Written by You&Milk - Updated on Jul 25, 2024
Because breastfeeding is a unique, moving, intimate, and extraordinary experience.
Because breastfeeding your baby transforms a mother and will forever be engraved in her life as a woman...
Whether it seems like an obvious choice or not, breastfeeding often raises questions or even anxieties for expectant mothers. Between real doubts and false beliefs, we take stock of the subject with Aurélie Hardy, a naturopath specializing in perinatal care.
Aurélie supports expectant and new mothers before, during, and after pregnancy.
Here, no fuss, we approach the subject with complete simplicity!
The beginning of breastfeeding can sometimes be challenging for a new mother who has just given birth, and it takes a lot of tenacity and courage to persevere despite difficulties and remarks from those around her.
In this article, you will find how to prepare well for breastfeeding your baby and advice to gently start this wonderful adventure.
Recommendations
Breast milk is the best food for a newborn, and the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding until the child is 6 months old, continuing to breastfeed for two years, and even beyond.
A great adventure that is not always a smooth ride!
A choice that belongs to each woman
Some women are certain they want to breastfeed from the moment they learn they are pregnant, while others will decide once their baby is in their arms.
There is no right or wrong decision; the most important thing is to be at peace with your personal choice.
The first feeding
Baby is finally in your arms; breastfeeding within the hour following birth is a valuable advantage for what comes next, but don’t worry if the first feeding happens a few hours after delivery.
During the first feeding, your baby will be able to benefit from colostrum, a thicker liquid than breast milk, yellow in color.
Its composition is also different because it is adapted to the needs of your newborn. It is very concentrated, rich in proteins and nutrients.
It is also low in fat and easy to digest, allowing your baby to quickly eliminate their meconium, and their stools will soon become yellow, liquid, and abundant.
It is full of many components that allow your baby to grow optimally and, above all, it plays an essential role in the development of their immune system because colostrum is particularly rich in antibodies.
Skin-to-skin as much as you want
Skin-to-skin during the first months is very beneficial to promote breastfeeding: it helps the baby regulate his temperature, feel safe in his mom’s arms, and stimulates milk production during the first days.
It also promotes the new mom’s calm and relaxation, allowing her to rest better. Skin-to-skin contact would also encourage the production of oxytocin, the so-called love hormone.
This hormone plays a very important role in breastfeeding because it promotes the milk ejection reflex, strengthens the mother-child bond, brings better self-confidence, and helps the uterus return to its normal size.
Ready for the first feeding?
Get comfortable and enjoy this moment that will forever be etched in your memory.
Look and listen
Many expectant moms wonder about the ideal position to start their breastfeeding.
To be sure to position your baby well, you must first be comfortably seated.
To position your baby, you can think of continuity as the continuation of pregnancy; the baby and mom are belly to belly, this physiological position is the approach called Biological nurturing described by Suzanne Colson.
Maternal instinct would guide the new mom to spontaneously adopt the breastfeeding position most suitable for her and her baby.
To ensure your baby’s correct position, you need to LOOK at the opening of his mouth and LISTEN if he swallows properly.
For optimal latching, it is important that your baby has a wide-open mouth and takes in your nipple and areola well.
It is essential to let go, no stress at all. Get comfortable with your baby and let things happen naturally.
On-demand breastfeeding and at the first signs of waking
During the first months, your baby can and should be breastfed on demand, without respecting a minimum interval between feedings. Ideally, observe your newborn to offer the breast before he cries; you will quickly learn to recognize your baby's waking signs: hands to mouth, lip movements...
During the first weeks and growth spurts, your newborn will nurse about every two hours, sometimes every hour. A rhythm often exhausting for new moms but necessary to promote lactation and avoid engorgement. To establish strong lactation, effective and frequent breast drainage is essential.
It is important to get help from the dad (or one of her close ones) during the first weeks; his support and listening will be very valuable to you. Above all, forget about household chores, always think about letting go.
Feeding the new mom
To be able to breastfeed, it is important that the new mother stays well hydrated, about two liters of water per day; the water should be low in minerals (less than 50 mg per liter like Mont Roucous or Montcalm).
