Putting together a "breastfeeding top 10" handout

[nutmeg44]

I am looking to put together a top 10 list for breastfeeding.  This would be aimed at pregnant women or brand new moms.  I would like the list to include both supportive comments and also valuable information to make sure breastfeeding continues.

I know so many moms who want to breastfeed, but somehow get caught up in our society's myths and they end up failing.

I would love to hear everyone's opinion on a top 10 topic.

Here are a couple of examples...

1.  feed on baby's cues

2. establish a support group

3. the first 3-8 weeks can be very difficult- it does get easier

Post away ladies!!

[Jenni1894]

It's okay to let baby use you as a paci!

Never give up! 

[Llyra]

Frequent feeding is normal and expected and good for your milk supply.

The best indicator of whether baby is getting enough is NOT how fussy baby is, or whether baby wants to feed frequently. Nor is pumping output a good indicator. Look at diaper output and weight gain.

[Erin77]

Try as many different feeding positions as you can- some will work better than others for you, depending on you and your baby. 

[averlee]

Make sure baby is taking all of the nipple and a large part of the areola into his mouth.

The baby's neck/back should not be twisted, hunched, or arched, they should be in a straight line.

The baby should be facing you, with the front of his body against your body. 

Laid back breastfeeding- many women have found great luck with this technique.http://www.nancymohrbacher.com/blog/2010/7/18/laid-back-breastfeeding.html

Unlike during pregnancy, ibuprofen, brie cheese, moderate amounts of alcohol, and using tobacco are not harmful while breastfeeding. (Some women think if they smoke they should not nurse- this is not true. No part of the tobacco or nicotine makes it into the milk, the breastmilk of even heavy smokers shows no difference from mothers who don't smoke.)

If it doesn't go well at first, lactation consultants can help. Your insurance might pay for it. Some do home visits. WIC, LLL, your midwife, or your hospital may be able to refer you or provide counseling.

Many women struggle with breastfeeding but many do not- sometimes it is intuitive and easy. Some mothers also say it feels nice. If it hurts a lot, you might have thrush.

[Heba]

These are the 7 I wrote up for our bf group newsletter - article entitled "getting off to a good start."

1. Initiate breastfeeding within the first hour.  A full-term healthy baby is born with strong instincts to breastfeed, which peak about 20 to 30 minutes after birth, and then begin to wane.  After this time, it may be more difficult for baby to take the breast.

2. Feed often - including at night.  Maternal levels of prolactin (the hormone which produces milk) are highest at night, and night-time feeding helps to establish a good milk supply.  Baby’s tummies are very small at birth – they can only take 5-7ml of milk at one time – so they fill up quickly but empty quickly so will feed at least 8-12 times in 24 hours (more is normal too!). 

Learn your baby’s hunger cues, and put your baby to the breast every time they display readiness to feed.  These cues include: opening/closing mouth; sucking on lips or anything in proximity to mouth; rooting; fidgeting; fussing; looking around.  Crying is a late cue; at this point, it is often harder for baby to take the breast.

After a medicated delivery, baby may be too sleepy to display these cues. Do not let baby go for more than 2-3 hours during the day – 4-5 hours at night – without a feed. Wake/stimulate baby to feed if necessary.

3. Keep baby close, skin-to-skin where possible.  Close contact helps to stimulate prolactin, and also allows baby unrestricted access to the breast.

4. Feed for as long as baby needs.  Allow baby to come off one side of their own accord, then offer the second (which they may or may not take).

5. Experiment with positioning and find something which works for you.  Many mums find the cross-cradle hold helpful in the early weeks; side-lying may also be helpful in allowing you to rest while your baby feeds.

6. Avoid artificial nipples for the first few weeks.  While some babies will have no problems taking the breast after bottle or dummy use, around 50% of babies will find it more difficult. 

7. Have help lined up.  A “breastfeeding buddy” – a friend with experience of breastfeeding – can be invaluable to cheer you on.  And if things don’t go according to plan – contact a helpline or consult an IBCLC for help.

