Reduce your risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
Planning How You Will Feed Baby
Misconceptions Affect Many Of Us
Understanding YOUR WHY?
Exclusive breastfeeding promotes lifelong wellness for your infant, but it also pays benefits to you. A birthing person who breastfeeds their child reduces the statistical chances of developing certain cancers, high blood pressure, postpartum depression, and high cholesterol. I try to think about these proven benefits when I hear someone say, “breast is best.” However you choose to feed your baby is best for you, and not up for debate with anyone else. My clients are given fact-based information, which we can safely talk about many times, and then my role is to support the decision. That’s it.
Once the choice of how you’ll feed your newborn is made, put the effort in to be as educated as possible about it. My suggestion is always to take a breastfeeding class, research the ingredients in your formula of choice, print some helpful information for your kitchen regarding the safe handling of formula, bottles and pacifiers. Cost may also be a factor in your choice, Breastfeeding moms need supplies too! Helpful article for you on the Benefits of Breastfeeding
Preparing for Success
Breastfeeding is Normal
Choosing to breastfeed is still not the choice for the majority of in the US, despite its amazing benefits. The WHO has campaigned for exclusive breastfeeding around the world, realizing it could save newborn lives, decrease NICU stays, and improve maternal health.
As a country, we continue to advocate for mothers to have the support needed to breastfeed, pump or both, at home or the workplace. he research suggests that exclusive breastfeeding contributes to long-term health benefits for you. Even if breastfeeding is not something you can do for 6 months, do it for the first 6 days, maybe the first 6 weeks, or possibly longer. Check with your insurance company before your baby is born so you know what your in-network benefits are, who is eligible to provide them, and where to go if you need help once your bring your baby home.
Successful Breastfeeding Starts with Birth & the Golden Hour
Connection & Preparation
Put a high priority on keeping your baby skin-to-skin for the first hour, after vaginal or surgical birth, especially after c-section when baby has not picked up good bacteria associated with a vaginal birth. Remind your support person. that this is your plan, the process in a medical setting may interrupt the first hour “just to assess” or “just to weigh and measure.” Remember, assessments can typically done on you, and the more skin-to-skin you do without interruption protects your baby’s immune system while supporting milk production.
Once you are moved to Mother/Baby from L&D, ask for Lactation Support. If they do not provide timely response, considering asking your CLC or IBCLC to come see you. Keep those contacts on hand for when you get home.