I have a lot to say about breastfeeding and given my remedial typing skills, I’ll only say a few words today and beef this post up later. I’m a much better talker then typist so please extend grace, my friends!
I know firsthand of many of the challenges that families face when choosing to breastfeed and the heartbreak that can happen when, for whatever reason, it doesn’t happen. Moms ask all the time… ” What if I don’t make enough milk?” “My breasts don’t seem big enough to hold enough milk for a baby” How will I know my baby is getting anough milk?” “I was a formula fed baby and I turned out ok…isn’t formula just as good as breastmilk?” “How will I breastfeed in public?” “What if it hurts?” Have you found yourself asking these questions? I know I did when I was pregnant with my first. Those and many more swam around in my brain as I anxiously awaited the birth fo my daughter, Emma.
In the spirit of empowering birthing families to search out and research information that is critical to their parenting journeys, I will resist the urge to simply insert my own answers to the above questions. Here’s an opportunity to be an advocate for your own and your baby’s care. I would encourage you to take some time to pray and examine your own beliefs about breastfeeding. What are those beliefs? Where did they come from? Are you holding them tightly or loosely? Also, spend some time talking with your partner about breastfeeding. Are you on the same page? How committed are each of you to breastfeeding your baby or babies? How much support can you expect at home? Do you have an extended network of support? Where are you willing to reach out if you need help? I know, I know…it’s a lot of questions but I promise that your exploration will not be in vain. Being openly communicative with the Lord, yourself and your partner is key to your success.
Most hospitals have lactation consultants on staff and if you are choosing to birth at a hospital, I would encourage you to meet with someone before your baby’s arrival, then again during your stay. They are masters at all things breastfeeding and have extensive training and education in the field. Your nurses are also good resources and usually very committed to getting you and baby off to a good start. The doula who attends your birth with you will also provide valuable tips and help, especially during that all important first feeding. Midwives, at either hospital, birth center or home births, can offer tremendous support long before the birth and after. Trust me, they are gold mines! Finally, please, take a breastfeeding class, read a few books, etc.. before baby comes. Our 5 week series or 2 day weekend class includes basic breastfeeding information and covers topics such as the first hour, proper latch, positions, etc..
It seems like there’s a lot to this breastfeeding thing, right? Sometimes, it is as easy as easy can be. Here’s a breast, here’s a baby…Voila! Success! But sometimes (most of the time) there’s a little more of a learning curve then that. Sometimes, a big learning curve. If you remember one thing from this post, let it be the following…If it seems hard at first, it doesn’t mean you’re a breastfeeding failure! And on the other end of the spectrum, if you are unable or unwilling to breastfeed, for whatever reason, you are not a failure of a mother! Did you hear that? It’s true. Remember that.
By choosing to breastfeed, you are giving your baby the best possible start in life. I don’t need to quote research studies here. You can look them up if you want. It can be a challenge, but it is 100% worth it. There are some great resources out there to put in your toolbox. The Nursing Woman’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins is wonderful. Check out, too, the new Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding. I haven’t read it yet, but her other stuff is great so I’m guessing this is too. Kellymom is a great website to start you off. Be sure to do research about local support groups at La Leche League. For specific help when you are having breastfeeding trouble go to Low Milk Supply for great resources.Don’t forget our Starting Your Birth Journey intro class where we’ll be touching on breastfeeding and have some handouts and other resources available to you.
Terri and I are excited to come along side you! You can breastfeed your baby and he/she will thank you for it. Blessings on your journey.