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by averlee 

Unlike during pregnancy, ibuprofen, brie cheese, moderate amounts of alcohol, and using tobacco are not harmful while breastfeeding. (Some women think if they smoke they should not nurse- this is not true. No part of the tobacco or nicotine makes it into the milk, the breastmilk of even heavy smokers shows no difference from mothers who don't smoke.)

While part of this is true, the part in bold is not. Nicotine passes into mother's milk in minutes, which is why Mom should smoke right after a feed if she is going to smoke. Info can be found here and here.

Mothers who smoke must be supported to breastfeed and supported to reduce/quit when and however they can. Breastfeeding is normal and important for all babies, and especially important for babies of mothers (and fathers) who smoke, as exposure to smoke is harmful to babies (and adults!), and breastfeeding can reduce some risks.

nak now so unable to post in more detail. I completely agree with the sentence in red.

[Heba]

Ooh, yes, Patio Gardener has some good points.  The research I'm aware of shows that nicotine *does* pass into breastmilk.  Also, the Breastfeeding Answer Book quotes research showing that smoking has been linked to earlier weaning, fussiness, supressed prolactin levels and lower milk production, and intereference with the milk ejection reflex - although other research questions the direct link with early weaning suggesting that mothers who smoke may wean earliers because of concerns that smoking may affect their milk.  We're probably all aware of the link between smoking and SIDS and respiratory illness in babies, but of course this is true regardless of feeding choices.

I think the message that needs to come through loud and clear is not necessarily that it's fine to smoke and breastfeed (I don't think we'd be doing any favours by dismissing any risk), but that the effects of nicotine on breastmilk or breastfeeding are far outweighed by the risks of formula feeding.

I do like the first part of that statement, Averlee; some mums do not realise that pregnancy dietary restrictions no longer apply - and beliefs that nursing mums need to follow a restricted or special diet have been shown to contribute to premature termination of breastfeeding.

[Llyra]

With the prevalence of c-sections, it might be helpful to specifically mention that having had a c-section can present a few challenges, but is no reason not to breastfeed. Mothers should be encouraged to begin breastfeeding as soon as possible after a cesarean delivery, to specifically refuse supplementing during the post-op period, and to accept whatever pain relief they need to be comfortable. Different positions can be tried, to relieve pressure on sore incision sites, and it should be emphasized that it is normal for baby to lose some weight in the first week, especially when mother has been pumped full of fluids in preparation for the procedure.

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by Heba 
I do like the first part of that statement, Averlee; some mums do not realise that pregnancy dietary restrictions no longer apply - and beliefs that nursing mums need to follow a restricted or special diet have been shown to contribute to premature termination of breastfeeding.

me too!  My personal list of food that I avoided in pregnancy and could not wait to eat after birth includes sushi, smoked salmon, ibuprofen, and chocolate sources of caffeine :)

[goldenwillow]

I think all of these suggestions are fantastic.

I'd like to add...

Hit a couple LLL meetings a few months prior to birth.  Get cozy with it and make a few connections.  So glad I did.

Have a supportive partner/husband/SO.  Absolutely means the world. 

Feed on babies cues, always.  I see so many women letting their babies cry while they do this or that.  I wanna grab the baby and nurse them myself!  Ditch the to do lists and feed that baby!  Things will get done.  What is really most important... garbage being out or feeding your baby. 

If you are still uncomfortable nursing in public, be sure to know where you are going and that there is a place for you to go to nurse... think ahead.

Important not to give bottles (if able) in the first 6 weeks.  IMHO, don't pump either in those first 6 weeks.  Let the relationship form between you and your baby. 

FOR SURE.... watch what you eat.  Follow fuss foods guidelines, makes things so much more enjoyable!  I'd say introduce your foods that you'd been waiting to eat one by one. 

Get used to wearing your baby.  I was able to feed him in public and no one even knew.  I was really self conscious for awhile in the beginning. 

[nutmeg44]

Great points everybody, I love it!