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While the choice of whether to breastfeed, bottle-feed expressed milk, or feed formula is a personal choice for the mom and/or family, most midwives recommend breastfeeding, because of all the amazing benefits to mom and baby. Breastfeeding builds immunity and reduces the risk of conditions like asthma, leukemia, type 2 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome. During the earliest days of nursing, before your milk comes in, the colostrum your body produces will jumpstart your baby's digestive system so it can function properly. Even before your baby is born, however, there are steps you can take to help make breastfeeding more successful and smooth. The following midwife-approved advice will help. 

3 Nursing Preparation Tips

1. Take a Class

Your midwife or doctor should be able to offer you classes or refer you to local classes on breastfeeding. In a breastfeeding class, you’ll learn all about how breastmilk supply is stimulated and how your body keeps up with baby's needs. You’ll also learn what to expect when it comes to pumping and how to overcome some of the most common obstacles. They’ll provide you with strategies to promote proper latching, and how to read baby’s hunger cues, for instance. Additionally, instructors will explain how to prevent mastitis, an infection that sometimes develops as a result of a clogged milk duct. They’ll also provide you with helpful information to consider, such as how the breastfeeding relationship may change as the baby gets teeth, and begins eating solid foods.

2. Stock Up on Supplies

midwifeAlthough every woman’s needs are different, there are a few standard supplies virtually all nursing moms should buy in advance. Examples include a breast pump with plenty of storage bags for times when you’re away from your baby, nursing bras and tops for convenient access, and soothing nipple cream. You’ll likely also need bottles, brushes for cleaning the bottles, tools to sterilize your pump parts. Geneva Woods Birth Center carries a variety of breastmilk pumping and storing essentails, as well as  MotherLove Herbal products, including Nipple Cream & their More Milk Plus line for enhancing supply.

3. Follow a Nutritional Plan 

Your nutritional needs will be fairly demanding as long as you’re nursing. A midwife may discuss the specific nutrients your current diet may be lacking so you can start adding them to your meals now. In general, breastfeeding moms need plenty of fresh produce, lean protein, whole grains, healthy fats, calcium, iron, and water to facilitate the production of nutrient-rich milk. That being said, though, it’s important to know that your body will devote the most resources to making milk for the baby, regardless of the quality of your diet, so a healthful diet while nursing goes a long way toward helping YOU recover and feel your best, but it is not absolutely essential in order to breastfeed your baby – so don’t let diet worries deter you from breastfeeding. It’s also important to follow any dietary restrictions your midwife recommends. For example, fish with high mercury levels, like tuna, should be avoided or severely limited during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Certain substances that some women consume do make their way into the breastmilk because of the fat solubility of their molecules – sometimes in magnified proportions, like for marijuana, or sometimes in diminished proportions, like alcohol. Discuss with your midwife if you use substances such as these, or if you are on – or will be on – prescription medicines that may pass through the breastmilk to the baby.

Geneva Woods Birth Center has two International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) and numerous Certified Lactation Specialists on staff, and can help with breastfeeding difficulties in office and home visits. We also have a small lactation boutique with many of the items you need to successfully breastfeed, and many in convenient baskets that make great gifts!

 

To learn more about breastfeeding, turn to the knowledgeable midwives at Geneva Woods Birth Center in Anchorage, AK. This full-service birthing center offers everything from prenatal and postpartum care to lactation support and well-woman visits. If you’re interested in having a natural childbirth in a soothing environment, visit their website to learn more about their facilities or call (907) 561-2626. 

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