Breastfeeding Tips For New Parents

Breastfeeding information is available from many sources. A first time mother may find herself bewildered at the choice between the breast and the bottle. Obtaining quality breastfeeding information from a reliable source can prepare a woman to make an educated decision between the bottle and the breast. Breastfeeding information abounds in today's world of virtual learning, mass media and specialized socialization. The internet, books, magazines, support groups and neighbourhood social events all serve as excellent sources of breastfeeding information.

Pregnancy and lactation are covered in most childbirth preparation classes. Knowing what is normal during pregnancy and lactation can help a mother recognize potential problems and seek the appropriate care should a abnormality arise. Learning about the basics of pregnancy and lactation can help a couple feel more prepared for the arrival of their baby.

Information about the benefits of breastfeeding for the nursing mother can greatly influence a woman's decision about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers experience fewer complications after the delivery since the hormones released by the suckling of an infant helps a mother's uterus to contract. Breastfeeding mothers also burn more calories during lactation. They also require a higher caloric intake while nursing. Breastfeeding can help a mother shed those last few stubborn pounds following the delivery of the baby. Breastfeeding mothers bond quickly with their infants because of the frequent intimate contact between mother and child during feedings.

The benefits of breastfeeding are evident in an infant as well. Breast fed infants are reported to have higher IQ's, have fewer digestion problems and have an intense bond with their mothers. Breast fed infants nurse more frequently than bottle fed babies since breast milk is digested more quickly. Breast fed infants with acid reflux or colic may also experience fewer symptoms while breastfeeding than when nursing a bottle.

If you have a few favourite parenting magazines, chances are that those same magazines sponsor a few related baby websites. Baby websites are an excellent source of breastfeeding information. You can also meet other expectant parents and experienced breastfeeding mothers on baby websites by perusing chat rooms, message boards and discussion forums.

A lactation consultant can also answer your breastfeeding questions and can even visit your home following the delivery of your baby to help you get started should you choose to breastfeed your baby. A lactation consultant is a breastfeeding specialist and is often associated with the local La Leche League in your community. The La Leche League is a group of breastfeeding advocates who offer support and breastfeeding information for mothers. Contact your local La Leche chapter to get in touch with a lactation consultant in your area.

Breastfeeding information can be summoned with a few keystrokes, a trip to the local library or even with a telephone call to an experienced mother or lactation consultant. New parents can get breastfeeding information from a variety of sources to help them prepare for parenthood. Breastfeeding information can help parents prepare intellectually and emotionally for the arrival of their little bundle of joy.

Breastfeeding Information - Is It Right For You?

Is breastfeeding your baby the right choice for your lifestyle? Breastfeeding is not for everyone and first time mothers can have a difficult time deciding between breastfeeding and formula feeding. Knowing a few facts about breastfeeding can help you decide if it is right for you.

Some women wait until after the birth of their baby to decide if breastfeeding is best. A woman's milk supply may be weak, making breastfeeding difficult. Your milk supply will not begin until several days after the birth of your baby and there is no way to predict or ensure the amount of milk that your body will produce. Every woman's milk supply is different and every pregnancy is unique.

For other women, the idea of sore nipples and public breast feeding is enough to deter them from breastfeeding their baby. Bruised and sore nipples and the stares of strangers as you breastfeed in public are a few of the major drawbacks of breastfeeding. Some women choose to endure sore nipples and shy away from public breastfeeding, choosing instead to feed their baby in restrooms and back seats while out in public because they believe the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the pain, inconvenience and potential humiliation.

There are many books, articles and videos available about breastfeeding to help you prepare to make your decision. A lactation specialist, your obstetrical nurse or nurse practitioner will be happy to answer any questions you have about breastfeeding. Choosing to breastfeed your baby can be a rewarding and healthy experience for both you and your baby, but knowing what to expect and weighing the benefits against the inconveniences will help you decide if breastfeeding your baby is the right choice for you.

Before you make a decision about breastfeeding your baby, it is important to obtain some information about breastfeeding and what exactly it entails. Once you have some general knowledge about breastfeeding, you will be better prepared to decide if breastfeeding your baby will be a better fit for your life than formula feeding.