The new mother should also ensure a diet rich in nutrients and vitamins. It is important to prioritize organic food, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, quality proteins, food diversity (local, seasonal), and consume good organic cold-pressed oils for omega-3 intake (flaxseed, camelina, rapeseed oils...).
Breastfeeding mothers need about 500 extra calories per day compared to non-breastfeeding mothers, but every woman is different, and her energy needs will vary throughout her breastfeeding experience.
To promote lactation, you can consume galactagogue plants like fennel and anise as herbal teas, and fenugreek as sprouted seeds; however, your baby's sucking remains the best way to stimulate your lactation, as effective breast drainage automatically triggers milk production.
Above all, don't neglect yourself; take care of your diet. Also, remember to rest whenever possible; a rested mother will produce prolactin and oxytocin more quickly, two essential hormones in breastfeeding.
Pain
Many women fear pain during the early stages of breastfeeding.
It is important to know that during milk let-down, a sensation of heavy and tight breasts may appear; you can massage your breast and apply warm compresses to your breasts.
After each feeding, you can apply a little of your milk and gently massage your nipple with it.
Feedings should be painless. If not, take a breath, review the baby's position and latch.
When in doubt, do not hesitate to consult an IBCLC lactation consultant; pain is a symptom and should not be taken lightly.
A unique relationship with your newborn
As you can see, breastfeeding your baby is an extraordinary adventure that requires a lot of patience and letting go.
Breastfeeding will allow you to create a unique bond with your newborn, especially thanks to oxytocin but also to the almost constant closeness required by exclusive, on-demand breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Don't forget to trust yourself and follow your instinct.
Beautiful breastfeeding journey and enjoy these precious moments!
Testimonials from moms
Anna Fiorentino - Instagram account: @_annafiorentino_
Anna always knew she wanted to breastfeed even before having Jeanne.
She was quite well informed on the subject and had no particular worries, she was rather serene
What has breastfeeding changed for you?
"I don't know if it changed anything but in any case I was delighted to do it, I think it was a wonderful time for Jeanne as well as for me, I loved the closeness with my little Jeanne, sharing this moment just the two of us. Breastfeeding has a very bonding aspect that I really like. And now that Jeanne is 14 months old I realize even more that you have to enjoy being stuck 24/7 with your newborn as much as possible... after that it goes by so fast and they demand 'independence' so quickly. It was really a desire (maybe even a need) quite animalistic to breastfeed Jeanne. It happened very naturally."
How long did you breastfeed Jeanne?
"4 months"
Did you encounter any difficulties during your breastfeeding?
"Jeanne was born 5 weeks early so in the first days at the hospital she drank with a straw using a syringe. I put her to the breast from the 4th day. She understood immediately how to do it and breastfeeding was established naturally."
Do you have any advice for future moms who want to breastfeed?
"Above all, no stress, I know it's easier said than done but you have to let things happen naturally, breastfeeding shouldn't be a constraint... In reality, it's just pure happiness!"
If you had to give just one word to define your breastfeeding?
"Fusion"
Véronique from MAMA HANGS – Instagram account @mamahangs
Véronique is the founder of MAMA HANGS, baby carrier clothing combining safety, comfort, and style. She had the idea to launch MAMA HANGS when Romy, her daughter, was 1 month old and spent all her time in a sling against her.
What has breastfeeding changed for you?
"I would say that motherhood changed a lot for me. I became more serene and more empathetic (like many moms I imagine!) Breastfeeding just seemed inseparable from motherhood so I never questioned it too much but what is certain is that it built the foundations of our relationship, Romy and me. Breastfeeding also allowed me to go where I wanted and when I wanted with my baby without having to carry a huge diaper bag!"
How long did you breastfeed Romy?
"12 months"
Did you encounter any difficulties during your breastfeeding?
"Apart from some minor mastitis, I was lucky that everything went very smoothly and easily."
If you had to give just one word to define your breastfeeding?
"Osmosis"
#allaitement #allaitementmaternel #youandmilk #perinataliteaunaturel #allaitersereinement #breastfeeding
Aurélie Hardy @perinatalite_au_naturel
