It's World Breastfeeding Week, and I thought it might be nice to share a few things I love about our nursing relationship over the last 20 months (yes, we are still enjoying a little nursing cuddle every morning and bedtime!) and a few things that might help you if you are wanting to breastfeed your little one.
{things i love}
- the milk drunk newborn face and the sweet little noises they make as they nurse
- having the perfect antidote on hand for fussiness, owies or sleeplessness at all times
- the reminder to sit down or lay down and enjoy my little baby (or toddler) throughout the day and to just enjoy the moment.
- the cuddles, oh the cuddles! I think that is what I enjoy most at this point in our extended nursing relationship.
- knowing that the growth I see in my little guy was due to the milk I made especially for him.
{5 things to set you up for breastfeeding success}
- Read about these Booby Traps before your baby is born. This website has great information on avoiding common issues and setting yourself up for a wonderful nursing relationship, and lots of interviews with celebrity nursing moms too.
- go easy on yourself the first weeks. Try and rest as much as you can (easier said than done...I know!), spend lots of time skin to skin with your new bundle and nurse on demand to establish your milk supply. You are both learning something new and it took us a little while to figure it all out, but it was so worth it.
- find some support people in your community. A certified lactation consultant, a friend who has breastfed her babies (email me if you need someone!), or a La Leche League meeting in your area to help you through the hiccups you might have along the way. Online support is great too. We loved the KellyMom community.
- Read Dr. Jack Newman's website and book for the most in-depth information out there from the a wonderful (& Canadian!) breastfeeding doctor.
- Get a great nursing tank. I love this one from Canadian based Bravado Designs. I wore it all the time in the early days under everything I wore for easy access at all times. Get some good nipple cream for the first few weeks. I would highly recommend having Earth Mama Angel Baby (available at Well.ca) or Dr. Jack Newman's All Purpose Nipple Ointment (by prescription from your doctor) on hand.
Do you have any breastfeeding tips to share?
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