Breastfeeding Stories - A Humorous Look At The Benefits Of Breastfeeding

The benefits of breastfeeding your baby are often disputed among breastfeeding advocates and mothers who choose the bottle over the breast. Many of the benefits of breastfeeding can be duplicated by bottle feeding mothers and it really boils down to a matter of personal choice. Those who bottle feed their babies choose to avoid some of the unpleasant experiences that came with choosing to breastfeed an infant. In an effort to lighten the serious battle between the bottle and the breast, let's take a look at some of the humorous benefits of breastfeeding.

One great perk of breastfeeding is that you get to wear sexy, easy access, nursing clothes. Most nursing clothes are designed to allow your infant easy access to the breast. This feature is a great convenience, but it also can lead to inadvertent breast flashes in public if your nursing clothes are not properly secured after feeding your infant. If you find people following you around while out in public, check your shirt.

You get to join the stylish trend of baby wearing. Breast fed infants often nurse more frequently than bottle fed infants. This can lead to the feeling that your child is always attached to your breast. Baby wearing can be seen in malls, grocery stores and parks across the nation. Baby slings, swaths and holsters are sold that encourage a nursing mother to flaunt her baby wearing style. Some even offer anytime access to the breast- a very nice perk for the infant.

Another wonderful benefit of breastfeeding is the delightful experience of public breast feeding. Curious onlookers and the not-so-subtle glances of those hoping to catch a glimpse of an exposed breast add to the excitement and tension of trying to nurse your hungry infant in public. Many women cringe at the thought of public breast feeding, choosing instead to nurse their infants in bathroom stalls and the back seats of cars. Public breastfeeding for some is an invitation to be free and let it all hang out. Heaven help the poor soul who makes a snide comment or stares too long at this hormonal, sleep deprived mother.

This brings us to the classic sore nipples. There is just no other experience that compares to allowing a hungry infant to chomp, suck, chew and grab a breast that is plagued by bruised, cracked and sore nipples. No amount of prenatal education or coaching by the La Leche League can prepare you properly for sore nipples- it must be experienced to be appreciated.

Breastfeeding is a wonderful time of nurturing and bonding with your infant. It is also a lesson in balancing pain and humility with a little humour. The humorous benefits of breastfeeding cannot compare to the genuine benefits of breastfeeding for many mothers. Learning to take the unpleasant aspects of breastfeeding with a grain of humorous salt is part of the wonderful world of choosing to breastfeeding your infant.

Breastfeeding Answers For You

If you are a new mother, or a soon-to-be new mom, you are probably very familiar with the debate over breastfeeding. The overwhelming majority of experts strongly suggest that you at least attempt to breastfeed your infant or young child. Breastfeeding provides your young one with an optimal level of nutrition. It also helps strengthen the already strong bond between you and your baby. The process is very natural. Your breasts begin producing milk months before your baby is born and your newborn already has the sucking reflex necessary to feed when he or she is delivered. To discover more about the benefits of breastfeeding, click here:

Breastfeeding Answers For You

Breastfeeding Support Is Key For The New Mother

Many new mothers seek out breastfeeding support during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. Getting advice and encouragement and sharing stories can help a new mom feel better about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding support can be obtained from other breastfeeding mothers, lactations consultants and healthcare practitioners. Breastfeeding support can help a struggling mother continue to breastfeed during feeding difficulties.

Many first time mothers develop sore nipples. This can be an especially difficult time for both baby and mother. Sore nipples can make every breastfeeding session excruciatingly painful for the mother. The resulting stress and anxiety can be sensed by the infant and can cause an infant to be fussy during feedings. Sore nipples can also be a health concern for the mother if the skin is not treated appropriately. Women who experience sore nipples should consult a lactation specialist or experienced breastfeeding mother for suggestions on topical lotions and home remedies to treat sore nipples before the skin becomes cracked and opens the mother up to infection.

Some women experience a sudden decrease in her milk supply. This can cause frustration and discouragement as a mother struggles to continue breastfeeding her baby. Consulting a lactation specialist to help pinpoint the cause of a weak milk supply is often necessary. A mother with a weakened milk supply does not have to give up breastfeeding altogether. She can mix breast milk with formula to ensure that her infant gets the proper nourishment until her milk supply returns to normal.

Lactation consultants are available through local La Leche Leagues as well as most hospitals. Many obstetricians will employ or recommend a few local lactation consultants for mothers who are new to breastfeeding or those who are experiencing problems during feedings. Lactation consultants are specially trained medical personnel who are passionate about breastfeeding. It is important to be honest about your lactation problems and questions in order for the lactation specialist to assist you and your baby properly.

