breastfeeding??

Question

I am due any day now and I plan on breastfeeding. I didnt have any classes on this because I didnt have time to take them. I was wondering what all foods can you eat and what all foods are you not supposed to eat. Also any suggestions or advice for me when I breastfeed? How many times a day should I do it and how do I know if he will be getting enough milk? I am going to be an at home mommy now so I wont need to worry about daycare and breastfeeding and so on. I appreciate any advice!

Answer 1

Good for you, mama -- you're doing a wonderful thing for your baby and for yourself! I breastfed my daughter from birth, right through my pregnancy with her little brother, and am now tandem nursing both of them. It's a powerful thing to know you're giving your baby the best nutritional and immunological start possible.

The urge to breastfeed is instinctive, but breastfeeding is an acquired skill. Like anything, it takes some knowledge and some practice. So take it easy on yourself, mama, and give yourself time to learn. The first 12 weeks is the steepest part of the learning curve -- dedicate yourself to nursing exclusively for at least that long and I think by the time your baby's 3 months old, you'll really have the hang of it and will be ready to keep going.

The big thing every new mama I know (including myself) worries about at first is: Is my baby getting enough milk? It's tempting to pump so you can measure how much you're producing, but it's important to know that a baby's mouth and sucking reflex are perfectly designed to efficiently get milk from you. The best pump out there is only an approximation of what a baby can do, so it won't get as much milk as your baby is getting. Don't worry -- there's an easy way to reassure yourself. What goes in must come out. If your baby's making 6-8 wet disposables or 8-14 wet cloth diapers in a 24-hour period, s/he's getting plenty of milk.

Most babies won't have a problem with anything you eat, aside from the obvious baddies: alcohol, drugs, and excessive amounts of caffeine. (And even a glass or two of wine or beer every now and again is ok after that tiny newborn stage. The rule of thumb is that if you can feel it, your baby will feel it.) Some babies are sensitive to certain foods, like dairy or raw onions. If you notice excessive fussing after nursing, a lot of gas, eczema, or a ring-like diaper rash around the rectum, your baby could be reacting to something in your diet.)

Breastfeeding is the healthiest option for you and your baby, and really doesn't require much from you to make it work, aside from dedication. Drink plenty of water and continue taking your prenatal vitamins. Avoid underwire bras, they can lead to mastitis (a breast infection). If you run into any questions or problems, don't hesitate to contact a La Leche League leader or IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). It's far easier to correct a problem as soon as it comes up rather than later.

Congratulations!

Answer 2

Good for you wanting to make sure your child has the best! Your baby will be so much healthier.
You may be sore the first couple of weeks. That is normal. They make several creams for that. I would not worry about what you can and cant eat. You baby has been eating everything you have for nine months now so if you continue eating the same things you should not have a problem. If your baby seems to have a lot of discomfort after nursing then you may want to start taking things out of your diet. Make sure when you nurse the baby that you have a nice calm enviornment. Your milk will not "let down" if you are uptight. Milk let down is the slight burning or tingiling sensation you will feel after the baby latches on that will let you know the baby is receiving milk. This can also happen just when you hear the baby cry. It is a natural reaction from your body. Make sure you wear breast pads. I prefered the washible kind. They were so easy and did not fall apart and stick to your breast when they get wet. There are several ways to hold your baby while nursing. Pillows are great, to help you and the baby feel comfortable. If your nipples do get sore some feeding positions are better than others.
Since you will have the advantage of being a stay at home mommy, let the baby tell you when he/she is hungry. They will eventually set their own schedule. They do go in spurts. You can tell when they have hit a growth spurt they will want to eat more often. That is ok, the more often they eat the more milk you produce. The way you can make sure your child is getting enough milk is to keep track of how many diapers you have to change in a day. The hospital should help you with this. Also you may want to invest in a pump. I used the Advent pump and loved it. You can store breast milk in the freezer for up to three months. This way if hubby wants to help feed in the middle of the night he can. And if you happen to go somewhere where it is not easy/convinent to brestfeed then you will be able to use a bottle of brestmilk. Make sure you get plenty of rest. When the baby sleeps you sleep. And drink a lot of fluids. These two things will keep your milk supply up. You will notice you loose weight faster while breastfeeding.

