Breastfeeding basics. How to get started and stick with it.

It is well known that breastfeeding provides many benefits to baby and mother. That being said there are still many mothers who never try, or don't stick with it. The reasons why are numerous. If you are reading this article, it is likely that you are breastfeeding, are considering breastfeeding, or are close to someone who is. I will address the first two weeks postpartum, the social stigma, the inability to measure amount eaten, and returning to work. Hopefully, after reading some of your concerns will be eased, and breastfeeding will seem less daunting.

The first two weeks after the birth of your child will contain some of the most difficult days of your life. Why does no one say this out loud? Perhaps they are concerned that others might think them bad mothers. Perhaps, they think their experience is unusual. Whatever the reasons it seems to be a well guarded secret. However, think about it. You are tired, your hormones are out of control, and you find yourself wishing for the last couple weeks of pregnancy when sleep seemed comparatively easy to find. All of these things can hamper the learning that must take place between you and your sweet baby.

For a lucky few breastfeeding comes so naturally that they can't fathom why anyone wouldn't do it. For the rest of us, it takes time, patience, sore nipples, and plain old determination to see it through. If you have decided to breastfeed I would encourage you to really stick it out for those first rough couple of weeks. I am a pediatric nurse. I taught many women how to breastfeed before I had my own child. However, theory and practice are very different. When my first daughter was born we had a generally awful time of feeding for those first two weeks. After the fact many of my friends said, "oh yeah, the first two weeks are terrible." How I wished I had known at the time that everything I was facing was normal. When I had my second daughter I still hoped for the scenario of feeding quickly and easily. However, when I was faced with a more difficult reality, I remembered, two weeks. And after all, I could do just about anything for two weeks, especially if that's what would be best for my baby.

So, you made it through those first two weeks and you and baby have generally figured out how to get milk into baby's tummy. Congratulations!. Now, you have another hurdle to face, social stigma. We have all heard of nursing mothers being kicked out of various venues for feeding their babies. While women face a greater host of protection than ever, there is truth that breastfeeding still draws looks and comments. So what's a girl to do? First things first, remember all of the wonderful reasons for breastfeeding. Next, start working on practicing with nursing shirts, blankets, nursing covers, slings, or anything else that makes you comfortable. After all, if you are relaxed, lots of the noise around you will just disappear. Finally, remember you have nothing to be ashamed of. You were wonderfully made with the ability to feed your baby. Don't let someone else take that from you.

As though mothers lacked things to worry them, many mothers find themselves very concerned over whether their baby is getting enough milk. There are many things that can clue you in. These are wet diapers, a swallowing sound, even a change in your breast before and after feeding. Ultimately, there is a gold standard for determining if your baby is eating enough. Is your baby growing? If the answer is yes, insert your big sigh of relief. If the answer is no, talk to your pediatrician and possibly a lactation consultant. They will be in the best position to help you figure out why.

If you were working before you had your baby, then there is a decent chance you will be returning to work between 6-16 weeks, depending on your circumstances. This can bring up a multitude of other concerns. If you plan to continue breastfeeding past your maternity leave, start by talking to your employer. You will need to find out where you should pump, keep your breast milk, and so on. You should also consider buying or renting a quality double pump. Unless you work very few hours and have a super milk supply a single electric or a hand pump are likely to leave you short on your production. Finally, You should start using that pump 1-2 times a day when your milk comes in to help you build up your freezer stash. This will help you relax when you return, because you will know that your baby has plenty of food available.

Let me know, what are your biggest concerns related to breast feeding? What were your biggest reasons for sticking with it? If you opted out of it, what were your biggest reasons for choosing the bottle? I'd love to hear from you!