Tips 1-5
1. Learn as much as you can when you’re pregnant:
Options include breastfeeding preparation classes, DVD, books and blogs. However you prefer to learn it is much easier to grasp the basics of things like milk production and how to avoid common problems before you have your baby. Afterwards it’s normal to feel emotional as your body adjusts to no longer being pregnant, and knowing the basics can help you feel confident. Dads/partners can be brilliant at remembering the hands on practical details and you can also explore ways they can bond and support breastfeeding.
2. Choose your source of information carefully:
Unlike many areas of parenting which are really about differing opinions, breast milk production is a sound scientific model with decades of research behind it. In the UK both breastfeeding counsellors (trained and registered with an official organisation) and lactation consultants carrying the letters IBCLC after their name, have completed training to support breastfeeding,
Read the rest of PART ONE on The BabyShow Blog Here
Tips 6-10
6. Understand normal newborn feeding:
Newborn infants need to feed a minimum of 8-12 times per day. Work this out and it’s every two hours day and night! Often babies begin cluster feeding and taking frequent feeds over a spell of several hours – most often between the hours of around 7-11pm.
This is because after a feed baby has a high level of CCK (a nifty hormone that relaxes baby and helps him sleep), which also tells him he’s full; the level drops and baby feeds again. Baby may go through this loop several times before dropping into a longer sleep, with a full tummy to last.
Gradually your baby begins spacing feeds further apart and if you follow their cues, develops a natural routine.
7. Understand that breastfeeding isn’t just about food and calories:
Breastfeeding is recognised as pain relieving and breastmilk changes throughout the day to include sleep inducing properties at night. It is a live substance like blood, and in fact in the early days contains more antibodies than blood! It contains a protein which has been identified to be lethal to over 40 types of cancer, hormones, stem cells and so much more. It not only protects against infection, but enters the infant’s system to help fight problems and “teacher cells” that help direct the infant’s immune system whilst it is immature. It is your baby’s first “vaccination” and the most nutritionally complete food they will ever consume…
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