Throughout most of my pregnancy I’ve focused so much on getting ready for this baby to arrive, that I forget about what’s going to happen afterwards. I’m going to have a sweet little baby that needs to be fed and taken care of! In recent weeks I’ve been reading up on breastfeeding to get myself ready. In honor of August being Breastfeeding Awareness Month I thought I’d share some of the main takeaways I’ve learned that will hopefully help me once the baby arrives. Here’s how I’m planning to feed my baby:
While I know everyone has their own preferences and thoughts about breastfeeding, for me, I’ve always wanted to breastfeed. I think there are so many benefits to mother’s milk and if I can do it, I really want to. Everyone says breastfeeding is the most natural thing but it also doesn’t come naturally. Many new moms are surprised to find that breastfeeding can be really difficult, and even painful at times. I started taking lactation classes through Lactation Link, and have found them to be so helpful! There’s the option for online classes that you can watch on your own schedule, or you can do in-person classes. I’ve learned so much about the benefits of breastfeeding, how often to feed, how to properly latch, and even what to look for when it comes to infection.
Since I’m hoping to also be able to pump, I’ve been researching how to introduce a bottle and how to safely handle, store, and warm breastmilk. So many of my mom friends have raved about the Munchkin brand {isn’t that the cutest name?!}, so I was excited when they just launched their LATCH line, which is a collection of breastfeeding products that covers everything from breast pumps to bottles to nursing pads.
My plan right now is to breastfeed but also pump milk and feed occasionally with bottles. I think it will be so helpful to have Matthew help feed the baby. Not only will it encourage their bonding, but it will also allow me to take a shower or run an errand if I need to. I think having stored breastmilk will definitely come in handy. I’ll just need to thaw the milk, if frozen, and warm in a bottle. I just got this Madela pump which I heard is great.
I’m really looking forward to trying out the Munchkin LATCH bottle because it’s been designed to mimic the breastfeeding experience. The accordion-style nipple on the bottle stretches like the breast, helping the baby latch on easily and correctly. The bottle also mimics mom by releasing more breast milk as the baby pushes against the nipple base, as well as flexing as the baby moves their head. I feel like this is the perfect bottle to introduce to the baby because it won’t create any nipple confusion, which is a fear when you start bottle feeding. Items that I’ll for sure be using to help with breastfeeding include sterilizer bags to keep bottles and nipples clean, bottle brushes, and of course nursing pads. I’m also looking into getting a nursing pillow since I heard that can be really helpful. If any of you have a favorite, let me know!
I’ve also been reading a ton about breastfeeding. Some books I’ve really enjoyed have been The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding and I just started Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding, which I’ve heard great things about. Both books give great tips for preparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy, talking about feeding cues, nursing positions and how to express and store breast milk. I know I’ll be referencing back to both these books in the coming months!
I’d love to hear from some of you mamas out there about your breastfeeding tips! Obviously this is a whole new world for me so I can use any advice you’re willing to share.
xox
shirt from The Bee & The Fox
giraffe & lamb from The Little Market
