I am a Family Physician at a large academic institution. My practice is largely made up of moms, through their many different phases of life, and their babies. Everyday I see expectant mothers. I have now made it a point during pregnancy to always discuss nursing. I often recommend taking a breastfeeding class before baby arrives in order to help better prepare. And I always alert expectant moms that many women find nursing more difficult than the actual labor and delivery! This is why I feel it’s important to share this information to help each breastfeeding mother …
This article is written by Dr. Stephanie Canale
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I often try to watch a breastfeeding mother feed during our first few visits. Taking time to make sure to acknowledge how difficult it is, and how wonderful they are doing. I too struggled myself, and sometimes a few cheers and helpful hints can go a long way.
It’s also important to me to offer nursing mothers a few tips that I have gathered over the years of practice, and that I have learned myself after having breast-fed two of my own.
10 things every breastfeeding mother should know
1. It is not easy:
Engorgement, mastitis and bleeding nipples are common.
2. There is more to nursing than breast milk.
At first it is tough, and it may feel like a chore. Many mothers report being anxious and do not enjoy nursing. The bond and enjoyment that comes from nursing may not be immediate. It is common for mothers to only start to enjoy nursing once their babies are 2-3 months old.
3. Pumping can be helpful
Especially for moms who want to see exactly how much milk their babies are getting, particularly if their child is underweight.
4. Be patient
What works for one women may not work for you. Be open to trying unconventional nursing positions for you and your baby ( e.g., straddle) and understand it may take time. Lactation consultants are widely available and many will do home visits.
5. Uneven milk production
Almost 75% of women produce more milk from one breast, and it is more commonly the right breast.
6. Pre and post natal vitamins
Many woman do not provide all of the nutrition that their baby needs alone. These vitamins help.
7. Vitamin D
All breastfed babies should be receiving a vitamin D supplement.
8. Eat a low FODMAP diet
This stands for: Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. Try this diet if your baby is fussy. Anything that can help with gas, fussiness, and irritability; and can potentially result in more sleep – is worth a try!
9. Burning calories
You can burn over 1000 calories a day by breastfeeding! Translation: this is not the time to go on a diet and cut calories!
10. Women need to stop judging women
Do whatever works for you and enjoy your baby! Whether it be bottle feeding, breastfeeding, pumping or nursing. Motherhood has enough challenges and let's eliminate the stress associated with feeding your baby 🙂
For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection
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Featured Contributor: Dr. Stephanie Canale, CEO of the Lactation Lab
The Lactation Lab was founded by Dr. Stephanie Canale, a physician and mother of two. This lab was born out of curiosity and guilt, and with a goal to reassure mothers and empower them to optimize their child’s nutrition.
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