Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms
What You Can Do to Promote Nursing Before Your Baby Arrives
Mothers can begin to prepare themselves to breastfeed even before their babies arrive. Building education and a support system can help the future nursing relationship.
Two lifelines are needed to achieve a personally rewarding breastfeeding experience: breastfeeding education and nursing support. Fortunately, you do not have to wait until your newborn arrives to begin securing these aids. Here is what you can begin doing today to prepare yourself for breastfeed.
Tips on How to Increase Your Breastfeeding Knowledge and Build a Breastfeeding Support System
- Read Head to your local library and check out some well-reviewed breastfeeding books. A good breastfeeding book can inform you of the "how to's" of all aspects of nursing and dispel the myths. Two excellent resources are The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins (Boston, Mass: Harvard Common Press, 2005) and The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International(New York: Plume, 2004).
- Claim your significant other as your number one supporter The most important person to have supporting your nursing relationship is your partner. Your partner will be with you every step of the way. This is the person whom you want to know without any doubt will help you achieve your goal of breastfeeding. Share with your partner the information and support resources that you are gathering.
- Begin attending support group meetings. Many communities have support groups established for nursing and pregnant mothers. One of the most well known groups is the La Leche League International. Attending meetings before baby arrives can increase your breastfeeding knowledge and build a support team that you can rely on when your baby is finally in your arms.
- Attend breastfeeding classes with your significant other.Many hospitals offer breastfeeding education classes to expecting parents. These classes provide a general overview of breastfeeding and can also provide you with local resources.
- Find out what support your hospital or birthing center has for breastfeeding mothers. Learn what access you will have to support during your stay at the hospital or birthing center. Find out if lactation consultants are on staff. Learn about breastfeeding policies within the hospital. Discover whether the nursing staff has been trained in the needs of lactating mothers. Knowing what your resources are at your place of birth is highly beneficial.
- Utilize quality internet resources. There is a vast source of information available on the internet. However, you want to be cautious from where you get your information; not all sites are completely accurate. Some great internet resources include Breastfeeding.com, Kellymom.com, and Dr. Jack Newman & Edith Kernerman Online Breastfeeding Resource Video Clips.
- Locate lactation consultants in your area. Find out what qualifications they have, their rates, and if they participate with your insurance. Having this information on hand can save you a great deal of time and frustration if troubles crop up when nursing begins.
- Consult your insurance and learn what breastfeeding resources they cover. You may find that you can be reimbursed for breastfeeding classes, for lactation consultant services, and even for the cost of a breast pump.
- Build your support system. Surround yourself with people who support your decision to breastfeed. Educate those who are uninformed. Try to ignore anyone who is overwhelmingly negative about breastfeeding. Instead, befriend other understanding mothers who can help you as your breastfeeding relationship grows and changes.
- Believe in yourself and in your ability to breastfeed. Breastfeeding, especially in the first six weeks, can be challenging. Having a positive outlook on breastfeeding and your ability to nurse your baby can have an extremely positive effect on your nursing relationship.
You do not have to wait until your baby arrives to prepare yourself for breastfeeding. Be proactive and arm yourself with accurate information and establish a breastfeeding support network. By preparing yourself even before your baby's arrival, you can have a positive impact on your future breastfeeding relationship.
The copyright of the article Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms in Breastfeeding is owned by Jennifer White. Permission to republish Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms must be granted by the author in writing.