Answer 3

The best way to feed the baby is on demand. Breastfeed babies usually eat every 2 hours for a while. If the baby is wetting 8 diapers a day and pooping 1-2 a day then he is getting enough milk. You will also know by his weight gain at his doctor visits. Foods you will learn as you go. Some will bother baby and others wont. Sometimes milk products and spicy foods or spegetti sauce will bother babys tummy. You will know by how the baby acts after you have eaten something and have feed him. You will learn what upsets the baby and what doesnt. You milk wont come in untill about 2-3 days after birth so you may feel like you are feeding all the time. Make sure you nurse on both sides everytime if you can. If not use the other breast at the next feeding. It helps to pull the nipple out and stimulate it so it is erect before trying to get baby to nurse. Good Luck and congrats

Answer 4

You can eat anything! Make sure you drink plenty of water as well.
Your milk doesn't usually come until a few days after birth, but you will be producing colostrum. So even though it will seem like your baby isn't getting anything, don't worry, he is!
Don't worry about a feeding schedule, let your babe feed on demand. He knows when he's hungry!
It takes some getting used to breastfeeding. At first it will hurt (especially if he doesn't get a good latch). Make sure you buy a good nipple cream, that will help alot.
While in the hospital, if they don't suggest a lactation consultant, ask for one! They'll help you with any problems.
I also recommend going to a La Leche League meeting before or after the birth.
You don't have to avoid peanuts contrary to popular belief. It won't prevent allergies
Good luck to you and congratulations!

Answer 5

How many times should you do it? ALL DAY...lol. That`s what it seems like anyway. Whenever the baby is hungry which will be about every 2 hours or so...so...get set for some sore nipples my friend! Your body is making sure that the baby gets enough milk so don`t worry about that. Just be aware of the fact that if you eat any "gassy" foods like Broccoli, the baby might become gassy as well etc etc. You`re lucky being able to stay home,
good luck with everything!

Answer 6

I am a certified breastfeeding peer councelor. I went to school to learn how to help women breastfeed and tell them the truths from wives tales and myths. First off, already you are getting bombarded with them. Do not over kill yourself on milk. If you dont drink it now, you dont have to start. Eat your normal food groups and normal servings, drink plenty of water. Just stay away from alcohol, caffene, and ask your doctor before taking any medications. You do not have to change the way you eat to "produce" for the baby. One of the biggest myths, and the one that bothers me the most is "If you dont drink milk, you wont produce milk." It's a bunch of bull. Just remember your body will produce what the baby needs when the baby needs it. As far as nutrients go, breast milk is magical. If your baby is low on iron your milk will produce more iron. If the baby needs more vitamin d, your milk will produce it. Your milk is constantly changing to exactly what your baby needs. Magical, right. A new born baby will nurse about every 45min to an 1 and 1/2 hours. If the baby is going on 2 hours wake him up and try to nurse. Until he is atleast a week or two old he should not go longer than 2 hours inbetween feedings. Breast milk is not the same as formula, so feeding schedules are different to. Breast milk is more digestable so it goes through the babies system faster than formula. Breast fed babies eat alot more often. As far as knowing if he is getting enough, count poopy diapers. If it coming out, its going in. When my daughter was brand new we coslept. It was easier on the whole family. I could pop out a boob and go back to sleep while she ate. And if she wasnt crying for food I was sleeping. And in my house if mommys not sleeping noone is. So, my husband really liked it. My daughter is now 4 she remembers nursing and talks of it as if being pressed against my chest was the next best thing to being in heaven. Its where she feels safe and loved. Deciding to breastfeed isnt just about nutrition, the bond is unduplicatable. If you have more questions La Leche Leage.com is great about separating facts from myths.

Answer 7

The most important advice I can offer is to let you baby come off the breast when it's finished. They always gulp really fast at first and once my son was finished gulping I assumed he was done and took him off my breast. Babies do this suckling thing when they are not actively gulping and this suckling triggers more milk to let down. When the milk lets down again, your baby will start gulping again. Even if it seems that they have fallen asleep, wait until they release their latch before taking them off. Some feedings can be quite long, but it's such a special cuddle time so enjoy it. This also allows them to completely drain one side before switching to the other side too. If they don't drain one side before switching to the other, it can cause other problems such as Hyperactive letdown which is quite annoying, although easy to fix. In the beginning I would have to feed on one side 2 or 3 feedings in a row to make sure that breast was empty. The other breast might become a little full or even engorged, but this is the best way to regulate your breastmilk. Your body will adjust. Once your milk finally settles down around 6 weeks, it's normal to feel like you're empty a lot of the time. Just remember that your baby can get a lot of milk from you and you're not actually empty. They will trigger more milk to letdown. Hope this helps.

