount of websites on breastfeeding is wise.  Here are a few I recommend:

La Leche League , a worldwide organization whose mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.

Another great source of help is The International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), the professional association for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and other health care professionals who care for breastfeeding families. ILCA membership is open to all who support and promote breastfeeding.

My hopes are that these tips will help ease your mind about breastfeeding and prepare you for an incredible journey of nursing your infant. Your baby and you make the perfect team to for breastfeeding success!