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I told her he was at the dentist having oral surgery. She said, "Oh, so they're just gonna talk about it?" READ MORE
Health: Birth to 5
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The benefits of breastfeeding are frequently recited to expectant mothers. For your baby, breastfeeding has been linked to higher intelligence, less allergies and illness, and a healthier emotional attachment. You benefit too! Beside the fact that breastfeeding is the one thing only you can do, it will help you get back into shape faster by burning more calories and prompting your uterus to contract, which results in a slimmer you with a flatter tummy! But if it’s going to work for everyone involved – baby, mom, and the family – you’ve got to start with a mindset for success. Learned skill First, realize that it will take time – maybe a month – for you and your baby to learn the art of breastfeeding. There are lucky moms whose babies latch right on and milk starts flowing. But for most moms and babies, it’s a matter of trial, error and practice! Although breastfeeding is “natural,” it isn’t instinctive. Babies know how to breathe and how to suck; but latching on, sucking, swallowing and breathing all together is something they must learn. It’s temporary Yes, breastfeeding is time-consuming, especially at first. But the second thing to remember is that it lasts only for a short period in your life, while the benefits to your baby are lifelong. How long you breastfeed is up to you. At least six months of breastfeeding is ideal. But, if you breastfeed your baby for any length of time – two months, three months – you have given them an incredible gift of a strong start to their physical, mental, and emotional health. And you can still nurse if you have to go back to work. Nurse in the morning before work; express your milk during the day or have your caregiver use formula; nurse again in the evening. Support required Some moms try breastfeeding and don’t succeed. “It’s too hard.” “I’m not sure my baby’s getting enough milk.” “It’s stressful instead of bonding.” If these thoughts are playing in your head, then you don’t have the support you need. From how-to classes to support groups to individual counseling, there are many agencies and people who want to help you succeed. Ask about classes at your hospital, or call the Orange County Breastfeeding Coalition for resources in your community. For the record Your breasts: Contrary to popular belief, breastfeeding does not affect the shape of your breasts. Aging and pregnancy do. You can’t avoid getting older and once you decide to become pregnant, your breasts will change as fatty tissue increases and milk ducts are activated (whether or not you breastfeed). Implants: Many mothers with breast implants can breastfeed. If the implant is placed beneath the chest muscle, there’s a good chance you can nurse. If the implants are placed above the chest muscle, then more of the milk ducts were likely cut during surgery and nursing may not be an option. Check with your doctor before ruling out breastfeeding because of implants. Enough milk? With super-absorbent disposable diapers, it’s hard to judge how much your baby has wet his diaper. Feel the diaper. If it’s at all damp, count it as a wet one. If your baby has six to eight wet diapers in 24 hours, relax, your baby is getting enough milk. This article was supplied by the Children and Families Commission of Orange County. For more information, visit occhildrenandfamilies.com . |
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