Breastfeeding is a journey… Like all journeys in life there are twists and turns and forks in the road. I would encourage you to consider, Why do you want to breastfeed? Do you want to breastfeed or do you feel pressured to breastfeed by others? Are you a stay at home mom? Will you be returning to work? All of these are considerations that can affect your journey.
I am sure you have heard the phrase Breast is Best, it is true. Breast milk is designed specifically for your infant. When given directly from the breast the exchange of milk to your baby and saliva from your baby triggers your body to modify your milk specifically for your baby. You produce the composition of milk your infant needs along with antibodies to illnesses.
So in general if you want to feed your baby human breast milk the process of latching and nursing your baby directly from the breast is best for your baby.
There are times that feeding directly from your breast is not possible or advised.
Infant is separated from mom, examples unstable mom, infant in NICU,
Infections like HIV or T-cell viruses, Using Illegal drugs, chemo, HSV on the breast, shingles on the breast, untreated chicken pox, active TB
There are times moms choose to use a bottle. One examples is returning to work.
Many people are concerned they are not producing enough milk. How can you know? The benchmarks are 6-8 very wet diapers a day, at least 1-2 stools a day by day 2 for the first month.
What is the BEST way to increase your milk supply? Let your baby nurse on demand. Unless you have been advised specifically to pump to increase your supply, by a knowledagable professional. There is a time to use pumping to increase your supply however over stimulation of breast can cause its own set of problems.
Babies have specific behaviors that indicate they are trying to stimulate letdown; they can fuss at the breast until they figure out where and how to latch. Then there is lots of quick sucking and tugging and hitting to encourage let down. This is all normal it tends to concern parents that their baby can not get latched. Babies tend to be more “fussy" at the breast when they go through growth spirts. Let them do this stimulation behavior and work through it you will come out on the positive in the long run.
Note babies have very small tummies and breast milk digests quickly, they also want to latch for many reasons. Food, comfort, closeness, security, All of this can make getting into the breastfeeding grove a challenge. Need help? Seek counsel from your Doctor, Midwife, Pediatrician, peer counselor or a Lactation consultant.
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