Oh! Baby!

You have chosen to breastfeed! Good for you and good for your baby. Breastfeeding has been purported to be The "Natural" Way to feed your infant. The Natural Way . . . that just sounds as though baby is going to pop right out and latch on doesn't it? As many seasoned nursing mothers can tell you, if only it was that easy!

The first few weeks of breastfeeding are more of a learning period for mom and baby both. Most babies are not born knowing how to breastfeed, it's up to mom to teach them. The word to remember during this time is Patience. Learning to nurse is a lot of repetition and perseverance on both parts.

Initially, when preparing a newborn to breastfeed, you want baby awake and hungry. You need to be "tummy to tummy", meaning your infant should be in straight alignment facing you, he/she shouldn't be turning the head to reach the breast. There are several different positions to choose from while breastfeeding. The traditional "cradle" hold, the "football" hold (tuck baby under your arm like a football), or lying "side to side" (mom and baby on their sides facing one another). It's best to try each of these positions to find whats best for you and baby.

Always bring baby to the breast, rather than pulling your breast to the baby, or leaning forward to the infant. You want baby to open his/her mouth as wide as possible, this is wider than you'd think. The reason for this is baby needs as much of the breast in the mouth as possible. Milk flow results from compression of the areola (brown skin around the nipple) as well as sucking. The infant's lips should be flared out around the breast to allow for the best possible suckling. If baby's mouth is not positioned properly, insert your finger between your breast and baby's mouth to break the suction. This will prevent sore nipples, and allow you to reposition and try again. During the first few days, don't be surprised if you have to remove baby and try again several times during a feeding. Don't allow your infant to nurse if they are not latched on to the breast properly. Not only can this cause sore nipples for mom, but decreased amount of milk for baby.

However if baby won't latch on there are several things to try. Is baby awake? Try removing some blankets or clothing, and stroking baby's feet or back (never stroke the cheek, this will cause the infant to root in the wrong direction). The nursing mother's nipples do need to be erect to stimulate the infants suck reflex. Rubbing a cool washcloth on the nipple may help.

Many mother's are concerned that "baby isn't getting anything". Rest assured, he is! The first milk from mom is called colostrum, and is full of nutrients for baby. There isn't much of this colostrum, but there doesn't need to be. They are built this way, remember, baby hasn't had anything in her stomach but amniotic fluid yet anyway. If you are consistent with breastfeeding your baby regular milk should come in within a week. The condition of mom not being able to produce enough breast milk is extremely rare, and not likely in most cases. Milk production operates on a "supply and demand" system. Your body will produce the milk as dictated by your nursing habits.

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond with your baby. Especially in the beginning, be sure that nursing time won't be interrupted by anything. Get comfortable and relaxed. Be sure to have anything you'll need close at hand such as a drink, snack, music, etc. Even a newly born infant can see about a foot away, the perfect distance between mommy's face and her nursing bundle of joy. So make a lot of eye contact with your baby. In just a few months, you will laugh with delight as your baby looks into your eyes, and is too busy smiling at you to nurse!

Simple things to keep on hand:

*Breast pads to take care of embarrassing leaks, some of these come as gel pads you can refrigerate to soothe sore nipples.

*Nipple cream for sore nipples. Be sure it is specifically for breastfeeding moms, therefore safe for baby to have in his/her mouth.

*Water. Breastfeeding is thirsty work!

*Extra pillows to support you and/or baby while nursing. Many mom's have found the horseshoe shaped breastfeeding pillows are fantastic.

Optional items:

*Breast pump. Even if you plan on breastfeeding only, consider having a breast pump. Pumps can increase your convenience, allow other family members to share in feeding baby, and allow you to store breast milk in case you will be away from baby for a period of time.

*Pacifier. If you child is a firmly established breast feeder, chances are negligible that a pacifier will interfere with nursing. However it could prevent baby from using mommy as a pacifier! Sucking is not only a hunger reflex, but a natural way for infants to soothe themselves. You don't want baby breastfeeding out of boredom.

No matter what, enjoy your baby. Take heart that you have chosen the least expensive, best food, and most comforting choice for your baby.