Barb's top 10 breastfeeding tips

by Barbara Dehn - 23 August 2012

Here are my Top 10 Breast Feeding Tips

#1 Put your Oxygen Mask on First - If I know anything, I know that moms will do anything and everything for their families before they take care of themselves. And normally, it's ok, to put others needs first, except when breast feeding. Now, you have to find ways to nurture yourself.

#2 Take a class, before you deliver - Isn't it funny how we take 6 weeks of Lamaze classes for an event that will last 12-24 hours, but only a 1 hour class for breastfeeding, which is going to be round the clock, 24/7 for months? So, get a book, get the Personal Guide to Breast feeding and take classes, go to drop in support groups, and get help whenever needed. Learn how to breast feed in a few positions.

#3 Get a good breast feeding pillow, my absolute favorite is the Go Pillow, which has a wonderful blankie sewn right in for discreet breastfeeding. Use the pillow to bring the baby up to your breasts. This helps prevent neck and shoulder strain.

#4 Sleep when your baby sleeps - Or rest, and please no TV, no emails, no texting. If you're well rested, you'll get lots more done when you are awake. Your body isn't a machine, it needs lots of rest to make lots of milk.

#5 Have a healthy & well balanced diet - Please make sure you're getting plenty of fluids, healthy, high protein snacks and lots of calcium throughout the day. You don't want to run on empty because your milk supply may suffer.

#6 Sip when you Sit - Put bottles of water around the house wherever you might breast feed, so you can sip whenever you sit.

#7 Know the signs of Mastitis - If you have redness, warmth and pain in your breast, give your health care provider a call. Mastitis can come on quickly, and cause you to feel like you have the flu. The treatment is safe while breast feeding.

#8 Pump & Store your milk - Find a good hospital grade electric pump so that you can store some milk for when you return to work or when you can't breast feed.

#9 Introduce a bottle if necessary - If you plan to use pumped milk or formula when you return to work, then the best time to introduce a bottle is between 3-6 weeks. That's when babies are flexible and be able to continue breast feeding and take 1 - 2 bottles/day.

#10 Have fun - Enjoy this magical time with your little one.