Preparing to breastfeed

                                                                                         

In today's society, there are choices available to women and their families about how they will feed their baby. It is important that you make your choice before your baby is born so that you can start to gather your information early.

Why should I breastfeed?

It is undisputed that breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby.

Research is continually giving us evidence based knowledge on the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby, and any search on the Internet will give you a variety of resources to help you decide how you wish to feed your baby.


Some of the disadvantages of infant formula for
babies include:

• Reduces baby's resistance to infection as they do not receive their mother’s antibodies after birth through formula

• Increases the risk of baby suffering allergies

• Reduces optimal brain development (breastmilk is full of fatty acids that are not available in infant formula)

• Increases the risk of many other illnesses in your baby including ear infections, respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal upsets, urinary tract infections, inflammatory bowel disease, some childhood cancers (and many more).

• Is never readily available (breastmilk is always available at the right time, at the right temperature, and in the right amount. Many mothers have successfully breast-fed twins and triplets without having to give complimentary formula feeds)

There are so many more advantages to breastfeeding… do your own Internet search and see what other reasons you can find to give you the support to continue breastfeeding your baby.


Advantages of breastfeeding for mothers include:

• Can reduce the amount of bleeding after a baby is born as it helps the uterus to return to its pre-pregnant size much faster.
• The hormones associated with breastfeeding delay ovulation and therefore menstruation in most women. (see contraception)
• Convenience – always available- anytime, anywhere.
• Cost savings… it’s free!
• Breastfeeding can also be quite empowering for women as you watch your baby grow on nothing but what you have fed them!


What should I do before baby comes?


It makes such a big difference to see a baby breastfeeding before you learn to breastfeed. Contact your local breastfeeding association (eg) Australian Breastfeeding Association or La Leche League) and go to one of their informal meetings before your baby is born. Meeting other new mothers and learning about breastfeeding and early parenting experiences can be invaluable.

You do not need to physically prepare your breasts for breastfeeding, however it is a good idea to start to get used to handling them. In the couple of weeks before the end of your pregnancy, try to hand express off a drop or two of colostrum after a warm shower. Colostrum is full of anti-infective properties and his great to rub into your nipples. You don’t need any other creams or potions. You can even freeze some of the colostrum you collect for use later on!

The little ‘pimples’ that you may have noticed around your areola (Montgomery’s Tubercles) are responsible for secreting the natural oils that help to protect your nipples. It is also thought that they are responsible for taking the good and bad bacteria in your environment into your body, to enable your body to make antibodies against them. These antibodies flow through your milk to help protect your baby.

If you have noticed breast changes during your pregnancy then it is quite possible that you can breastfeed.

Armed with support from those around you, knowledge about how breastfeeding works, expert assistance, and knowing that breastfeeding is learned for both mother and baby, many women can breastfeed successfully.

About the author:
Leanne Cummins
midwife, childbirth educator, and IBCLC (lactation consultant)
Producer of 3 childbirth education DVDs to substitute or compliment your birth education classes
http://www.birthingsense.com

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com