
5 Things I Wish I'd Known About Breastfeeding
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Benefits of Breastfeeding
I’m guessing you’ve heard of the incredible benefits of breastfeeding. Just in case you don’t know; the benefits of breastfeeding include: increased immunity, reduced chance of both childhood diseases and lifelong diseases, an amazing source of stem cells which heal and repair your baby’s body, reduced risk of cancers such as ovarian and breast cancer for mum, increased parental attachment, a more peaceful little one, social development advantages, reduced likelihood of childhood leukaemia, increased cognitive skills….and the list goes on. Yes, breastfeeding is one of the truly awesome things about motherhood! The benefits of breastfeeding are significant to each and every area of our child’s growth, attachment and development.
So, does this mean that something as natural and beneficial as breastfeeding will come easily? For many mothers breastfeeding is just plain hard at first. Yes, breastfeeding is the very best for your baby for nutrition and attachment and so much more; and it is also a skill for mother and baby which needs to be learnt and practised. Indeed, the research tells us that the single biggest factor in breastfeeding success is the motivation of the mother [1]. Excellent breastfeeding support is significant too as is your birth experience and certain other practical factors. The truth is that women who feel wholly dedicated to breastfeeding success are more likely to achieve this. In other words, women who understand the deep and significant benefits of breastfeeding are more likely to breastfeed long-term and to achieve their breastfeeding goals.
Perhaps you are pregnant and already know you want to breastfeed; you know something of the benefits of breastfeeding but want to know more about how to achieve these practically. Maybe you have a brand new little one in your arms (congratulations!) and you are struggling with the early days and weeks of breastfeeding; you’re even starting to wonder if you will be able to breastfeed at all. Firstly, you’ve got this; you can do hard things. Surround yourself with supportive breastfeeding friends, family and professionals who are dedicated to helping you to achieve your breastfeeding goals. These need to be people who truly appreciate the incredible benefits of breastfeeding. Next, keep asking for help from reliable, sound sources of breastfeeding support. Breastfeeding is an art; it takes time, patience and dedication. You can do this; just like the generations of women who have come before you. Just keep on asking for help in the right places. Here are 5 things that I wish I’d known in advance about breastfeeding; from an experienced mama who has found freedom, joy and awe in the precious breastfeeding journey.
5 Breastfeelding Tips
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It’s all about the supply and demand
One of the awesome benefits of breastfeeding which it’s essential to appreciate is that breastmilk is produced on a supply and demand basis. What does this really mean? It means that the more breastmilk is removed from the breast; the more breastmilk your body will produce. This means that, in those precious early days and weeks; you need to put your baby to the breast as often as possible in order to establish a good breastmilk supply. During the early weeks (typically, at least the first 6 weeks) it is best if your baby does not use a bottle or a dummy. This will allow your baby as much time at the breast as possible and so enable you to produce all the breastmilk which your little one needs. Indeed, the incredible benefits of breastfeeding mean that your body can produce exactly the amount of breastmilk which your baby needs.
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Understand What Normal Sleep for a Baby Looks Like
“How is he sleeping?” From the moment you’ve given birth and in the weeks, months and years which follow you will hear this phrase again and again. Yes, it is generally well-meaning; yet it is unfortunately frequently downright unhelpful. In light of the supply and demand production of breastmilk; a baby needs to feed at the breast regularly in the day and night. Moreover, it is normal, natural and developmentally appropriate for a baby to wake in the night for; comfort, nutrition, the warmth of their mother, cuddles or all of these. Indeed, the wonderful benefits of breastfeeding meet all of your little one’s needs.
The baby-sleep researchers tell us that “‘normal’ infant sleep, sleep consolidation, and sleep problems should all be understood within the framework of co-sleeping infants” [2]. Co-sleeping refers to sleeping close to our little ones; most commonly by sharing the same sleeping surface. For many cultures around the world; co-sleeping is understood as the normal way in which to sleep with and breastfeed a baby at night. Indeed, co-sleeping aids breastfeeding success. Mothers who co-sleep are more likely to have a solid breastmilk supply and to overcome any breastfeeding problems quickly because of the baby’s close vicinity to the breast.
