BREASTFEEDING TIPS

Tips from Bitz4kidz

PREPARE IN ADVANCE

Treat breastfeeding like planning a wedding, or even interviewing for a job. Take a class, join a group, interview or research lactation consultants. Make sure you involve your partner as well, the more they are involved and understand, the more support they can offer you. Also if you are working and still breastfeeding, then discuss options and issues with your employer. Make them aware that better breastfeeding options means less sick days and so therefor, more productivity and increased morale! The benefits of breastfeeding last a lifetime.

Photography by Larry Bercow

GET INSPIRED

Talk to friends or relatives that have enjoyed breastfeeding or even celebrity mums! They can give you tips on handling problems and resolutions. Maybe you can watch a friend breastfeed and ask questions. Better breastfeeding means less bottles to wash, less visits to the doctor. Keep telling yourself that you can do it and enjoy the mummy and baby bonding time.

HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

Aim for a good latch within an hour of birth and get the nurse to help you; pain is not okay! Your baby is programmed to go straight from birth to the breast, both for comfort and colostrum – so weighing, tests, and relatives can wait. Snuggle up: skin-to-skin contact boosts your supply and cues baby to latch well. Demand pasteurized, screened donor milk if a supplement is medically required.

GET IN THE GROOVE

Remember, the first few days and weeks are a learning curve, but like riding a bike, you’ll get the hang of it soon. Keep phone numbers of your support group and top lactation consultants handy, and get help immediately if you have any pain. Ask friends and family to bring a meal or watch the baby while you nap, set small, manageable goals and acknowledge yourself.

Best for Babes
is giving breastfeeding
a makeover and beating
the “booby traps”
- the barriers that keep mums from reaching their personal breastfeeding goals.

For the Ultimate Breastfeeding Preparation Checklist
and more information visit:
bestforbabes.org