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Benefits of breastfeeding

Free, convenient, perfect temperature, environmentally friendly
Perfect nutrition in the exact amounts for baby & changes as baby’s needs change
Lowers the risk of many diseases for baby such as diabetes, eczema, asthma, allergies, cancer, obesity, & heart disease
Breastmilk is brain food & has been shown to increase IQ
Reduces cavities
Decreases incidence of ear & respiratory infections
Reduces post partum bleeding by helping the uterus contract & shrink back to normal size
Burns 300-500 calories per day

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Benefits of Breastfeeding

Reduces mom’s risk of osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, & breast, uterine, & ovarian cancers. This reduction in cancer rate is directly correlated to duration of breastfeeding. For ovarian cancer alone, this risk was decreased by 2% per month of breastfeeding!
Women who do not breastfeed or wean early are at greater risk for postpartum depression.
According to a 2010 study, it is estimated that if 90% of US families breastfed exclusively for 6 months, we could prevent 911 deaths & save $13 billion every year on pediatric outcomes!
https://youtu.be/BRADeAxP1VU

Anatomy & Physiology

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A woman’s breasts start getting ready to make milk when she becomes pregnant. Breast changes are caused by four main hormones. These hormones cause the ducts and glandular tissue (alveoli) to grow and increase in size (see the anatomy of breastfeeding in the image to the left). Your breasts start to make the first milk, colostrum, in the second trimester. Colostrum is thick and clear to yellow in color. Once your baby and the placenta are delivered, your body starts to make more milk. Over the next few days, the amount of milk your breasts make will increase and the color will change to appear more watery and white.
http://www.ameda.com/breastfeeding/anatomy-physiology

Anatomy & Physiology

Breastmilk Stages

Colostrum is newborn breastmilk. It begins to be made during pregnancy and is the only milk a newborn baby needs in the first few days of life. It is thick like honey and highly concentrated.
Transitional milk refers to the change in milk consistency between colostrum and when “the milk comes in.” This is noted around days 3-10.
Mature milk is usually produced around day 10 and will continue throughout the breastfeeding experience until weaning.
Involutional milk is the term sometimes used to describe the change in milk once a baby starts to wean from the breast.
https://youtu.be/0vXBFTHZbEE

Teach Me How to Breastfeed

The Magical Hour

The first hour after birth is sometimes called “the magical hour.” Babies will instinctively crawl to the mothers breast after going through a series of stages.
Some also refer to this as “the baby crawl.”
https://youtu.be/b3oPb4WdycE

Position & Latch

How often do babies eat?

Newborn babies will need to eat AT LEAST 10-12 times per day and each session may last 30-45 minutes. Baby’s tummy is tiny and requires frequent feeding.
Baby will become a more efficient nurser as he grows and should take less time to “empty” the breast. Some babies continue to nurse for 15-30 minutes each time, and others can finish a session in 5-10 minutes!

How do you know if baby is getting enough?

Weight gain: It is normal for newborns to lose about 7% of body weight after birth. Baby should regain this and be back to birth weight by about 2 weeks of age.
Dirty diapers: You should expect one dirty diaper for each day of life. 1 dirty diaper on day one, 2 on day two, 3 on day three, and by day 4, baby should have 3-4 dirty diapers per day. Some babies may even stool with every feed.
Wet diapers: You should expect one wet diaper for each day of life. 1 on day one, 2 on day two. Once mom’s milk changes from colostrum to mature milk, expect 5-6 wet diapers per day. Mature milk typically “comes in” around day 2-5. Colostrum is perfect nutrition for baby until then.

Medications, Alcohol, & Nutrition

http://www.ameda.com/breastfeeding/diet-and-breastfeeding
For medications, I always suggest using Lact Med to search for breastfeeding safety.
Alcohol can be consumed by nursing mothers in moderation. Alcohol is metabolized through the blood and can possibly come through the milk in small quantities but will filter out quickly if only one drink is consumed right after breastfeeding baby. Some stores sell strips to test for the presence of alcohol in breastmilk. I am not sure of the accuracy of these.
Restricting calories is not recommended for nursing mothers, but rather a healthy balanced diet of 1800 calories or more should be maintained for optimum health and long term nursing.

Expression and Storage

Breastpumps are helpful (BUT NOT REQUIRED) and should be covered by your health insurance. If you will have to be away from baby frequently, a double electric pump can save time. I recommend looking into Pumping Pals flanges (amazon.com) as well. They send multiple sizes so you get the right fit.
You will need to express at least as often as baby normally eats.
Hand expression is an invaluable thing for a new mom to learn: https://youtu.be/BOJD82jHty8
Breastmilk storage: http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/tips-and-solutions/11/collection-and-storage-of-breastmilk

Babywearing

What about partners?

Dads and other caregivers can bond with baby in many ways like diaper changes, bath time, play time, even baby wearing and skin to skin!
Dads can help mom by making sure she has everything she needs close by when she’s breastfeeding baby like fresh water and healthy snacks!

Resources

Find a local La Leche League at: https://www.llli.org/get-help/

I offer in person and virtual doula and lactation counselor services. Visit my website at www.JessicaRutledgeBirth.com for more information.