Breastfeeding Tips and Trivia
By Julie Patton RN, IBCLC
"A pair of substantial mammary glands have the advantage over the two hemispheres of the most learned professor's brain in the art of compounding a nutritive fluid for infants."
--Chief Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)
Why breastfeed?
Breastmilk is the best food for your newborn! Health authorities agree that breastmilk offers superior infant nutrition, and breastfed babies have significantly fewer respiratory-tract and ear infections than formula-fed babies. Although breastfeeding does not eliminate sudden infant death syndrome, the incidence is lower in breastfed babies. For mothers, breastfeeding helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy state more quickly and decreases the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis. Breastmilk is free, always available, always the correct temperature and easiest for baby to digest. In short, breastmilk exists solely for infant growth and development. It is produced by your body exclusively for your baby. What a miracle!
Some interesting facts …
Breastmilk undergoes changes throughout an individual feeding session and throughout the duration of nursing to best meet your baby’s specific needs. This is one of the unique properties of human milk – automatically changing to fit the baby’s requirements. In general, the fat content of human milk is highest at the evening feedings, although overall milk supply can be lower at that time. Fat content rises during a feeding session, and varies from day to day. Breastmilk flavor changes too – some foods eaten by the mother actually alter the color and taste of her milk! What a bonus for your baby – variety in his or her diet!
If you’re worried about convenience…
Most breastfeeding mothers appreciate the ease and convenience of nursing. It certainly is nice when the milk is ready and on hand! Breastfeeding also becomes a wonderful source of comfort for your little one. However, some women choose not to breastfeed because of concerns about the time investment and actual inconvenience of breastfeeding. For some mothers, being the sole source of nutrition seems overwhelming and unappealing. Fortunately there are various versions of the breastfeeding experience. The abundance of high quality electric pumps allows mothers who might have previously formula-fed to enjoy providing their babies with human milk, while including other family members in the experience. As lactation consultants, we support all mothers in achieving their version of breastfeeding by providing breast pumps, hands –free pumping devices, and support!
If you’re still not sure…
My advice – when in doubt, it is always better to give breastfeeding a try in the hospital. In most situations, you can breastfeed right in the delivery room. After two or three days in the hospital, with nurses and lactation consultants assisting, you will have a better idea of how breastfeeding feels to you. It is very difficult to establish lactation days or weeks down the road. I can assure you that never trying, and regretting this, is more difficult than beginning and then stopping later. Lactation consultants and nurses understand this, and that is why we are there from the first minutes offering encouragement and support!
Julie Patton is a Lactation Consultant at the Huntsville Hospital Women’s Center For information on prenatal and/or breastfeeding classes, breast pump supplies, nursing bras or any other breastfeeding needs, call the Women’s Center at Huntsville Hospital at 265-7440.
