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Pregnancy/Baby
Breastfeeding: Mom's Super Power
By Keri Jo Rinke, RN, IBCLC, Athens Regional Medical Center
Special Baby issue: 2006

"If breastfeeding is this easy, why do so many of my friends quit?" A new mother asked me this question as she blissfully nursed her one day old baby. She glowed with the calmness and certainty of one who has been parenting for less than 24 hours. She was basking in post partum sunshine. She was feeling the rush of the post birth endorphins that I wish came in a pill.

A week later, the scene was quite different. "I am so tired; I haven't slept in a week. The baby nurses all the time. My husband has gone back to work. My parents went home to Ohio. The dishes are piled to the ceiling and the dog just peed on the carpet. I haven't had a shower in three days. I don't think I can do this!' For the full effect, re-read these sentences and put a hiccupy sob after each one.

Few women stop nursing for true breastfeeding problems. Many are overwhelmed by the new responsibilities of parenting. They dread their return to work. They court disaster before breastfeeding is well established. They quit when they are only a few feet from the summit.

As a mother's focus shifts to the care of her newborn, her absence is quickly felt in the flow of the household. Even if other family members don't complain, the mother feels the change in the household balance. This may mean bigger piles of laundry or unopened bills on the counter. When she takes stock of how her time is being spent, breastfeeding tops the list. Many see artificial feeding as a way to relieve this time strain. Most mothers I counsel regret this decision a few weeks later when their mind has cleared.

It is common knowledge that breastfeeding is the best feeding for babies. The problem is we convince ourselves artificial feeding is second best. The truth is it is a very distant second. Milk from cans is for baby cows and baby soybeans. Human milk is the only species specific milk for human infants. Breastfeeding is the best choice unless there is a true medical reason not to breastfeed. These reasons are quite rare.

What can breastfeeding women do to hedge their bets for success

  • They should learn all they can before their baby is born.
  • Read about the benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding.
  • Endear yourself to your breastfeeding friends.
  • Go to a breastfeeding class.
  • Join a breastfeeding support group.

These things help you act from conviction - a belief that you can produce the food your baby should be eating. I saw a t-shirt recently that said it well, 'I produce breast milk. What's your super power?'

Mothers who must return to work or school should take the longest maternity leave they can arrange. Think about telecommuting or job sharing. Take as many on line classes as possible. Revisit the family budget. Talk with friends who have found ways to reduce family income so they could afford more stay at home parenting.

If you must be separated from your baby, pumping your breasts is easy and making it possible for you to breastfeed as long as you like. You will be longing for your baby at the end of your work day. The two of you will enjoy the reunions only breastfeeding can provide.

Your breasts are not the key to successful breastfeeding - your mind is. Breastfeeding is a confidence game. Snuggle up with your baby and enjoy the work of it all. Is there anyone you would rather be with anyway?

Tips for Successful Breastfeeding

All the anticipation is over, and your new baby is snuggling in your arms. Here are some tips to help you create a nurturing breastfeeding relationship with your little one:

  • Attend a breastfeeding class before your baby arrives.
  • Make sure the baby goes to the breast as soon as possible after delivery while in the quiet alert phase.
  • Make sure latch on is adequate and the suck is deep and drawing. Ask your nurse for help if needed.
  • Choose a hold in which you can be supportive in gliding the baby to the breast.
  • Do plenty of 'kangaroo care,' skin-on-skin contact, after feedings.
  • Keep a breastfeeding log the first few weeks after birth, recording wet and dirty diapers and length of feedings.
  • Get help early if you notice any problems with breastfeeding. Early intervention is a must!
  • Go to a mom's support group to meet other moms.

Donna Jenkins, RN, IBCLC, St. Mary's Health Care System

Beastfeeding Classes & Support Groups

Athens Regional Medical Center

  • Breastfeeding: a Bond of Love (offered monthly)
  • Breastfeeding and Working (offered every other month)
    Call (706) 475-3385

St. Mary's Health Care System

  • Breastfeeding 101
  • Breastfeeding 102: Back to work and breastfeeding? Yes you can!
    Call (706) 389-3389

La Leche League of Athens

  • Daytime meeting: 3rd Tuesday, 10 a.m., St. Stephen's Anglican Church
  • Night meeting: 3rd Tuesday,
    7 p.m., location varies
    llusa.org/web/AthensGA.html

Athens Regional Medical Center

  • 'Mother Care' (Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., Medical Services Building, 3rd Floor)
    Call (706) 475-3385

St. Mary's Health Care System

  • 'Bundles of Joy,' (Mondays,
    1-3 p.m.)
  • 'Toddle Time,' (Last Monday of the month, 10 a.m. noon)
    Call (706) 389-3310

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program

  • Open to WIC clients in Barrow, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, call your local health department or 1 (800) 473-4357.
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