Breastfeeding can come with a learning curve for new mothers and their infants. Many overwhelmed mothers give up on nursing without proper support and preparation. To help new moms get ready to nurse – and have success – Debbie Hutchison, RN, IBCLC, a Registered Nurse Lactation Consultant at St. Elizabeth offers some advice and support.
1. Educate Yourself
Debbie suggests pregnant women take advantage of local breastfeeding classes taught by certified lactation consultants (IBCLC). St. Elizabeth offers a free online breastfeeding class as part of its childbirth class. The class is convenient and gives you the chance to ask questions and address concerns on a variety of lactation issues.
In addition, take advantage of reliable online resources, such as La Leche League and the Infant Risk Center.
2. Get Support
“Before the baby is born, share your desire to breastfeed with family and friends, especially the ones who have enjoyed breastfeeding or were successfully breastfed themselves,” recommends Debbie.
This builds an established network of supporters that can share tips that worked for them and encourage you along the way. Be aware of differences in culture and changes in parenting philosophy from generation to generation.
3. Go One Day at a Time
“Set simple breastfeeding goals, such as giving colostrum for your baby’s immune system, or breastfeeding until your baby goes to daycare,” Debbie advises. “Short-term goals often lead to long-term success and bonding that lasts a lifetime.”
It is important to remember that any amount of breastfeeding will be life-changing for you and your baby and can offer unmatched health benefits. Remember these helpful tips for your breastfeeding sessions:
- Utilize a small table beside your favorite chair to help hold your phone, remote, water or your favorite book. This way when your baby gives you feeding cues, you can quickly get settled.
- Remember that babies often latch easily when they are just waking up.
- Babies typically need changed after a feed, so an easy way to track feeds is by laying out 10 diapers at the beginning of the day. In the evening you can recall the diaper count without having to have kept count on paper or your phone.
4. Take Care of Yourself
It may take a few weeks for you to find your groove. Make sure that you are taking care of yourself during this time frame. Here are a few self-care goals to keep in mind:
- Sleeping when your baby sleeps.
- Eating when you are hungry.
- Taking a prenatal or multi-vitamin.
- Staying well hydrated. (Always keep a cup of water close by.)
Remember that while a healthy diet is important for general health, you do not need to cater to a specific diet for breastfeeding. “Your body will make the perfect breastmilk even if you do not have the best diet,” says Debbie.
5. Rely on Your Lactation Consultant
While lactation consultants teach breastfeeding classes and provide education in the hospitals, clinics and private practices, their job extends even beyond that to provide further support.
“At St. Elizabeth, we spend time with mothers to help teach them how to be successful. Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to call the lactation consultant with questions, helping with latch and breastfeeding observations,” explains Debbie. St. Elizabeth Lactation Outpatient Services include free infant weight checks daily between 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. including weekends and holidays. We offer free breastfeeding consultations on the phone and in person by appointment to those who deliver at St. Elizabeth and those who deliver elsewhere.
To learn more about breastfeeding or Maternity Care at St. Elizabeth, visit our website.
