Breastfeeding with success
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| My third baby, with his chubby breastfed baby cheeks! |
I wanted to blog about this subject for two reasons- one, there’s a formula shortage, and supporting breastfeeding mamas is SO important right now. If you’re a formula feeding mom, I want you to know my heart is with you- I can’t imagine how terrified you feel and I’m so sorry.
Two, breastfeeding has so many incredible benefits and the number one reason people stop is because of lack of proper support.
I’ve exclusively breastfed all three of my boys for a minimum of 3 years each, and I’m still nursing my youngest. I have been breastfeeding for over 6 years solid! I am familiar with the struggle, the joy, the frustration and the triumph of breastfeeding.
How your breastfeeding journey goes may be dependent on your birth and immediate postpartum go, as well as the place in which you give birth. Be sure to be informed on your provider’s policies and practices on breastfeeding support, as well as the hospital/birth center practices. Have a plan for what you want to do, and prepare to advocate for yourself by hiring a doula who can verbalize your plan to the staff. Make sure you and your partner are on the same page!
The first six weeks of breastfeeding are often the hardest. Know that even though you may face struggled during this time, they can often be worked through with proper support and education! Don’t be discouraged by providers, friends or family who try to voice their opinions on how you are feeding your baby. Well meaning people may convince you that you’re not producing enough, or that your baby is using you as a pacifier, or that it’s really important that they get to bottle feed the baby- and the list goes on and on. Ultimately, this is your choice and is dependent on what is best for you.
I want to acknowledge that there are absolutely times that breastfeeding is not an option for families. Maybe you’re prone to getting plugged ducts and it’s painful for you. Maybe you’re going back to work and pumping is simply too much. Maybe your mental health is suffering because of the stress of breastfeeding. Any and all of those reasons, as well as any other reason you have, are 100% valid reasons to not breastfeed. Nursing is a very personal choice and it’s more than okay if you don’t want to.
For parents who do want to breastfeed, this blog is for you!
The biggest leg up you can give yourself in your breastfeeding journey is to educate yourself. Read the books, watch the videos, talk to veteran moms who nursed their babies.
Next step is surround yourself with people who will do everything they can to support your breastfeeding journey. Hire a birth doula who has had training in helping with that first latch after birth. Find a pediatrician who believes in the benefits of breastfeeding. Establish a relationship with a chiropractor, which can greatly help you and baby in your breastfeeding journey. Hire a postpartum doula to do all the things for you after the birth, so you can just focus on snuggling and nursing your baby.
If hiring a postpartum doula isn’t possible, consider hiring a virtual postpartum doula- it’s cheaper and they can still help with breastfeeding. They can also offer mental and emotional support if you are struggling, as well as offering local resources that can help. I am a virtual postpartum doula, and I can help you wherever you are in the world! You can check out the details and my rates here:
I’ve compiled some of my favorite books and resources for breastfeeding parents below. If you know of anyone planning to breastfeed or who needs support with breastfeeding, please share this blog post with them!
Books:
So that's what they're for! By Janet Tamaro
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International
Resources:
La Leche League
The Bradley Method of Childbirth (childbirth education that will support breastfeeding)
Kelly Mom
For Indianapolis moms, I recommend the following chiropractors and providers:
New Wave Chiropractic (Greenwood)
Sacred Spine Chiropractic (West side of Indy)
AlignLife Chiropractic (Fishers)
Magnificat (Family doctor/pediatrician)
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