During your pregnancy, you will need to decide how you will feed your baby. All major health organizations in the world, including the World Health Organization, American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control agree that breastfeeding is the best for both baby and mother. Although some women may not be able to breastfeed, this percentage is actually very low. The vast majority of women are able to feed their babies with their own milk.
The most important thing for a mom wanting to breastfeed is to get information and support, both before the baby is born and after. There are many myths surrounding breastfeeding. Unfortunately, these myths get perpetuated and often scare pregnant mothers away from breastfeeding or cause others to give it up in the early weeks. Education and information is the best way to combat these and ensure a successful breastfeeding relationship.
A lot of problems with low milk supply and pain during breastfeeding are due to the baby not being latched on properly. It’s best if you can have a visit from a lactation consultant in the hospital. The hospital where I gave birth the first two times had a consultant on staff and she visited all new moms. The hospital where I gave birth the third time didn’t have one. Luckily, I had already nursed two babies and didn’t need one, but it would be nice for first time moms to have a consultant to help with early breastfeeding.
Many hospitals offer a class in breastfeeding. Sign up for the class. I took it with my first baby and found the information and support I received there to be very important. You will be given information on feeding and often a number to call if you have trouble in the early weeks. This support is essential for new mommies.
Get a good book on breastfeeding. A good guide will give information on feeding as well as help with common difficulties that many new mothers experience. “The breastfeeding Book” by Dr. William Sears and Martha Sears is an excellent resource for mothers new to breastfeeding.
Consider joining a breastfeeding support group, such as La Leche League. Being around other moms who breastfeed is helpful for advice and support. This is particularly important if you don’t have friends and family members who breastfeed their children. I was lucky to have a mother who breastfed. She was able to give me the support and encouragement I needed in the early days. If you don’t have this support in your life, seek it out.
Benefits to the baby include a better balance of nutrients than can be found in any infant formula. There are many components in breast milk that can’t be reproduced in formula. There are ingredients in human milk that are good for brain development and immune system function. Since the baby’s immune system isn’t fully developed before the age of two, these components are very important. Mother’s milk protects against viruses, bacteria and parasites. Studies have consistently shown that breastfed babies have lower rates of respiratory infections, ear infections and diarrhea. When they do get sick, recovery time is faster on human milk.
There are benefits to mothers from breastfeeding as well. The uterus goes back to its original size faster. There is less blood loss after the birth. With longer breastfeeding, the risk of pre menopausal breast cancer is lowered. There is some evidence that the rates of post menopausal breast cancer are lower as well. The risk of ovarian cancer is lower with breastfeeding for over a year as well.