About Breast-feeding

We have all heard that "breast is best" when it comes to feeding babies. This is because breast milk is Mother Nature's perfectly designed food for babies. But many women are surprised to know that breast-feeding doesn't always come naturally and in fact, it can be a hard skill to learn. While most women who give birth do nothing but wait for their milk supply to come before they nourish their baby with breast milk, other mothers have a hard time learning how to breast-feed or despite all attempts, simply can't. Then there are still other moms who want to breast-feed, but don't know enough about it to get a successful start. Here are a few helpful tips.

Benefits

Breast-feeding has many benefits for both the mother and the baby. In addition to promoting bonding, breast milk is more easily processed by a baby's delicate digestive system than formula. Breast-feeding also reduces the risk of allergies and asthma is children and promotes optimal health. Breast-feeding can also prevent some type of cancers in the mother and helps the uterus return to its original size after giving birth. It also increases the levels the hormone prolactin that help with weight loss. Breast-feeding is also virtually cost-free and eco-friendly, which is important for many families. See the Resources section for links.

Time Frame

The best time to begin breast-feeding is immediately following birth. If possible, try to feed your baby as soon after she is born as possible. Immediately after birth, most babies show a strong desire to suck and are awake enough to nurse (see Resources). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be exclusively fed breast milk for the first six months of life and encourages breast-feeding for the first year and as long after that as both the mother and baby want (see Resources).

Misconceptions

Many people think working mothers can't breast-feed, but they can. With a little planning and support, moms can still nurse their babies when they return to work. Some working mothers leave work to nurse their babies at home or have the caregiver bring the baby to her workplace for feedings. Other mothers are fortunate enough to have childcare at their workplace and simply coordinate their breaks with their baby's need to be fed. Still other working mothers express their milk into bottles for the caregiver to feed the baby during the day and nurse in the mornings and evenings. Some people also think you have to give birth to be able to nurse a baby. While this is most common, even mothers who adopt babies can breast-feed. While this requires medication to boost milk producing hormones, adoptive mothers sometimes choose to go this route so that they can breast-feed.

Prevention/Solution

Occasionally breast-feeding mothers will have dry, cracked nipples or engorgement. They may even develop infections in the ducts of their breasts. To prevent issues while breast-feeding, you'll need to be sure that you baby has a proper latch. You'll also want to express a small amount of milk onto your nipples and massage it in after each feeding. Letting your breasts air dry can also help. If you feel encouragement coming on, place a warm compress on the breast. Feeding your baby often and allowing your baby to empty one breast before starting on another can also help prevent engorgement. Wearing a supportive bra can also help reduce the likelihood that your breasts will become engorged.

Considerations

If you're feeling self-conscious about the prospect of having to breast-feed in public, don't. There are many fashionable nursing covers that allow you to discretely feed your baby. Some women also wear nursing tops that allow you to easily expose one breast while keeping your stomach and chest covered. There are even thick belts of fabric that can be worn around the waist and pulled up to your breasts that provide coverage for your entire belly when breastfeeding. Many malls and stores will have women's lounges or nursing rooms that provide a comfy place for breast-feeding your baby.