Breastfeeding Basics Benefit All
by Sharon Miller Cindrich
Most expectant parents prepare thoroughly for the delivery of their baby, but spend very little time researching the details involved in feeding an infant…something that will last for years. When faced with the decision to breastfeed, approximately 70 percent of new mothers give breastfeeding a try.
"There are numerous benefits for both the mother and baby," says Ari Brown, M.D., pediatrician and author of many books including Baby 411, Toddler 411 and Expecting 411: Clear Answers and Smart Advice for your Pregnancy. For moms, breastfeeding can aid in weight loss, may reduce the risk of breast cancer and breast milk is basically free and conveniently available. The benefits for babies are even more impressive. Breast milk is hypoallergenic and passes on natural immunities to infections, lowers the rates of obesity, allergies, some cancers and the risk of SIDS in newborns. "The recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics is to breastfeed for one year – but the health benefits last a lifetime," says Brown.
Breast may be best, but it may not be easy. "The biggest challenge for breastfeeding is surviving the obstacles in the road to success. These include poor technique, engorgement, infection and occasionally poor milk supply," says Brown. "Combine this with sleep deprivation, a hormonal roller coaster after delivery, and a mother and mother-in-law who never breastfed…it all adds up to a great deal of stress."
While mothers can't be prepared for every bump in the breastfeeding road, they can be informed.
- Interview your pediatrician and obstetrician. Having a medical team that is supportive of your breastfeeding efforts is critical to success.
- Get the baby to the breast within 30 minutes of delivery. Do not be separated from the baby during the hospital stay unless it is medically necessary. Keep the baby skin to skin and breastfeed according to the baby's needs.
- Attend a breastfeeding class. These are run by lactation specialists during your hospital stay and can provide you with the on-the-job training you and your baby need to get started.
- Avoid the use of formula unless medically necessary. Check that the hospital's breastfeeding policy reflects your desire to breastfeed.
- Avoid the use of pacifiers for 2-3 weeks after delivery.
After those first critical weeks, breastfeeding should be smooth sailing, however, many women stop because of stress and exhaustion. "The idea of having someone else help with those night feedings starts to sound pretty good," says Brown, who offers these tips for sticking with it:
- Give a bottle a day of expressed breast milk starting at 4 weeks. It gives you a break and a chance for your family to participate.
- Start stockpiling. Nurse off one breast, pump off the other and freeze it. This will come in handy, especially if you're going back to work.
- Enlist the family. When relatives want to help, let them prepare meals and do laundry while you rest.
- Prepare for setbacks. Even if you've made it through the initial weeks, issues like illness can always arise.
Sharon Miller Cindrich is a Virginia Beach mom of two, speaker, columnist and author of several books including A Smart Girl's Guide to the Internet and A Smart Girl's Guide to Style. You can find her column, Plugged In Parent, in the Tech Talk section of the Virginian-Pilot. Learn more at www.pluggedinparent.com.