Life
New moms can sometimes be unpleasantly surprised by how tough breastfeeding it is. Even veteran moms can be thrown for a loop when their second child doesn't take to nursing as well as their first. Giving you and your baby the best possible chance at a strong breastfeeding relationship starts well before they're born, however. In fact, there are a few things you should do before baby arrives to make breastfeeding a success.
The most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that about 60 percent of mothers quit breastfeeding sooner than they intended. Some of the biggest reasons include issues with milk supply and proper latching. It may surprise you to hear, but you can actually start working on addressing both of those issues before your baby is born. I spoke with Danielle Downs Spradlin, a certified lactation consultant, about what moms can do before they give birth to get ready for breastfeeding; below, she shares the techniques to learn and resources to research before your baby comes along that will give you a leg up — because knowledge is power, after all.
Follow these five tips, and both you and your baby will both reap the benefits.
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Line Up Professional Support
Many moms turn to their pediatrician to work through breastfeeding issues once their baby is born, but Downs Spradlin says they don't always have the time or the expertise to help. You may want to look into lactation support services before you give birth, and figure out if your insurance will pay for them, so you're not scrambling to find resources when you've got a newborn to deal with. "That way if a problem does arise, you're getting expert advice rather than muddling through with somebody who might just be guessing."
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Get The Right Supplies
Downs Spradlin says it doesn't take much beyond your boobs and your body to nurse successfully, so don't feel like you have to run out and buy every breastfeeding support product on the market. She says a water-proof mattress cover (for the inevitable milk spills and leaks) and comfy pillows are good investments. There are some things you might want to stock up on to be prepared for the discomforts that nursing can bring, however. Kelly Mom suggested grabbing items like nipple cream, nursing pads, and nursing bras while you're pregnant so you can be ready when your baby comes.
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