Helping mothers who are struggling with breastfeeding and promoting breastfeeding advocacy in your community are the main goals of a local breastfeeding support group. Joining a group can provide you with friendships that will last a lifetime. And seeking breastfeeding support from other moms can be a lifeline for mothers struggling with the demands of breastfeeding and motherhood. Staying connected with adults who have similar interests can be a great way to help chase away postpartum depression. Moms helping moms is a wonderful example of community support at its best.

Answers For Breastfeeding In Public

For a modest mother, breastfeeding in public is a frightening experience. The fear of breastfeeding in public may even leave some new mothers doubting their decision to breastfeed their babies. Breastfeeding in public is an art and new mothers can learn to nurse their infants discreetly. Here are a few tips on breastfeeding in public.

When shopping for nursing clothes, look for shirts that close with hooks, buttons or snaps. Nursing cloths that depend on ties or fold over flaps can expose a breast during normal activities like bending over or shaking a shopping cart free from the tangle of metal baskets at the grocery store. Nursing clothes are a great addition to a nursing mother's wardrobe but they should be chosen with care to avoid public embarrassment.

Keeping your breastfeeding supplies stocked and ready to go at all times is great way to help discreetly nurse your child in public. Being caught in public with a hungry baby and no cover blanket can lead to disaster for the modest mother. Keeping extra breastfeeding supplies in the trunk of your car in an extra diaper bag will ensure that you are never caught without the items necessary to nurse discreetly. Packing extra breastfeeding supplies like an additional blanket, burp cloths and breast milk pads in advance can save you from an embarrassing moment when last minute trips arise and you have little time to prepare.

Breastfeeding women can choose to feed their babies in public bathrooms to limit their company to women only. Some breastfeeding women choose to nurse in the backseat of the car in a secluded area of a parking lot to provide more privacy. Another option for breastfeeding women is to pump breast milk into a bottle prior to any planned outings. While this option is not helpful for those sudden trips to the store or when a telephone call summons you away from home during a breastfeeding session, it can help you avoid many public breastfeeding encounters.

Breastfeeding mothers often grow accustomed to the glances of strangers and an occasional snide comment while nursing in public. Some breastfeeding mothers do not seem to be affected by the reaction of the public while she feeds her infant. Other breastfeeding mothers learn to be quick and discreet to avoid drawing attention while breastfeeding in public, never drawing a stray glance or awkward stare.

Breastfeeding in public doesn't have to ruin your breastfeeding experience. While it may be of little comfort, your baby doesn't care who is present while you breastfeeding in public or at home. The thought of potentially exposing your breasts to strangers is a crippling fear for some mothers. Breastfeeding in public can be done without drawing attention to your breasts. It just takes a little practice and a lot of planning.

Breastfeeding Information - Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Accessories For The First Time Mom

Deciding which pregnancy and breastfeeding supplies are essential can be an stressful task, especially for new parents. Purchasing supplies that you later find you did not need is frustrating. Stores carry a multitude of different brands, options and styles of pregnancy and breastfeeding supplies. How is a new mom to sort it out? Preparing a list of pregnancy and breastfeeding supplies that doesn't break the bank can be done with a little help. Here are a few pointers to get started.

Choosing a pregnancy pillow that can serve as a nursing pillow after the baby arrives is a great way to save a few dollars. When selecting a nursing pillow, choose one that is machine washable. New babies are messy and the first few breastfeeding sessions can leave both mother and baby drenched in breast milk. Be sure to pick up a couple of slip covers that will fit your nursing pillow snugly. They will come in handy.

Sore nipples can be a problem during pregnancy, but especially during breastfeeding. Keeping a tube of lanolin on hand to apply on a regular basis is a must for breastfeeding mothers. Don't wait for sore nipple to become a painful problem. Prevention is always best. Applying lanolin twice a day will help prevent sore nipples and ensure pain free breastfeeding sessions.

Breastfeeding supplies like a breast pump, breast milk pads, nursing bras and burp cloths are staples in a nursing mother's bag. The most expensive breast pump is not necessarily the best. A manual breast pump is often all that is required and they are less expensive than electric or battery operated pumps. Models like the Advent Isis are ideal. They are gentle on the breast and mimic the suckling action of a baby.

