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The decision to breastfeed is a very personal and important decision. Unfortunately, many women make this decision without good information. Many myths and horror stories are passed among women causing fear and confusion. Learning the facts about breastfeeding is the best way for women to make an informed decision knowing that breastfeeding is the best choice for every baby.
The most prevalent myth about breastfeeding is the pain. Many women have concern about breastfeeding due to fear of pain. Despite the prevalence of the myth, the truth is breastfeeding is not supposed to be painful! Painful nipples are an indicator that there is a problem. The good news is that these problems are often preventable and usually easily resolved. New mothers without proper help can have difficulties with positioning and latch that can cause nipple discomfort. Persistent poor latch can even lead to nipple or breast infections that although treatable can mean more discomfort. The best way to prevent these conditions is to seek education about breastfeeding and latch either through classes or informal groups like La Leche League. Most importantly, do not suffer with the pain or quit breastfeeding due to these easily fixable problems. Many moms with early nipple pain seek help and thereafter enjoy their pain-free breastfeeding experience. Research resources in your community for breastfeeding help. Your health care provider should have some resource information or visit the International Lactation Consultant Association online at ILCA.org to get a complete list of Board Certified Lactation Consultants in your area. Anne Arundel County has an extensive network of breastfeeding resources including: breastfeeding classes, support groups, breast pump sales and rentals and certified lactation consultants. The county Health Department maintains a comprehensive listing of these resources or check with local hospitals. Efforts to educate and prepare for help with breastfeeding will make you more confident about success.
The most prevalent myth about breastfeeding is the pain. Many women have concern about breastfeeding due to fear of pain. Despite the prevalence of the myth, the truth is breastfeeding is not supposed to be painful! Painful nipples are an indicator that there is a problem. The good news is that these problems are often preventable and usually easily resolved. New mothers without proper help can have difficulties with positioning and latch that can cause nipple discomfort. Persistent poor latch can even lead to nipple or breast infections that although treatable can mean more discomfort. The best way to prevent these conditions is to seek education about breastfeeding and latch either through classes or informal groups like La Leche League. Most importantly, do not suffer with the pain or quit breastfeeding due to these easily fixable problems. Many moms with early nipple pain seek help and thereafter enjoy their pain-free breastfeeding experience. Research resources in your community for breastfeeding help. Your health care provider should have some resource information or visit the International Lactation Consultant Association online at ILCA.org to get a complete list of Board Certified Lactation Consultants in your area. Anne Arundel County has an extensive network of breastfeeding resources including: breastfeeding classes, support groups, breast pump sales and rentals and certified lactation consultants. The county Health Department maintains a comprehensive listing of these resources or check with local hospitals. Efforts to educate and prepare for help with breastfeeding will make you more confident about success.
Milk supply is another concern for new/expectant mothers. A robust milk supply is best achieved with good latch and frequent demand by feeding baby. During the first several days after delivery, it is important for mom and baby to spend lots of time skin-to-skin. This helps the baby transition to life outside the womb and encourages frequent breastfeeding. When babies are allowed to cuddle against mom’s bare skin, it promotes hormone responses for mom and baby. Babies regulate their heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature better and therefore, reduce their stress response. As baby awakens for feeds, they will instinctively root toward the breast and easily transition in to position to latch. This skin-to skin time aids mom’s postpartum recovery and drives the hormone response for milk supply. As baby feeds frequently, their “demand feeding” promotes more supply. Anything that causes separation of mom and baby or interferes with baby frequently feeding in those first few days can negatively impact milk supply. This includes: infant sent to the nursery away from mom, labor medications that make mom or baby too groggy to respond to each other, supplementation with formula or pacifiers. Therefore, if these situations occur, mothers should seek help with breastfeeding to ensure a robust milk supply.
Most importantly, new moms need support with the transition to motherhood. Enlisting family and friends to assist with household duties and food preparation allows the mom to focus on baby and self care. It also helps moms get the much needed rest between feedings. It often helps to share breastfeeding information with these helpers so they understand how to support new breastfeeding moms and babies. The best help allows mothers and babies to comfortably cuddle, bond and breastfeed while others “wait on them”, as opposed to taking over baby care and separate mom and baby. The more the mom is supported early to get to know her baby, the more confident she will feel as help leaves. Supporting the mom to establish a rewarding breastfeeding experience will positively impact the family for a lifetime.
Kim Knight is a Registered Nurse and Board Certified Lactation Consultant with a private practice in the Annapolis area. She teaches breastfeeding classes through Anne Arundel Medical Center. She can be reached for questions or breastfeeding help at 410-533-5343
Most importantly, new moms need support with the transition to motherhood. Enlisting family and friends to assist with household duties and food preparation allows the mom to focus on baby and self care. It also helps moms get the much needed rest between feedings. It often helps to share breastfeeding information with these helpers so they understand how to support new breastfeeding moms and babies. The best help allows mothers and babies to comfortably cuddle, bond and breastfeed while others “wait on them”, as opposed to taking over baby care and separate mom and baby. The more the mom is supported early to get to know her baby, the more confident she will feel as help leaves. Supporting the mom to establish a rewarding breastfeeding experience will positively impact the family for a lifetime.
Kim Knight is a Registered Nurse and Board Certified Lactation Consultant with a private practice in the Annapolis area. She teaches breastfeeding classes through Anne Arundel Medical Center. She can be reached for questions or breastfeeding help at 410-533-5343
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