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Breastfeeding basics: Overcoming the hurdles.
Nursing is natural, but learned. Lactation consultant Heather Kelly offers tips to help first-time moms with some of the challenges
TODAY Parenting — Updated: 5:06 p.m. ET Aug. 3, 2004
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5592593/
Nursing seems to be a natural instinct, however many new moms know it's a learned skill. And with the help and support of breastfeeding experts at a place like "Real Birth" in New York City, breastfeeding becomes something that gets better over time. Heather Kelly is a board certified lactation consultant and is featured in "The Real Deal on Breastfeeding" instructional video — who is also expecting her fourth child this fall. She was invited to appear on “Today” to offer some advice for first-time moms. Here are her tips:
Seventy-five percent of moms in the U.S. breastfeed their newborns, but only 30 percent are still breastfeeding at six months (which is the new recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization). Most moms attempt to nurse after the baby is born, and some are successful immediately, others have to go through weeks and weeks (sometimes months) of pain, discomfort, frustration and sleep deprivation before they are successful, too. So what's a new mom to do?
Is it painful for everyone?
Breastfeeding is problem-free and enjoyable for many, many women right from the start. Not everyone has problems nursing, but most women do find adjusting to life with a newborn to be a monumental transition — breastfeeding is part of that. It’s one of the things that helps us define who we are on this journey.
What is a lactation consultant?
A board certified lactation consultant helps new mothers at what is often a terrifying and vulnerable time. Women need other women to navigate the postpartum period. In particular, the "marriage" between working and breastfeeding can be tricky. For many women, breastfeeding defines the earliest days of motherhood. Changing the rhythms of nursing can make returning to work challenging. A lactation consultant helps women extend the nursing relationship.
Ways to prepare for breastfeeding:
Take a class, read a book, but most importantly, watch other women nurse. Nursing is a learned behavior — it's natural, but learned and if we have never seen it done, we have no idea how to do it. Ask a friend, a relative, a colleague if you can sit with them and get some lay tips because this is information that women share with each other.
How to identify whether baby is getting milk at the breast:
Identifying swallows is key; emphasis on baby "drinking" at the breast, not just "being" at the breast. Learn your baby's swallowing pattern: for example: suck, suck, swallow, etc.
How to know whether baby is getting enough at the breast:
One of the most frequent questions moms ask is, "Is my baby taking enough at the breast?" Although it's tough to guage right away, there are some signs to look for to know if your baby is satisfied. The three ways we know a breastfed baby is getting enough are:
- Diapers: Check with your pediatrician about this one. We all use slightly different guidelines, but usually I say 4-6 stools per day by the end of one week, and 4-6 wet diapers as well by that time.)
- Weight gain: Two rules for this: Baby should be back to birthweight by day 10-14, and gaining one-half ounce to one ounce per day (starting on day five) — that's 4-7 ounces per week.
- Infant behavior: Does the baby seem satisfied? Doesn't cry or fuss or root around for more after feedings?
Common problems and solutions:
Sore nipples, engorgement, plugged ducts and mastitis are some of the common problems women encounter when breastfeeding. It is very important for women to seek help early on if they are having problems. Go to a support group, call a local lactation consultant, check out information on the Web, refer to books, buy a video, etc.
Heather Kelly is a board certified lactation consultant and is featured in "The Real Deal on Breastfeeding" instructional video. To learn more about the video you can visit www.realdealvideos.com.
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