Another necessary item on your list of breastfeeding supplies is the breast milk pad. Sudden letdown can leave you with an embarrassingly wet front. Breast milk pads are designed to catch leaking milk and keep your bra dry. Washable breast milk pads are more cost effective than disposable ones. A cloth or disposable diaper can even serve as milk catcher for the overachiever who produces mass quantities of milk.

One area to spend a little extra is the bra department. A good quality nursing bra can be worn during your pregnancy and will serve you well for months of breastfeeding after the baby arrives. A nursing bra with adjustable cups is an excellent choice to prevent the bra from becoming ill fitting as you lose your pregnancy weight.

Your collection of breastfeeding supplies is not complete without a bag of burp cloths. Breastfeeding can get messy at times, so tucking a burp cloth into the cup of your bra while nursing will help keep you and your baby dry. Cloth diapers with the padded center make the most durable and absorbent burp cloths.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are a natural part of a woman's life. Fancy accessories and expensive gadgets are not necessary for a pleasant pregnancy and breastfeeding experience. A few basic, durable items can save your budget and your sanity during the tumultuous months of pregnancy, breastfeeding and motherhood that lie ahead.

Tips About Nursing Babies: How Old Is Too Old?

Most mothers would say that nursing babies are a picture of tranquility and happiness. Nursing babies portray contentedness and tenderness in a universal language that spans the continents. Mothers fall in love while talking to nursing babies and stoking their soft, fuzzy heads as they suckle and coo themselves to sleep. What happens when that adorable baby transforms into a foot stomping toddler seemingly overnight? A demanding three-year-old who yells to be nursed right now may leave a mother wondering how old is too old to be breast fed.

Choosing to breastfeed your baby may have been a simple decision but determining when to wean a child can be difficult. When many mothers begin to breastfeed their babies, they assume that weaning will occur naturally. For some breast fed babies, the transition form the breast to the sippy cup comes with a fight. Nursing babies who have a difficult time adjusting to life away from the breast may be objecting to more than just weaning. Some breast fed babies crave the physical closeness of nursing more than breast milk. Determining if this is true for your child can help make the transition easier for both mother and child. Continuing to hold your child during feedings can help reduce the shock of weaning for a sensitive child.

While the appropriate age to wean a child is not set in stone, it is culturally acceptable in America to nurse a child for the first twelve months. Once solid foods are introduced into the child's diet and they begin to walk, American customs call for the weaning of the child. Some breastfeeding women choose to extend this period of nursing, sometimes until the child leaves for kindergarten. While many breastfeeding women wean their babies shortly before returning to the workforce, some continue to pump breast milk and bottle feed their babies for several years. The choice really is up to each woman and many choose to ignore social norms. Breastfeeding women can even choose to keep their extended breastfeeding a secret by storing breast milk in the refrigerator disguised as cow's milk or formula.

When the time comes to stop breastfeeding, a mother may unexpectedly be overcome with grief over the end of her intimate breastfeeding sessions with her child. These emotions may be perceived by the child and result in fussiness and acting out during attempts by the mother to stop breastfeeding. To ensure a smooth transition from the breast, a mother should work through her unresolved emotions before attempting to stop breastfeeding her child.

Mothers who choose to formula feed a nursing infant can be in for a fight unless the transition is made slowly. Abruptly springing a formula feed schedule in place of breastfeeding sessions can be traumatic to nursing babies. The bottle should be introduced slowly and be filled with 100% breast milk at first. Formula can be slowly added to subsequent bottles of breast milk until the child is completely weaned from the breast. Gradually substitute a breastfeeding session with a bottle feeding session over a period of several weeks if possible. Once a child is accustomed to the 100% formula feed schedule, the mother should continue to provide physical interaction with the baby during bottle feeding sessions to continue bonding and provide intense social interaction for the child.

Nursing babies can be difficult to wean. A mother who prepares herself emotionally for the process of weaning her child can help transform nursing babies into well adjusted children. Not all nursing babies will grow to become adorable breastfeeding children. Every woman must decide for herself when she should stop breastfeeding her child.

Breastfeeding Answers - Choosing Not To Breastfeed Your Baby

If you have decided not to breastfeed your baby, you are not alone. Many women choose the bottle over the breast. There are many reasons not to breastfeed. Insufficient milk supply, cracked nipples, hectic work schedules, prescription medication and many other factors can deter a woman from choosing to breastfeed her baby.

