Getting off to the right start.

Your birth experience can definitely play into your breastfeeding experience. Sure, in a perfect world, every woman would have her ideal birthing experience, leading to the perfect nursing journey, but we know that this is not always the case! So how can we encourage a strong breastfeeding relationship right from the start?

* Request skin to skin contact immediately after birth. Decline bathing and routine newborn screening until after the baby has nursed successfully for the first time.

* Try to nurse as soon as you can. Not only does it help the bonding process, but the oxytocin that your body releases while breastfeeding will help contract the uterus and expel the placenta.

* Keep baby close by. If you’re birthing in a hospital setting, insist on rooming in. If at home, climb into bed as a family and get some rest.

* Nurse your baby whenever you feel that s/he’s hungry. Newborns need to nurse every 1.5 – 2 hours, normally, but anything from once an hour to every three is within the realm of normal. Don’t hesitate to wake up a sleeping baby for a nursing session.

* Decline pacifiers and artificial nipples. All nursing – whether for comfort or nourishment – needs to be on the breast to help bring in your milk and start establishing supply. Your baby will not use you as a pacifier – any ‘extraneous’ breastfeeding is being done by a biological urge. It’s normal!

* Get plenty of rest, drink lots of water and eat well. A breastfeeding Mama should be consuming an extra 300-500 calories a day. When you sit down to nurse, have a snack – granola, cheese, fruit – close by and a big glass of water. Staying hydrated and nourished is very, very important!

* Take a little time every day to take a shower and eat a meal with both hands. Twenty minutes alone can be a lifesaver – don’t be ashamed to ask for help. Breastfeeding burns a lot of calories and is pretty time-consuming in the beginning, so being able to clear your head is a must. If you’re experiencing pain, have bloody/cracked/blistered nipples, or baby’s not having adequate wet/dirty diapers, talk to a local lactation professional. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants can be found all over the world and are specifically trained to help you, the nursing Mama. The La Leche League offers 24-hour phone support, as well. Nursing a new baby can be overwhelming, so make sure that your needs are met so you are able to meet those of your baby.

Cheers!
- Katie
katie@milksmartmama.com
@MilkSmartMama (Twitter)