Reduce your risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
Breastfeeding for Future Health!
Human Milk for Human Babies
Evidence-Based Information & Emotional Sensitivity
The topic of feeding baby is a hot one, so it calls birth workers to understand what is involved with making such a personal choice. As a doula, I advocate for exclusive breastfeeding based on the benefits it offers mother and baby over decades, some would argue generations. Anyone who advocates for exclusive breastfeeding should be willing to support new mothers as they learn how to successfully feed this way, and to educate on choices that impact milk supply. A plan to breastfeed should include a variety of options, depending on how birth, recovery, and support unfold.
Breastfeeding your baby, will statistically reduce the likelihood of postpartum mood disorders (PPMD’s), many reproductive cancers, the likelihood you will develop hyperlipidemia, obesity, and Type 2 Diabetes. The bacteria that your milk contains populates your baby’s gut, some of the strains remaining with them for life. The statement that breast is best, is not a judgement on parenting choices. Rather, the statement is rooted in the proven health benefits for women and babies. Ask what your insurance covers for breastfeeding support, and connect with someone in your plan before baby arrives. Likewise, choose a pediatrician who has a CLC on staff to support you during your baby’s regular well-check appointments.
Keep in mind that the frequency and practice required in the first few weeks is short-lived. Breastfeeding a newborn is not the same as breastfeeding a baby who has transitioned to solids, as much as it does not look the same at age 2 or 3. Judgements from people outside of your home are typically uneducated about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, so surround yourself with people who help, encourage or both. Do not let a negative message deter you from offering your child and your family a longer, healthier life.
When I speak with clients about the topic of feeding the baby, they often share the sentiment of wanting to breastfeed, but if it does not work, that is okay. As the doula, I share that there is plenty of information and research today that illustrates the importance of making certain choices BEFORE baby arrives to increase your success in breastfeeding. In order to improve the likelihood that breastfeeding will work, you should make a plan as carefully as you make a registry, choose a pediatrician, or find a preschool.
As with any other choice in birth, making a choice after you know the options is empowering and reduces the guilt, doubt or ambivalence most parents impose on themselves. Feeding your baby is big decision, it deserves your attention. Ask for the evidence and consider what works for you, when it’s best for you, you have accomplished a an important milestone!
Preparing Yourself Prenatally for Breastfeeding Success in Postpartum
I Plan to Try is Not a Plan...
Preparing to breastfeed looks different for everyone, but preparation with intention and a goal will more likely bring you success.
Success being defined as having resources lined-up to help in the early weeks, understanding typical newborn feeding behavior, and engaging family/spousal support in achieving your feeding goals. Many of my clients realize that their mother, partner or spouse have no personal experience breastfeeding, or even being around anyone who has. Part of that preparation is educating the people around you. Most simply, you should start talking with others about wanting this for your baby and yourself, so you can benefit from the health rewards it will bring you as you age.
Some women learn breastfeeding skills in a formal setting, others rely on feedback from friends or social groups. Many new moms work with a birth or postpartum doula, who explains how a successful breastfeeding relationship can be directly and positively impacted by the choices made at birth. If you understand how some choices made in labor, or even prenatally, can affect how or when your milk comes in, you will be better prepared to handle the next steps.
A c-section delivery can delay milk transition from colostrum by a day, but you will have colostrum. Bottle manufactures promote the standard 4, 6 or 8 ounce bottles prominently in stores and in advertising. Formula manufacturers provide 2 ounce bottles in hospital nurseries because newborns typically take 1 ounce, often less, in the first hours after birth. Colostrum, the first milk, is a thick, gold immune building food for newborns in the first days. You may see colostrum in the weeks before you even have your baby. The collection vessel for colostrum is very small- not even an ounce capacity. When baby’s stomach is the size of a cherry, your body will make enough milk to fill that space. Adjust your thinking to the baby, not the vessels. Remember that your baby is being nourished by amniotic fluid until shortly before being born.
Prepare the postpartum support network, especially when breastfeeding. Newborns need to be close to their mothers, and feeding cues are easier to see if that is the set-up. Knowing you will be tired, ask for help from family and friends, hire a postpartum doula or night nurse who can bring you baby for a feed and let you go back to sleep as they handle other tasks like burping, swaddling, and rocking.
Prepare your space, your mind, and your relationship for exclusive breastfeeding. Doing so for even a few weeks will improve your mental health, your cholesterol and sugar levels, and even bone density.
Processing Negative Feelings around Breastfeeding
Identifying the Root of Negative Associations & When To Involve Extra Support
Misconceptions develop in a variety of ways; often including incorrect explanation (interpretation of that explanation), personal experience & cultural beliefs, as well as making sense of things we do not understand. So, we all have them!
Negative feelings associated with breastfeeding that originate from common cultural beliefs can be updated by engaging with other mothers who have chosen the method of feeding. The more we see breastfeeding in public, with other family members or friends, the easier it is to normalize it. If negative feelings arise because of trauma or abuse, there are professionals who can support the processing, exploration or understanding of one’s feelings. Either way, you deserve to express and explore your options that make the most sense to you.
The Golden Hour & Breastfeeding
The American Academy of Pediatrics holds a position on The Golden Hour, the period of transition when the newborn baby is adapting to life outside immediately following birth, should be respected when a baby is born healthy, full-term and not in need of immediate intervention. The recommendation that providers delay standard interventions until after the first breastfeed, increases skin-to-skin time, when hormones and bonding should take priority over measurements and assessments that are typically done away from the mother.
Similarly, delayed cord clamping immediately results in increased blood stores for your baby, a reduction in risks for preterm infants. This choice may not work if you are considering stem cell collection and storage, so talk about it with your provider.
Whether you have a vaginal or surgical birth, you can insist that your healthy baby be given skin-to-skin right away. Since you can have your partner present with either birth, these initial moments of bonding offer your newborn comfort, and your family some invaluable bonding time.
We know that the more time we spend keeping babies with their mothers, breastfeeding success is more likely. Once you are transferred, be persistent in asking for lactation support and continue to do that during your stay.