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Things Every Breastfeeding Mother Should Know

This article is written by Dr. Stephanie Canale
For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection

I am a Family Physician at a large academic institution,. My practice is largely made up of moms, through their many different phases of life, and their babies.

Everyday I see expectant mothers. I have now made it a point during pregnancy to always discuss nursing. I often recommend taking a breastfeeding class before baby arrives in order to help better prepare. And I always alert expectant moms that many women find nursing more difficult than the actual labor and delivery!

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For moms that are nursing, I often try to watch them feed during our first few visits. I make sure to acknowledge how difficult it is, and how wonderful they are doing. I too struggled myself, and sometimes a few cheers and helpful hints can go a long way.

I also like to offer nursing mothers a few tips that I have gathered over the years of practice, and that I have learned myself after having breast-fed two of my own.

 

Below are 10 things every breastfeeding mother should know:

 

1.  It is not easy: engorgement, mastitis and bleeding nipples are common.

2.  There is more to nursing than breast milk. At first it is tough, and it may feel like a chore. Many mothers report being anxious and do not enjoy nursing. The bond and enjoyment that comes from nursing may not be immediate. It is common for mothers to only start to enjoy nursing once their babies are 2-3 months old.

3.  Pumping can be helpful for moms who want to see exactly how much milk their babies are getting, particularly if their child is underweight.

4.  Be patient.  What works for one women may not work for you. Be open to trying unconventional nursing positions for you and your baby ( e.g., straddle) and understand it may take time. Lactation consultants are widely available and many will do home visits.

5.  Almost 75% of women produce more milk from one breast and it is more commonly the right breast

6.  Pre and post natal vitamins many not provide all of the nutrition your baby needs.

7.  All breastfed babies should be receiving a vitamin D supplement

8.  Eat a low FODMAP (Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols) diet if your baby is fussy. Anything that can help with gas, fussiness and irritability; and can potentially result in more sleep – is worth a try!

9.  You can burn over 1000 calories a day by breastfeeding! Translation: this is not the time to go on a diet and cut calories!

10.  Women need to stop judging women: Do whatever works for you and enjoy your baby! Whether it be bottle feeding, breastfeeding, pumping or nursing. Motherhood has enough challenges and let’s eliminate the stress associated with feeding your baby 🙂

For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection

Featured Contributor: Dr. Stephanie Canale, CEO of the Lactation Lab

The Lactation Lab was founded by Dr. Stephanie Canale, a physician and mother of two. This lab was born out of curiosity and guilt, and with a goal to reassure mothers and empower them to optimize their child’s nutrition.

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