August

Preparing To Breastfeed Part 4

Posted In: breastfeeding by Infant Care

Read The Previous Part First:

Preparing To Breastfeed Part 1
Preparing To Breastfeed Part 2
Preparing To Breastfeed Part 3

Unless you’re regularly expressing milk, there are no bottles and nipples to wash. Outings are simple, with much less to carry along. Night feedings take place more efficiently, no need to run down to the kitchen and warm a bottle. If you sleep with the baby, all you have to do is roll over (and probably go right back to dreamland). When I was expecting my daughter, I thought I was ready to breastfeed. I didn’t take the class that my obstetrics practice offered – I thought, how hard could it be?

I had formula samples ready just in case, but I was sure I wouldn’t use them. I only found out after the fact that they were inverted, and that explained her latch problems. When she was three days old, we took her to the hospital because she was dehydrated. After that, I had a lot of experience with breast pumps because that was the only way I’d get my milk into her, but I soon abandoned the small electric pump in favor of formula.

My son, on the other hand, benefited from my preparation. I wore breast shells, had a support pillow, a “baby friendly” birth plan, nursing bras, lanolin cream, and a can-do attitude. He recently weaned from the breast at age two and a half. You’ve read the literature, and you know that breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. Do a bit of advance planning, and invest in the accessories that will contribute to your success.

Before the birth, talk to your caregiver and investigate any resources or classes that will help you learn more about breastfeeding. Make sure your breasts are ready, because they have a big job ahead of them. Finally, have confidence. You can do it. Get rid of those formula samples. You’ll be so glad, in the months and even years to come, that you prepared for the beautiful experience of breastfeeding your baby.

Tag:Breastfeed|<Breastfeeding