Co-sleeping and breastfeeding through the night help both mum and baby to get better sleep. It also means more precious bonding time through the night which is wonderful for the mother-baby attachment. Yes, the benefits of breastfeeding really do include better quality sleep for both of you (as well as developmentally appropriate sleep for your baby). If you are interested in finding out more about co-sleeping then check out the safe co-sleeping guidelines in the references below [3] as well as our other practical co-sleeping resources.
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Keep Asking for Help
Some mums begin their breastfeeding journey with ease; but for many of us it can be a bumpy start. You are recovering from the birth; functioning on limited sleep and you have never breastfed before! It is normal to need lots of help at first. Please do keep on asking for help; again and again; as often as you need it. Find your local breastfeeding peer support group. Get in touch with friends or relatives whom you know have breastfed. Contact breastfeeding charities; ask your midwife or health visitor. You can do this; I believe in you!
The benefits of breastfeeding are immense but that doesn’t mean it will feel easy. You have the wonderful support of breastfeeding mothers around the world behind you. Don’t give up. It will get easier. You may even find that breastfeeding becomes one of the most gloriously beautiful aspects of your mother-child relationship. But for now; take it one feed at a time. Don’t give up hope. Keep on asking for help. Most breastfeeding mothers simply love to support new breastfeeding mothers and share the breastfeeding love and knowledge!
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Breastfeeding is Thirsty Work
There is no thirst like that of a breastfeeding mother! You will need to keep a water bottle to hand at all times (day and night) at first. This is where your husband gets to practically support you and your little one. He can fill water bottles (and move them to your mouth if needed – you will probably need two hands at first for breastfeeding), bring you snacks and provide pillows and breastfeeding support cushions and champion your amazing breastfeeding dedication. Breastfeeding mums use around 500-700 calories per day in making breastmilk; now that sounds like time for your husband to provide you with some yummy, nutritious snacks to me! Yes, included in the wonderful benefits of breastfeeding are its calorie burning properties.
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Cluster Feeding is Normal
Cluster feeding refers to your baby having lots of breastfeeds one after the other; in a ‘cluster’. It can feel like one really long breastfeed with very short breaks in-between. Cluster feeding is normal and is more common in the evening time. Don’t despair! Your little baby will gradually learn how to go longer and longer between breastfeeds. For now; he wants you and he wants the comfort and nutrition of your breastmilk; both of which are awesome benefits of breastfeeding. Remember that he is building up your breastmilk supply too (also, cluster feeds can be more common around the time of a growth spurt). Relax, and enjoy this time.
This is your time with your little one. He will soon grow and become more independent. You can choose to enjoy those cluster feeds in the quiet (with snacks and water at the ready, of course!), whilst watching a film, chatting to a friend or when co-sleeping (and grabbing some of that elusive sleep). However you choose to spend those early and frequent breastfeeds; you should be proud of the amazing breastmilk you are giving your baby and the incredible bond you are developing with him. I know it’s not always easy; but you’re doing a great job. The best, and most valuable, job in the world!
May your breastfeeding days and nights be filled with snuggles, love and joy; deep breastfeeding joy.
References
[1] Santacruz-Salas E, Aranda-Reneo I, Segura-Fragoso A, Cobo-Cuenca AI, Laredo-Aguilera JA, Carmona-Torres JM. Mothers’ Expectations and Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding during the First 6 Months. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17(1):77. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010077
[2] Barry, E. S. (2021). Sleep Consolidation, Sleep Problems, and Co-Sleeping: Rethinking Normal Infant Sleep as Species-Typical. The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 182(4), 183–204. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221325.2021.1905599
[3] La Leche League International on safe sleep: https://llli.org/news/the-safe-sleep-seven/