Answer 8

I think its great that you going to do this for your baby. I never had classes either and it all comes natural. The latching on is a bit tricky at first but then he will learn quickly, and you too. I wasn't restricted to any certain type of diet, but one thing to remember is if your upset or sick, try not to feed at that time. Your emotions do affect your milk to be hot or sour and not too good for baby. Everytime your baby is near and begins to open his mouth, its time to feed (almost every 1/2 hour to 45 minutes at first. for as long as he/she stays latched on) then eventually it will be every hour and a half or so. The older he gets the longer feeding times will be stretched out. I nursed my children until my son was 24 months, my daughter 18 months and my youngest till she was 2 1/2. That may seem way tooooo long for some but it is healthy for them. Peope think just because baby gets teeth you cant feed, not true. The first time i was bit (nicked) i took my breast away and that is how the baby learns. I think it was me who was doing the weening instead of my children. Like i've stated previously You will be soooooooo close. He will know your smell, so if you are going to supplement with formula or pump your milk and put it in a bottle, let someone else feed him. He will know that with you, it is strictly from the breast. I did this without any help or advice from anyone in the beginning, and it was the best thing ever. I am a witness too that breastfed babies dont get sick as much (they build up your immune system, whatever you had they are doubly immuned) they don't need braces on their teeth later in life (i have a 12 year old, a 10 year old and 3 year old with perfectly straight teeth) and once again you become so close. DONT GIVE UP, EVEN WHEN ITS HARD FOR HIMTO LATCH ON RIGHT, ASK YOUR DR. OR NURSE TO SHOW YOU HOW. BELIEVE ME....IT IS THE BEST THING FOR YOUR BABY.

Answer 9

BE SURE TO REQUEST A LACTATION CONSULTANT... this service is provided by the hospital and she will show you how to be comfortable with baby. BE SURE TO TELL EVERYONE... EVEN YOUR FAMILY... NOT TO GIVE THE BABY A BOTTLE OR PACIFIER UNTIL HE HAS LATCHED ONTO YOUR BREAST... this may cause nipple confusion for baby and can delay your chance to produce milk...DO NOT TAKE BIRTH CONTROLS OF ANY KIND... the hormone and lower and stop the milk flow all together... be sure to get a pump... if you can.. go to wic and get the MEDINA pump... best one you'll ever own... if not.. .be sure to get one for wal-mart... double pump is best because you don't have to pump one side at a time... if you can pump one breast while the baby is suckling on the other (after about 5 days when you know baby knows your nipple), this will increase your milk flow... which can be useful for storage.. you can store milk in the freezer for up to 3 months and in the fridge for up to 3 days... you're body is fooled into thinking you're nursing 2 babies, which in turn, makes your body produce more milk....

Can't have chocolate or caffiene... try to stay away from gassy vegetables because that can pass on to the baby (i.e. onions, broccolli, prunes) Try to eat healthy and a min of 1500 cals a day. Nurse as often as the baby nurses.... a baby isn't hungry the first 3 days...so the amount of milk you have the first 3 days will be very minimal... use these 3 days and turn your breast into a pacifier... this way milk will come flowing in by the end of the week. If the baby won't sleep for more than an hour after you've finished nursing, this could be that the baby is still hungry...if he doesn't have at least 6 wet diapers in the first 24 hours....use a pump to try to stimulate milk flow. Save the milk in the refrigerator for up to 3 days after you've pumped. Do NOT take any pain killers that the dr. prescribes, regardless of what they tell you.. they will pass on to the baby (i.e. vicadin.... IB profuen and tylenol are ok as long as its OTC since they're lower doses)

Congratulations... be sure to ask for help... if you have a c-section... take your time, don't do too much too fast... but don't stay in bed either... the quicker you get up and move, the quicker you'll heal....

It'll take about 5-6 weeks before the baby starts to sleep 4+ hours... so be sure to sleep when he/she sleeps. Good luck and love your child.

Btw... benefits of breastfeeding - quick weight loss, less chance of PPD, higher intelligence and immunity for your little guy...

Answer 10

Eat what you would like HOWEVER- sometimes what you eat will upset your babies tummy. The only way to tell is after you are done nursing, if your baby becomes really gassy or pulls up his knees and just screams- look back on what you ate 2-6 hours ago. The only way to really tell is to experiment by eating that same food again. If your baby gets an upset tummy again you should probably ease up on that type of food.
Also, be sure to nurse from both breasts every time you nurse. If your baby prefers one breast to the other- always offer the not-so-favorite breast first. If you don't do this- the "favorite breast" will produce more milk- its supply and demand- you'll end up lopsided!

Goodluck!