Each pregnancy raises a lot of questions: co-sleeping or not, mode of childcare, wish to give birth, first name, DME or classic purees, etc. All these subjects lead to reflections and then to choices which should allow both parents to agree. to find in order to live in harmony with their unborn baby. One of the other subjects that raises questions and that you need advice on is breastfeeding .
We hear a lot about it at the moment and for good reason breastfeeding is either adored or decried… So, we wanted to take stock with you! What are the benefits of breastfeeding? How to properly prepare for breastfeeding? Do we need equipment to breastfeed?
We give you advice on how to properly prepare and facilitate breastfeeding!
Summary :
- Breastfeeding is your choice
- The benefits of breastfeeding for the baby and the mother
- Our tips for preparing for breastfeeding
- Who to consult for advice on breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is your choice
Let it be said, by dint of hearing everyone's opinion on absolutely all possible and imaginable subjects during pregnancy , we sometimes come to doubt our own desires... So we wanted to start by reminding you that your choices are yours. It doesn't matter if you decide to breastfeed or not, to do co-sleeping, to buy ready-made baby food or to make homemade, it's up to you! It's your pregnancy, your child, your body and your family. So if breastfeeding does not tempt you, go directly to the bottle! If you want to give your newborn your breast milk but you can't stand the sucking, you can express your milk and give it by bottle. Finally, if you want to breastfeed your baby directly from the breast, do it and don't let anyone talk you out of it!
The benefits of breastfeeding for the baby and the mother
Breastfeeding has a number of benefits for the baby :
- Colostrum , the milk that makes up the first feedings, is very rich in proteins and immunoglobulins (antibodies). This is often why we encourage mothers to do the welcome feeding !
- Breast milk (it comes after a few days of breastfeeding to replace colostrum) is also very rich. It meets the nutritional needs of the baby in a very precise way . For example, depending on the time of day and the lactation period, its composition varies: in winter it is thicker and has a higher fat content, in summer it is more liquid to provide more hydration. , in the evening it contains more melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep.
- Mother's milk contains all the nutrients the baby needs during the first months of life: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. It is generally very well assimilated and digested by the infant !
- Breast milk is full of antibodies which makes it ideal for preventing your baby from getting sick.
- Breastfeeding allows you to create an exceptional bond with the baby : you regularly go skin to skin with him and you spend moments of pure happiness together.
- Breastfeeding is also great for the mom: your body creates prolactin and oxytocin, two hormones that reduce stress! It is also estimated that a breastfeeding mother would be less prone to postpartum depression .
Our tips for preparing for breastfeeding
Sometimes a woman knows she wants to breastfeed even before she is pregnant. Sometimes the click comes later, or it doesn't and that's fine! If you want to breastfeed, know that it is strongly advised to learn a minimum about breastfeeding. You can ask people questions and read testimonials if you want, but remember that breastfeeding experiences are unique to everyone . For some women it's only happiness, for others it's been hell from the first minutes! Take the breastfeeding advice you want to take and leave the rest behind. In short, form your own opinion on the matter. And for that, nothing better than to try!
What equipment to prepare for breastfeeding?
In fact, the body of all women, even those who do not wish to breastfeed, is preparing for potential breastfeeding. Yes, don't forget that pregnancy hormones have a role in lactation! It is thanks to them that on D-Day your body will be able to provide your baby with precious colostrum. You will therefore not really need any equipment to prepare for breastfeeding . However, you can buy accessories that can help make breastfeeding easier once baby arrives. Among the essential accessories for breastfeeding we note:
- The nursing pillow , which will help you a lot to sleep at the end of pregnancy!
- The nursing bra or nursing clothes to facilitate latching on everywhere!
- Breast pads to prevent milk leaks
- Nursing shells : when baby sucks on one breast, milk may come out of the other nipple, so the shell collects the milk
- The breast pump , very useful if your baby is babysat or if the other parent wants to give the bottle
- Nipple shields , useful in case of flat nipples, mastitis (breast infection) or cracks
- A cream to relieve the nipples , feedings can be regular with a newborn, so it is essential to take care of your breasts!
Which positions to breastfeed?
It is true that the position during breastfeeding is very important. It can relieve the mother's back and arms when the child is older. It also allows the baby to be more comfortable and therefore promotes milk intake . Among the best known positions are:
- Breastfeeding reverse madonna
- Classic Madonna Breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding lying down or lying on your side
- Breastfeeding rugby ball
- Breastfeeding astride or koala
- Intuitive breastfeeding .
Our advice on a suitable diet while breastfeeding
Just like during pregnancy, the mother must take care of her diet while breastfeeding ! Nothing too complicated here, just eat a balanced, healthy diet and vary your intake of starches, proteins, fats and carbohydrates . Also remember to drink a lot because breastfeeding draws on all your reserves, including water! To make your life easier, you can prepare meals in advance. This trick allows you to eat a balanced and varied diet without spending hours in the kitchen! You will see it quite quickly, with a newborn it is complicated to cook every day.
In general, this idea is highly recommended to prepare for postpartum !
And the place of the partner in all this?
Despite what you may think, breastfeeding does not necessarily prevent the other parent from creating a special bond with their baby! He can make him burp him, rock him, give him the bottle if the mother expresses his milk, put him to sleep, change him, sing him music, etc. It is enough that each parent finds his place with the baby!
Breastfeeding and cosmetics, how to choose the right products?
Well cosmetic level it's like for food: you must continue to choose products without endocrine disruptors, without perfumes and without essential oils ! Breastfeeding means regular contact between your baby's mouth and your nipple. It is therefore very important not to apply products that may contain controversial or potentially dangerous ingredients for the baby!
All Téane Laboratories products are formulated to be compatible with pregnancy but also with breastfeeding. To firm up your breasts and belly, you can use certified organic Firming Fresh Milk. If stretch marks appeared during or after pregnancy, SOS Stretch Marks Balm will be your ally to significantly reduce the appearance of your stretch marks.
Who to consult for advice on breastfeeding?
If you want case-by-case answers about breastfeeding, you can consult a lactation consultant . The lactation consultant is a specialist in breastfeeding and human lactation ! With a bit of luck you may even see one before leaving the maternity ward.
Moreover, be aware that midwives, childcare workers and childcare assistants can also help breastfeeding mothers! You can ask them for help from the first days of the newborn's life in order to get off to a good start. Besides, remember to put that you plan to breastfeed in your birth plan! This information is valuable for professionals.
You can also make an appointment with your midwife when you get home if you are more comfortable doing so.
Last useful information: to help you, you can download the breastfeeding guide and read it before delivery. It allows you to have a clearer idea of exclusive breastfeeding , mixed breastfeeding (breast and bottle) and also talks about weaning .
----------
We hope you enjoyed our breastfeeding tips. You have all the keys in hand to set up breastfeeding! Remember that sometimes breastfeeding your baby can be difficult, but nothing is impossible. Don't forget that you decide whether or not to breastfeed and that you can wean your child whenever you want!
