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Get a pdf copy of this book instantly for $1 and make as many copies as you wish! |Ch.1 |Ch.2 |Ch.3 |Ch.4 |Ch.5 |Ch.6 |Ch.7| BE PREPARED Chapter 3 Okay, if you are now on chapter 3, you have now made the decision to go for it! The first thing you can do to prepare for breastfeeding is get good prenatal care. Everything and anything your doctor and common sense tell you, do it! A healthy pregnancy will lead to healthy breastfeeding. This will include, but not be limited to, a good diet, exercise, sleep, and prenatal vitamins. The healthier your pregnancy is, the better your breastfeeding will be. Simple, isn't it? A touchy subject is of course recreational drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. The rule for these is simple, “None”. Don't do them. This is the best advice. However, some of you need a drink (?) now and then. Talk to your doctor, as to what, when, and how much is not a problem. An occasional drink taken soon after breastfeeding is fine. Or wait at least two hours after a small drink before breastfeeding. But the standard you should set is: NONE! Cigarettes, if a woman absolutely can’t stop smoking it is better to breastfeed than not too. Cut down in your smoking, seek help if possible. Smoke at least two hours before breastfeeding. Illicit drugs are totally out of the question. I have seen many women do these things, give birth, and wonder why their babies have problems. Breastfeeding for drug users is not even suggested. In fact, one woman locally was arrested for doing drugs, then breastfeeding! That's considered child abuse! If the life of your child is not a reason to get you to quit, YOU NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP! I know that is harsh. But breastfeeding is all about doing what is best for your baby. You must make that commitment! I also assume that if you have read this far, chances are you are not in the above category. Find out about local classes on breastfeeding. Hospitals are the first option. These classes are a wealth of information. Plus, they give you the opportunity to talk to a live person about any of your questions or concerns. Ask your doctor if they know any local resources for expectant mothers. Most breastfeeding and childbirth classes given by hospitals are low cost. Chapter 7 is a list of resources. Can you meet other women who are breastfeeding? They can be a wealth of information and support! But take what they say as advice. That is, what they say may or not work for you. But in the history of the world, successful breastfeeding mothers are pretty good experts! Get a baby doll that is life-size. Practice holding it. Find comfortable positions. Yes it will be different with a live baby, but the sooner you get a "feel," the better. Think about a comfortable, quiet place in your home that you can use for breastfeeding. A place that is calmer and quiet is better. Breastfeeding for a crowd is not conducive to good milk production. Get a comfortable chair. They even make foot stools and pillows especially for breastfeeding. There are also many CDs available with "breastfeeding" mood music. Contrary to what some believe, a quiet and comfortable place will increase milk production. It is possible to breastfeed anywhere, but most often a quiet and calm place is best! You may look into options on buying a breastfeeding bra. Buy one or two at the end of your pregnancy. Wait a few days after delivery to buy several more. Why? Because your breasts will probably get bigger as your milk comes in. The bra can have under-wire or not, the important thing is that it needs to be the right size, comfortable, and offer good support. You need to use a clean bra daily; the band around your body needs to sit over your ribs not your breast. Look into buying items you probably will need when you start breastfeeding, such as pure lanolin nipple cream. Sore nipples are a common occurrence for inexperienced breast-feeders. Other items will be discussed at your breastfeeding class. Another reason to go to one! Breast pumps? Be aware of the options, but don't buy one yet. Wait until after giving birth. You will then have a better idea as to which one you need. Try to avoid any nipple stimulation. Preterm labor can occur. Having said this, you must get to know your breasts. What kind of nipples do you have? Are they long, inverted or do they retract when you do the pinch test? Keep in mind that if for any reason you can’t get baby to latch you need to ask for assistance. Obviously you will need to wait and see how your baby handles your nipples, but the sooner you are aware of potential problems the better. It is important for you to have a lactation expert available that can fully explain all solutions. I know this chapter is on preparation, but you should be aware that a common problem is the baby not latching properly. Knowing how and when to get personal help is a must! But I work! How can I breastfeed? Good question, but not a problem! Many breastfeeding women work. Many buildings have rooms exclusively for breastfeeding. Just ask! If they don't, look around. Find quiet places that you may be able to use. Talk to other women at your in your job place who breastfeed. By law, as far as I know, your employer must give you the opportunity to breastfeed. But my baby is at home or daycare while I will be working! Again, there is no problem. Instead of breastfeeding, you will be breast pumping! Use the same location to pump as breastfeed. The milk you pump will be given while you are away. Remember the title of this website: Breast Milk Is Best! Get organized! Get your home and family as prepared as possible before you bring the baby home! The first week you are home with your baby is the most hectic week. The better prepared you are for the baby; the better you will be at breastfeeding! Recruit friends, close family members, and other relatives to commit to help you and support you in breastfeeding! Let them know you are committed to breastfeeding. Many of your relatives may be eager to help you by bottle-feeding the baby for you! Many moms start giving baby a bottle too soon with the excuse of letting dad feed the baby. Fight the urge! There will be plenty of time later on for dad to feed the baby. The bottom line is to become aware of problems, solutions, and to learn all you can BEFORE you start breastfeeding! That's called being prepared! Click for chapter 4 Copyright 2007 by Martha Loredo. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reprinted without written permission from the author. You can purchase a pdf copy of this book for only $1.00. You can make as many copies as you like! Click here to pay $1 and get the book instantly! |
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*Disclaimer: Nothing on this website is considered to be medical advice. It is only a guide. Please see your doctor regarding any information you read. *The informaiton on this website is not diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. *Any information you read on this website is not a substitute for your doctor's advice. *Only your doctor can decide what are the best measures for you to take. |
| © 2005-2007 by Martha Loredo |