Choosing to formula feed your infant was at one time considered to be a social faux pas. Today's culture is much more accepting of bottle feeding an infant. Many mothers return to work shortly after the birth of an infant and breastfeeding is simply not conventional in the average workplace. Deciding to formula feed your baby is often a matter of necessity rather than personal choice. Electing to formula feed your infant does not have to be a disadvantageous experience for you or your baby.

Many breastfeeding advocates will argue that breast fed infants receive better nutrition than formula fed babies. With the advances in the ingredients of baby formulas, this is no longer true. Eating a well balanced diet with enough calories to sustain two people is often an arduous task for mothers. Strict dieting, indulging in sweets and any consumption of alcoholic beverages are all prohibited for breastfeeding women. Breast fed infants receive a portion of everything consumed by the mother, making prescription drugs, alcoholic beverages and many over the counter medications off limits. It is also difficult to accurately gauge how much milk a breast fed infant actually consumes. For children with medical conditions that require close monitoring of their intake, bottle feeding is a necessity.

Learning about breastfeeding benefits and drawbacks is often one area that healthcare practitioners focus on heavily during the prenatal period and immediately following the birth of a child. Many breastfeeding advocates support breastfeeding in part because of the bond created between the mother and child during frequent breastfeeding. This same bond can be achieved with bottle feeding by holding the infant during feeding times. Making eye contact, stroking and talking to your infant during feedings can create as strong a bond as breastfeeding. Talk about breastfeeding versus bottle feeding with your OB/GYN or nurse practitioner if you have doubts about your choice to not breastfeed your infant.

Many baby websites offer chat rooms or discussion forums dedicated to the discussion of bottle versus breastfeeding. Baby websites can also be a great source of information about the nutritional, social and emotional aspects of choosing not to breastfeed your baby. Many of the popular baby and parenting magazines now offer a corresponding baby website with additional articles, contests and links to other helpful baby-related websites.

If you choose not to breastfeed your baby, you can rest assured that your infant will not suffer any damaging effects. Mothers who choose to breastfeed their babies nurture and bond with their infants as well as those who choose to bottle feed. Opting to breastfeed your baby may not be the best choice for your lifestyle. Modern mothers have the choice between the bottle and the breast.

Breastfeeding Tips - Help For Breastfeeding Moms

Breastfeeding moms often band together. They are eager to share tips and advice with other breastfeeding moms on breastfeeding issues and a wide range of parenting topics. Breastfeeding moms are quick to pitch in and help out a new mother who may be struggling with breastfeeding her infant.

If you are looking for advice about breastfeeding- a nursing mom may be your best source of information. Experience is the best teacher and a nursing mother can tell you all of the intimate details about breastfeeding. While a lactation consultant will provide a wealth of facts and statistics, a breastfeeding mom will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about breastfeeding, without the sugar coating.

Another source of support is the internet. Baby websites can be a great way to connect with other moms and get some great tips and facts about breastfeeding. Baby websites offer discussion forums, caloric intake calculators, nutrition information and inside tips for nursing moms. Consulting a few baby websites can be another great way to connect with other moms who have first hand knowledge of the ins and outs of breastfeeding.

If you are looking for information about nutrition, a breastfeeding specialist, lactation consultants and nurse practitioners are available to answer your questions. They can even help you develop a personalized eating plan that is healthy for you and your baby. Many breastfeeding moms worry about losing pregnancy weight while still consuming enough calories to keep their infants healthy. It is possible to balance proper nutrition, breastfeeding and weight loss with a little advanced planning and effort. Consulting a nutritionist or healthcare provider can help you sort through any confusion you may have regarding nutrition, breastfeeding and weight loss.

Breastfeeding women can often feel alone or isolated. Connecting with other breastfeeding women can help you stay in touch with your identity outside of being a mother. Sharing stories, tips and advice with other breastfeeding women is a great way to alleviate stress and have some fun. Adult conversation is good for a breastfeeding mom's soul.

Joining a breastfeeding advocacy group will provide you with access to newsletters, health fairs and a wealth of information about breastfeeding. A breastfeeding advocacy group helps to promote breastfeeding awareness and support in your community. Contact your local La Leche League representative for information about joining a breastfeeding advocacy group in your area.

Breastfeeding moms can find help, support and hope by joining together with other moms. By sharing experiences and helping each other through struggles, breastfeeding moms often become friends for life. New mothers don't have to face breastfeeding alone. With the help of experienced moms, they too can grow to mentor other moms as they join the band of breastfeeding moms.