August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. It is a personal choice many women make. Before having children and throughout my pregnancy I didn’t think much about it. I have friends with children and we never discussed it. After deciding to exclusively breastfeed, I wondered why was it still such a taboo topic.
There are so many benefits of breastfeeding. Breast milk provides great nutrition for babies, contains important antibodies, it may reduce the risk of disease, it helps the uterus contract, lessens the risk of SIDS and helps moms lose weight! The rate of breastfeeding is as low as 30% in some groups of women. Some moms do not have the support, time, or patience for breastfeeding. Some women are unable to breastfeed. There are also instances women are not informed of the practice of breastfeeding and formula is the only option presented. From personal experience, breastfeeding helped me bond with my little ones and helped me shed pounds after both boys.
Breastfeeding can be challenging, but for me, it was worth it. With such a great experience with breastfeeding, I want to share some tips that helped make breastfeeding easier.
- Be Patient: It can be frustrating starting and seeing only a few ounces of breast milk produced. This can cause moms to quit, but it is common for a low amount of breastmilk to be produced at first. The low amount is all a new baby needs because a newborn’s stomach starts as the size of a cherry. Be patient as your milk supply will increase slowly but surely.
- Stay Hydrated: With juggling so much with a little one, moms can forget to eat and drink! Breastfeeding can cause one to be thirstier than normal because of the increased amount of the hormone oxytocin. Staying hydrated can help increase your milk supply and help with your energy as nursing can be draining. Have a water bottle nearby and in your diaper bag can make staying hydrated easier.
- Keep a Balanced Diet: Having a balanced diet with protein and plenty of greens can help provide the nutrition you and your baby need and help maintain mom’s energy.
- Increase Milk Supply: Certain foods can help increase milk supply. Oatmeal, spinach and Brewer’s Yeast are some ingredients that can assist with increasing milk supply drastically.
- Ask for Assistance: Enlist the help of your partner or family members. Don’t be shy to request a cup of water, extra blankets or pillows. Breastfeeding doesn’t have to be a moment of isolation.
- Get Comfortable: Breastfeeding doesn’t have to be awkward or painful. Grab plenty of pillows, nursing cream, a nursing pillow, diffuser and play music.
- Empower Yourself: The moment moms decide to breastfeed it seems like everyone has their opinion. Breastfeeding is a personal choice. Stay confident in your decision. The time, place and length of breastfeeding you choose is no one’s business.
Breastfeeding is a personal choice. The hope is this post will help provide tips that may be helpful to nursing moms and moms who may struggle with breastfeeding. Whatever you do, we know that fed is best! Good luck mamas!
