Some Advice from Breastfeeding Moms

Several months ago I polled a breastfeeding moms group on Facebook and asked them what would have been most helpful for them to know about breastfeeding prior to having their babies.  The women responded with their own answers (not a pre-made answer poll).

It’s important to emphasize that this is NOT professional advice, but rather pieces of advice breastfeeding mothers wish they had known before having a baby. 

Additionally, I recommend taking a breastfeeding class, read (and re-read) a good breastfeeding book such as Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, join a breastfeeding support group, and surround yourself with positive women who have successfully breastfed.  Consider hiring a postpartum doula - a valuable asset during this time.

Here are the top responses:

1.  Don’t be pressured by the nurses to offer formula.
2. Find support.  A postpartum doula is a wonderful resource.
3. It’s not as easy as it seems.  There is a learning curve for both mother and baby.
4. A baby who nurses frequently is normal.  The rule of thumb is "8 or more in 24" which means a MINIMUM of eight feedings within a 24 hour period of time.
5. It might hurt at first.  Latch-on pain is normal in the early days, but the pain should not last more than 30 seconds.  Pain longer than 30 seconds warrants a visit to a Lactation Consultant.
6. It gets easier.
7. It takes a few days for breastmilk to come in.
8. Nipple shields are helpful if you develop sore nipples.  See a Lactation Consultant for this.

Other responses included:

1.  Be your own advocate.
2. Trim baby’s nails to avoid being scratched.
3. Everyone has an opinion.
4. Don’t watch the clock – watch the baby for hunger cues.  Just like adults, babies will be hungry/thirsty when their body tells them to - not when the clock tells them to be hungry.
5. Stick with it.  
6. The amount you pump does not equal the true amount of your milk supply.  The baby is much more efficient at getting milk than a pump is.  The #1 reason women stop breastfeeding is for perceived low milk supply.
7. Lactation Consultants are all different.  Find one you like.  LCs can be found in hospitals, some pediatrician offices, and in private practice.
8. Growth spurt = permanent boob attachment for a few days.  This is your baby knowing how to boost your milk supply - what a smart baby!
9. Be well informed and educated.
10. It takes work and commitment.
11. Find a breastfeeding supportive pediatrician.  "Supportive" is the key word here meaning that your pediatrician wants you to keep breastfeeding and will help solve any problems that surround it, rather than the go-to "formula supplimentation". 
12. Check baby’s latch.
13. It might take a new baby an hour to eat.

What advice would you share?