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Posted by on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 · Leave a Comment 

breastfeeding.jpg Breastfeeding 101
Giving You and Your Baby the Best


Now it’s time to use your twins for what God really intended (sorry fellas!). Breastfeeding helps moms and gives babies their best start. Here are a few things every breastfeeding mom needs to know. 
 

breastfeeding_g.jpg Breastfeeding 101
Giving You and Your Baby the Best

Now it’s time to use your twins for what God really intended (sorry fellas!). Breastfeeding helps moms and gives babies their best start. Here are a few things every breastfeeding mom needs to know. 
 

 




There’s no doubt that breastfeeding is better for baby, but it’s also great for Moms. Breastfeeding helps you lose baby weight faster, and studies show it helps reduce your risk of breast and uterine cancers. What more could you ask for?

 
Once you’ve decided to breastfeed, one of the most important things I’ve told my girlfriends is that there is a technique to it. You think it’s the most natural thing in the world (which is very true), but you or your baby may need help latching on correctly. IF a baby is not latched on to the breast properly—it hurts! And your baby won’t get the amount and quality feed she needs to thrive.
 
Even before delivery you should let your doctor know you want to breastfeed your baby as soon as possible after birth. Check with your hospital and make sure there is a lactation consultant on staff and let the doctor know you want her to visit you as soon as possible. Also, check with your health insurance provider, many of them allow for one to three at home visits by a lactation consultant as part of their maternity/new baby benefits. Having one come to my home after I left the hospital was a real life saver for me.
 
No matter what they told you, remember, each mom and baby learn how to breastfeed together—so your experience is unique. It’s best to begin breastfeeding shortly after your baby is born. The main purpose of the first few sessions is to introduce your baby to the breast. Try not to get overwhelmed with the experience and take it one day at a time. The majority of women enjoy their breastfeeding experiences and bonding with their baby on another level, however, it does take time for you and your baby to adjust to the process.

 

 

 
If you decide to go through with breastfeeding, it’s important that you do the following:


  1. Remember when you were “eating for two”? It’s now time to have a similar mentality and consume 2200-2700 calories per day.
  2. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.

  3. Stay hydrated! Become an avid water drinker: water will keep you well
    hydrated. You should drink at least eight 8-once glasses of water or if
    you just can’t stand water then substitute it with another liquid—just
    avoid caffeine because it can dehydrate you.

  4. It’s okay to make bottles of breast milk in advance—and no, you’re not
    cheating the system or the experience. Pumping and storing milk makes a
    way for Dads to share in the feeding, and for you to catch some extra
    sleep every now and then. Research a good breast pump (Medela is a
    favorite) and put that bad boy to use.

  5. Purchase a good nursing bra—one that has good support and easy access
    options: make sure it fits properly, buy three to start out, and don’t
    shop earlier than your ninth month of pregnancy. Remember, you’re still
    growing.     

 

 

 

   

 

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