Being a new mother is hard work; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. But it is one of the most natural and beautiful experiences that there is. Your body will have changed so much over nine months that you carried your new baby inside you, and once he or she is out in the world, your body is not done supporting and nurturing this new life yet.
Breastfeeding is often preferred over cows milk as it naturally provides all of the protection and nutrients that a baby needs. As your baby grows, these nutrients change to suit the needs of the baby. Breast milk contains antibodies that are key to keeping your baby healthy and stronger. There is strong evidence to suggest that breastfeeding leads to higher levels of intelligence.
But breastfeeding is a big decision for some mothers to take, and you will need to take some time to research and understand how it will affect you.
The Right Clothing
Your baby will need to eat regularly and what you wear can make a difference in feeding when you need to. If you are out and about, you need to know that you are going to be able to feed your baby discreetly, without the need to remove items of clothing. You should not feel as though you need to go off in private to feed your baby either, so you will want to look for items of clothing that are easily moved aside. Look for comfy and supportive nursing bras that allow you to easily feed your baby whenever needed.
Getting Your Body Ready
You will need to make sure that you look after yourself when you are breastfeeding. You are creating all of the nutrients that your baby needs to grow and build up strength and to do that you need to make sure that you are healthy. Make sure that you are getting a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals; particularly calcium. You will need to take on board an extra 300-500 calories a day, and you will need to make sure that you are always well hydrated; so drink plenty of water.
If you are on medication, check with your doctor to ensure that it is safe to take while you are breastfeeding. Drinking alcohol should be kept to a moderate amount, and make sure and leave time for the alcohol to leave your system before breastfeeding.
Getting Support When You Need It
Many women stop breastfeeding early due to a lack of support. Many mothers find it uncomfortable or painful and struggle with issues surrounding breastfeeding in public. They may feel ashamed or embarrassed and have complex emotions surrounding feeding their babies. Having the support of a health visitor, doctor or other mothers that breastfeed can help immensely here, from advising on the practicalities of making the experience more comfortable for you and your baby, through to building up confidence and self-esteem.
Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural thing. It can create a unique bond between mother and baby, which can last for life. Make sure you seek out advice and do plenty of research so that you get the most out of the experience too.
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