50 Breastfeeding Facts & Ideas for the Pregnant & Breastfeeding Woman By Heather Kay, BS, IBCLC Board Certified Private Practice Lactation Consultant - Educate yourself about breastfeeding BEFORE the baby is born
- Have a nipple and breast evaluation before birth to access any potential issues and check the fit of your pump flanges.
- Put a sign on the bassinette that says "No Bottles or Pacifiers"
- Skin-to-Skin is critical for baby's healthy development
- Get fitted for a good nursing bra and bring it with you to the hospital.
- Bring your breast pump with you to the hospital and ask for instructions on its use.
- Bad
information deterrent: "Is that advise evidenced based?" for any
introduction of formula. Get the numbers, who said it, when and why and
write it down.
- "Just a little" formula takes away some of the benefits of breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding is more than the milk; it's a way of parenting.
- The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding will last his/her lifetime
- Breastfeeding advice is not one-size-fits-all
- Understand what infant feeding cues look like
- Crying is a late indicator of hunger.
- Nearly all breastfeeding problems can be solved.
- Breastfeeding success is 90% commitment
- If breastfeeding didn't work, humans wouldn't exist.
- Milk is species specific for a reason.
- Formula doesn't contain stem cells or all amino acids for newborn brain development.
- A newborns stomach size... Day 1: size of a large marble, Day 3: ping pong ball, Day 5: plastic egg.
- The more you breastfeed, the more milk you make
- You can't overfeed a breastfeed baby
- Newborns can nurse and sleep at the same time
- Surround yourself with women who have breastfeed successfully.
- Bring your breast pump with you to the hospital.
- Make the most of your time with the Lactation Consultant in the hospital.
- When the hospital asks for feedback, ask them when they plan to become part of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative.
- In the first few days, breast milk is about quality over quantity.
- Breastfeeding saves time at night and allows the family to get MORE sleep!
- Babies lose weight during the first 3 days & usually regain their birth weight by Day 14.
- Sleep when the baby sleeps!
- Breast milk spit up doesn't stain clothing
- Count diapers everyday until a pattern of weigh gain is established
- Exclusively Breastfed babies tend to weigh less; use the right weight chart by the World Health Organization
- Some breastfeeding help is available for free so money shouldn't be an obstacle.
- Mercer County La Leche League has 5 meetings a month.
- Using formula costs about $2000 for the first year
- Every mother has different capacity for milk storage, but the daily amount is about the same (750ml after 3 weeks)
- Some breast milk is better than none at all.
- There
are Lactation Consultants that work outside of hospitals and will come
to your house. Locate your local LC before the baby is born.
- Swaddle loosely for a sleepy baby, tightly for a colic-y baby.
- Babies were designed to be held.
- Keep the newborn in your room at night.
- Own a baby sling before you deliver and know the safety guidelines.
- The more often you breastfeed and the sooner after birth, the less likely the billirubin will be elevated.
- Get help before any new mother issues overwhelm you.
- Support groups are invaluable but they don't replace medical care.
- Employers should understand about the benefits of breastfeeding for them
- You can work and breastfeed! Develop a plan for working and breastfeeding.
- YOU are the final decision about your baby's care and feeding.
- Trust your instincts.
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