Written by You&Milk - Updated on Jun 23, 2023
Because breastfeeding is a unique, overwhelming, intimate and extraordinary experience.
Because breastfeeding transforms a mother and will remain forever engraved in her life as a woman...
Whether it seems like an obvious choice or not, breastfeeding is often a source of questions and even anxiety for future mothers. Between real doubts and false beliefs, we take stock of the subject with Aurélie Hardy, a naturopath specialising in perinatal care.
Aurélie accompanies future and new mothers before, during and after pregnancy.
There's no fuss here, the subject is dealt with in all simplicity!
The beginning of breastfeeding can be very difficult for a young mother who has just given birth, and it takes a lot of tenacity and courage to stand firm in the face of difficulties and comments from those around her.
In this article you will find information on how to prepare for your baby's breastfeeding and tips for a smooth start to this wonderful adventure.
The recommendations
Breastmilk is the most suitable food for a newborn and WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding until the child is 6 months old, and continuing for two years and beyond. exclusive breastfeeding until the child is 6 months old, and to continue breastfeeding for two years and beyond.
A great adventure, but not always a smooth one!
A choice that belongs to each individual
Some women are sure they want to breastfeed from the start of their pregnancy, while others will decide once they have their baby 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 feed
When your baby is finally in your arms, breastfeeding within the first hour after birth is a precious advantage for the future, but don't panic if the first feed takes place a few hours after the birth hours after the birth.
At the first feed, your baby will receive colostrum, a thicker, yellow liquid than breast milk.
Its composition is also different, as 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, it will allow your baby to eliminate his meconium very quickly and his stools will quickly become yellow, liquid and abundant.
It is full of several components that allow your baby to grow optimally and, above all, it plays an essential role in the development of his immune system because colostrum is particularly rich in antibodies.
Skin to skin at will
Skin-to-skin contact during the first few months is very beneficial in encouraging breastfeeding: it allows the baby to regulate its temperature, to feel secure in its mother's arms and to stimulate the flow of milk during the first few days.
It will also help the young mother to calm down and relax, so that she can rest better.
Skin-to-skin contact also promotes the production of oxytocin, the so-called love hormone.
This hormone plays a very important role in breastfeeding as it promotes the milk ejection reflex, strengthens the mother-infant bond, increases self-confidence and allows the uterus to return to its normal size.
Ready for your first feed?
Make yourself comfortable and enjoy this moment that will remain in your memory forever.
Watching and listening
Many mothers-to-be wonder about the ideal position for starting breastfeeding.
To make sure that you position your baby correctly, you must first be properly seated.
To settle your baby, you can think of continuity as the continuity of pregnancy, the baby and the mother are belly to belly, this physiological position is the approach called Biological nurturing described by Suzanne Colson.
The maternal instinct would guide the young mother to spontaneously adopt the most suitable breastfeeding position for her and her baby.
To make sure your baby is in the right position, LOOK at the opening of his mouth and LISTEN to see if he is swallowing properly.
For optimal latching, it is important that your baby's mouth is wide open and encompasses your nipple and halo.
It is essential to let go, and not to stress. Make yourself comfortable with your baby and let things happen naturally.
Breastfeeding on demand and at first signs of arousal
During the first few months, your baby can and should be breastfed on demand, with no minimum interval between feeds. The ideal is to observe your newborn baby in order to offer him the breast before he cries. You will soon learn to recognise the signs of your baby's alertness: hands to the mouth, lip movements, etc.
During the first few weeks and during growth peaks, your newborn baby will suckle approximately every two hours or even every hour. This rhythm is often exhausting for young mothers, but it is necessary in order to encourage the development of lactation and avoid engorgement.
Efficient and frequent breast drainage is essential for strong lactation.
It is important to get help from your father (or someone close to him) during the first few weeks. Forget about household chores, always think about letting go.
