Today, more than 75% of new mothers breastfeed their newborns. Though breastfeeding is proven to be challenging especially during the first few days because both the mommy and baby are still under adjustment period, more and more mommies have decided to look into the benefits breastfeeding could give into their little one. Breastmilk is the best food for baby especially on his first 6 months of life. It is important to prepare yourself physically, mentally and emotionally for this very wonderful journey even before you give birth to your baby. But how do we really do that? How can we prepare ourselves so we can have a bigger chance of successful breastfeeding after giving birth? Here are some tips:
•Physical Preparation
When a women is pregnant, she will experience changes in her breasts as early as first trimester of pregnancy. Her breasts and nipples will become more sensitive. Some will experience soreness of breasts. Few weeks before your due, your body will start producing colostrum or the first milk to get ready for feeding your baby. What you can do is make sure to eat healthy foods, take your vitamins properly, attend to your prenatal check ups regularly. If you experience soreness of breasts and nipples, you can massage your breasts. Taking care of your body is one key to succeed in breastfeeding.
•Mental and Emotional Preparation
Talk to your doctor about your plan of breastfeeding your baby. Tell your doctor things that might hinder you from successfully breastfeeding your baby. Have a lactation consultant even if the baby isn’t born just yet so that you will be able to establish a good relationship already with your consultant and you will become much more comfortable by the time the baby arrives. Also join mommy groups and lactation groups that can give you support for you to succeed your breastfeeding goals.
•Other Things to Prepare
Take breastfeeding class so that you will be able to know how to properly do it by the time the baby arrives. Prepare for breastfeeding essentials that you would need to make things easier for you and baby on your first few days together. Discuss with your doctor the kind of birth control you would want to have. (If you plan to have one). There are birth control methods that might affect your breastfeeding journey such as those pills that might lower your milk supply. That’s why it is important to talk to experts about it.
Breastfeeding could be a tough adventure especially if you are a first time mom. However, if you are getting enough support from family, loved ones and professionals, and if you will have the full courage needed to pursue this wonderful journey, for sure everything will be worth it especially that you are getting ready to produce and feed your baby the best liquid gold there is, called breastmilk. Goodluck Momma!
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