Breastfeeding is tough. Though this is not universal, for some women it can be incredibly tough. But, if it’s not meant to work out- don’t stress yourself out. Don’t beat yourself up for it, either. Because breastfeeding is tough. If you’re thinking of breastfeeding, I want to share breastfeeding success tips for the first six weeks – with thanks to Amwell for sponsoring this conversation. I’ve already shared breastfeeding success tips for the first few days because those are also incredibly important.
I made the decision to breastfeed Squeaker while I was still pregnant. And I had set an initial goal of 6 months.
However, the first 24 hours after she was born? I was about ready to quit. I sat in my hospital bed with my baby in my arms. Desperate to figure out how I was going to get her to latch. It got to the point where I hand expressed into a spoon- yes, a spoon. Then hand fed her. And eventually we worked it out.
But I was frustrated and I was in tears.
And this wasn’t my first breastfeeding rodeo! Both of Squeaker’s older siblings were breastfed. I pumped when my oldest was in the NICU.
But if it hadn’t been for the lactation consultant at the hospital? I would have given in.
And had I not been so persistent and stubborn, I may have just given up within the first few weeks.
So, why breastfeeding? Does it really make that much of a difference?
Well, without trying to take sides, I’d say yes.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Your Baby
Breast milk is a complete food source, containing all the nutrients your baby need – at least 400 of them to be exact, including hormones and disease fighting compounds that aren’t found in formula. But don’t feel like you’ve failed your child if you supplement or switch.
You are still doing what is best for your baby.
The nutritional makeup in breast milk will adjust to your baby’s needs as he or she grows and develops. You can find this in formula as well, just that with breastfeeding it’s more instant. Aside from the brain building, infection fighting benefits of breast milk, which no formula can match, nursing will also help to build a special bond between you and your baby. When nursing, your child thrives on the contact, cuddling, and holding – which you will as well.
Breast feeding will take practice. Therefore, you should give yourself as much time as you need to get it down to second nature. Always take it one feeding at a time. If you are having a bad day, tell yourself that it’ll get better.
Keep in mind that any problems are temporary, as you’ll be nursing like a pro by your six week postpartum checkup.
While some women adjust to breast feeding easily, other moms find it hard to learn. If you feel discouraged, always know that you aren’t the only one. Everyone feels different when starting, it all depends on the mother and the situation.
How a Lactation Consultant Can Help
A lactation consultant is what saved my breastfeeding journey from the start. But what if you need those services after you bring the baby home?
It seems that just about everything can be done online lately. And that’s incredibly convenient in the first six weeks. I really didn’t want to go anywhere or do much. But if I’d needed to see a doctor, of course I would have done it.
Still, if I’d needed lactation consultant services, it would have been great to have those at my convenience.
If this is something that you need, Amwell now offers lactation consulting.
That means, from the convenience of your own home, you can have a lactation consultant at your finger tips.
You can ask your lactation consultant anything when it comes to breastfeeding!
- Best position to latch
- Best ideas for supplementing
- What foods to avoid
- How much water to drink
- How many calories to consume
- How often to nurse
- How to boost milk supply
- What to do when you go back to work
And so much more!
About Amwell: Amwell is the nation’s largest telehealth company, connecting users with board-certified, licensed doctors for immediate and live, online visits—day or night, on either mobile or desktop. Some general conditions our doctors encounter include: minor illnesses and injuries, general health and wellness concerns, prescription refills, and chronic condition management.
They employ primary care and specialist physicians, as well as licensed behavioral therapists and registered dietitians, to meet our patients’ health and wellness needs.
Lactation video consults allow new mothers to ask questions, address concerns, or get advice concerning breastfeeding and everything that comes along with feeding their newborn.
See a lactation consultant for common questions and issues associated with breastfeeding. The lactation services are provided by a network of International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs).
If you would like to schedule a visit, I have a special code for you that you can use (twice!) – and it will get you 50% off. Use code: NEWMOM10. Your first visit, for example, will be reduced to $65. Your next visit will be reduced to $37.50
It expires on 12/31/17 so you will need to use it by the end of this year.
* Please note that you have to put your credit card information in to hold the appointment, then once you log back in for your appointment time you will be prompted to enter the promo code.
Are you planning to breastfeed? What questions would you ask your lactation consultant?
Kori
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