Nutrition for the new mother
In order to be able to breastfeed, it is important for the young mother to keep well hydrated, about two litres of water per day, the water must be low in mineral content (less than 50 mg per litre like Mont Roucous or Montcalm)
The young mother should also ensure that her diet is rich in nutrients and vitamins. It is important to favour organic food, fruit and vegetables, whole grains, quality proteins, a diversity of foods (local, seasonal) and to consume good organic oils from the first cold pressing for a contribution in omega 3 (linseed oil, camelina oil, rapeseed oil...).
Breastfeeding mothers need about 500 more calories per day than non-breastfeeding mothers, but every woman is different, and her energy needs will vary during her breastfeeding experience.
To promote lactation, you can consume galactogenic herbs such as fennel and aniseed which you can consume in the form of herbal tea, and fenugreek to be consumed in the form of sprouted seeds, however sucking on your baby is still the best way to stimulate your lactation, effective drainage of the breast automatically results in the production of your lactation.
Above all, don't neglect yourself, take care of your diet. Remember also to rest as soon as possible, a rested mother will produce prolactin and oxytocin more quickly, two essential hormones in breastfeeding.
The pain
Many women fear pain in the early stages of breastfeeding.
It is important to know that when your milk comes in, you may feel heavy and tense, you can massage your breast and apply warm water compresses to your breasts.
After each feeding, you can apply some of your milk and gently massage it into your nipple.
Feeding should be painless. If this is not the case, breathe, review the position and the way the baby is held in the mouth.
If in doubt, do not hesitate to call an IBCLC lactation consultant, as pain is a symptom and should not be ignored.
A unique relationship with her 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, thanks in particular to oxytocin, but also to the almost permanent closeness that exclusive, on-demand breastfeeding requires.
Conclusion
Remember to trust yourself and follow your instincts.
Have a great milky adventure and enjoy these precious moments!
Mothers' testimonies
Anna Fiorentino - Instagram account : @_annafiorentino_
Anna always knew that she wanted to breastfeed even before she had Jeanne.
She was pretty well informed about the subject and had no particular worries, she was pretty serene
What has breastfeeding changed for you?
"I don't know if it made a difference but I was delighted to do it, I think it was a great 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 fusional side that I really like. And now that Jeanne is 14 months old I realise even more that you have to make the most of being glued to your newborn 24 hours a day... after that it goes by so quickly and they want their "independence" so quickly.
It was really a desire (maybe even a need) to breastfeed Jeanne. It came about very naturally."
How long did you breastfeed Jeanne?
"4 months"
Did you experience any difficulties while breastfeeding?
"Jeanne was born 5 weeks early so the first few days in the hospital she was drinking through a straw with a syringe. I put her to the breast from the 4th day. She understood right away how to do it and breastfeeding started naturally."
Do you have any advice for mothers-to-be who want to breastfeed?
"Above all, no stress, I know it's easier to say than to do, but you have to let things happen naturally, you mustn't let breastfeeding be a constraint ... In fact, it's only happiness!"
If you had to give just one word to define your breastfeeding?
"Fusion"
Véronique de MAMA HANGS – Instagram account @mamahangs
Véronique is the founder of MAMA HANGS, a baby carrier that combines safety, comfort and style. She had the idea of launching MAMA HANGS when her daughter Romy was 1 month old and spent all her time in a sling against her.
What has breastfeeding changed for you?
"I would say motherhood changed a lot of things for me. I became more serene and empathetic (as I imagine many mums do!) Breastfeeding just seemed inseparable from motherhood so I never questioned it too much but one thing for sure is that it built the foundations of Romy's and my relationship. Breastfeeding also allowed me to go wherever and whenever I wanted with my baby without having to carry a huge changing bag!"
How long did you breastfeed Romy?
"12 months"
Did you experience any difficulties while breastfeeding?
"Apart from a few small bouts of mastitis, I was lucky that everything went very smoothly and easily."
If you had to give just one word to define your breastfeeding?
"Osmosis"
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Aurélie Hardy @perinatalite_au_naturel
