Are You Ready to Breastfeed?
By now, you are impatiently waiting for your beautiful new baby to arrive. You have the nursery set up and have researched and bought the best choice of carrier, car seat and stroller. The clothes are washed and in the drawer, and the diapers bought―checklist complete. Childbirth classes are finished and you’ve read all of your baby books. Even your bag is packed for the hospital or birthing center. All ready to go.
Did you remember to take your breastfeeding class? “Oh”, you might say,” isn’t breastfeeding natural”? “Why take a class”? Because breastfeeding is a learned art. Many years ago, there was no such thing as a “lactation consultant”. We had our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, friends and cousins close by, and some wise soul always knew the right thing to do. Now, with many of us working outside of the home, and families not nearby, suddenly, we are trying to figure out how to make this nursing business work for us.
There are a few simple things you can aim for to help make breastfeeding a success from the start- some of these are things we can plan for, some are unpredictable:
- First, be educated about childbirth, write a birth plan and give a copy to the hospital, your doctor, and keep a copy in your bag. This is your “ideal” plan, but be prepared for other options―surprises do happen. If you want your baby to be breastfed only, put it in your plan.
- A wonderful support person can be your biggest ally during all the busy-ness of birthing. He or she can make sure your plans are followed, as closely as possible.
- Place baby on your chest to rest immediately following delivery. This is so important for bonding and imprinting to occur with mom and baby. It helps both of them to get “hard-wired” to each other. If you can’t be together immediately, don’t worry― you haven’t lost the opportunity to breastfeed. As an IBCLC, I have helped many women get off to a later start and be successful. Be flexible.
- Allow the baby to relax and rest, then wait for the rooting reflex to kick in. Baby will start licking, rubbing his face and cheek on your skin, then will squirm down toward your breast and nipple, and finally latch on and suck. This process can take up to 1 hour after birth.
- Allow baby to stay with you skin-to-skin as much as possible. This will help your little one to adapt to their new world outside the womb. And this helps mommy’s milk to come in sooner. The tactile touch of skin-to-skin, the smell of milk and mommy, your heartbeat and warmth will help to ease your beautiful new baby gently into the world.
Breastfeeding is such a special event. Sometimes getting started is easy, sometimes not so much. But the good news is that you don’t have to do it all by yourself. There are many resources available to nursing mothers in the community. Different certifications mean that the person can do different things.
Why a Board Certified Lactation Consultant?
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is considered the gold standard for Lactation consultant certification.
The term “Lactation Consultant” refers to anyone who is working in the field of Lactation, either as a volunteer or a professional, but only the letters IBCLC after an individual’s name identifies that person with a recognized standard of independently measured competency in Lactation. IBCLC’s are the only Lactation Consultants recognized by national and international Lactation professional bodies.
When Do You Call The Lactation Consultant??
Below are just a few of the reasons ...there are many more...
- First of all: always follow your instincts! If it feels like a concern for you, it usually has a basis.
- Pain is a great indicator. It should NOT hurt to nurse―not even in the beginning! Bleeding and cracking is NOT typical.
- Premature babies usually need a hand (so do their parents!)
- Parents of multiples
- Engorgement (that rock solid feeling) that is painful, and you cannot empty the breast with baby or pump. Call sooner rather than later to avoid mastitis (breast infection).
- Low or slow weight gain
- If your baby seems unhappy at the breast or won't nurse. Also, if your baby just falls asleep at the breast.
- If you need guidance to help you manage and increase your milk supply and/or you have baby questions related to feeding and his/her/your well-being.
- If you feel unsure if feeding is going well, and need further information and/or instruction...or just someone to check in with for reassurance.
- If you need assistance learning to pump, what is the right way to do it? There are many typical mistakes that can make pumping uncomfortable. Have your consultant show you an easier way.
Remember, you and your baby will learn breastfeeding together. Relax and listen to your heart―you will never go wrong. Happy Nursing!
