How to breastfeed
"Breastfeeding has been the most amazing experience -- totally worth every cracked, bleeding nipple I ever had."
How I did it: Support, support, support.
Dedication, dedication, dedication.
It's worth it.
Try to breastfeeding your baby in the first hour after birth.
Drink lots and lots of water.
Get help.
Know that there are risk factors for decreased milk supply -- c-secion (with no labor), magnesium, low hemoglobin, blood loss.
Be skin-to-skin with your baby as much as possible.
Breastfeed on demand -- absolutely no schedules.
Have a breastfeeding "spot" -- you need a chair or something comfy to sit on, a place for water and a granola bar, a book, a phone, and somewhere to prop your feet up.
Buy granola bars -- as soon as your baby wants to eat, you'll want to eat. Most people find it very difficult (it's not impossible though) to walk while breastfeeding -- so get granola bars. You can eat with one hand & they're not horribly unhealthy.
Lessons & tips: It hurts for the first few days -- sometimes. It's fairly hard for the first month or so...then it's a piece of cake. You totally have to be dedicated & it WILL work.
Resources: Know an IBCLC. Supportive partner.
Medela website & products.
Hands-free pumping -- an absolute must if you're going back to work!
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