Baby Care and Parenting Tips

Women have been breastfeeding for centuries, many without all of the knowledge, instruction and tools that mothers get today. In some cases; however, too much information can lead to a little breastfeeding paranoia.

There are so many wonderful reasons to breastfeed, that sometimes it seems like the ONLY option. In truth the only option is to do what is best for your baby and sometimes that means your breast needs a little help. Many new babies could benefit from supplemental feedings, but this is a scary proposition for new mothers who have heard too much about nipple confusion and how overall breastfeeding success is greatest when it is exclusive from the moment of birth. So, what to do when your baby needs to gain more weight and you are feeding/pumping with all your might and it is still not enough?

The folks at Medela developed the Supplemental Nursing System to give the baby what it needs without compromising future breastfeeding success. This particular one is geared for short-term use; however, there is another model that can be used as a long-term solution. Either formula or pumped breast milk can be placed into the container which is connected to a very small tube.  This tube is taped down to the mother’s breast so that the extra fluid drips into the baby’s mouth while he/she is already nursing. It is a great way to provide the nourishment your child needs without switching to a bottle before good breastfeeding habits have been developed.

The birth of a baby is supposed to be a happy time to celebrate the miracle of bringing a new life into the world. However, for some babies, birth is a precarious situation full of medical interventions to keep them alive. When a full term, healthy baby is born, the mother usually is allowed to attempt breastfeeding almost immediately. That is not the case when a preemie or medically fragile infant is born. Breastfeeding a premature or medically fragile infant is a labor of love in and of itself that requires dedication and hard work. It is not easy, but it sure is worth it

The Breast Pump:

As soon as you know your baby is going to be born, start asking for a lactation consultation and a breast pump. A lactation consultant is a nurse who specializes in teaching new mothers about breastfeeding. At first, your baby will likely not be able to breastfeed the traditional way. Depending on the situation, they may never breastfeed like other babies. This is a very hard fact for some mothers to deal with. However, be encouraged that babies are helped by breast milk no matter how they receive it (directly from the breast, bottle, or via feeding tube). The lactation consultant will teach you how to pump, show you the schedule to use for pumping (every 2 to 3 hours), and will work with you at your baby’s bedside in the NICU to teach you how to feed your baby depending on their situation.
The breast pump will be your best friend and worst enemy. There will be nights where you will wake up and not want to pump and want to throw the pump out the window onto train tracks. Do not get discouraged. Remember to keep eating a balanced diet and to drink plenty of fluids. This is vital for milk supply. If you find that you are having supply issues, there are some tricks you can try. The following are tricks that I have used to boost supply:

• Pumping in the bathroom while running the shower on hot
• Eating oatmeal
• Taking Fenugreek
• Mother’s Milk Tea

Also be sure to talk to your OBGYN because there are medications you can take to boost milk supply. Remember to not be discouraged. Sometimes, you may find that you will have to mix formula with breast milk. If that happens, just keep going. It is not the end of the world. Remember that just getting some breast milk is a good thing.

Admitting defeat:

Look, there are situations where breastfeeding a preemie or medically fragile infant just does not work out. You try your best and for some reason, you are just not getting any milk supply. Your baby was born so early that your body is just not producing. You have other medical issues that make it not an ideal situation and physically cannot breastfeed. You are so stressed by having a sick child that your supply has gone to the dogs. Or, your baby cannot physically tolerate breast milk and it is making them sick. These situations are real and they do happen. And truth be told, they suck. However, it does not make you less of a mother to be in this position. At the very least, you tried. If this happens to you, it is perfectly normal to feel grief over this. Formula was made specifically for these types of situations. As long as the child is getting nutrition, everything will be ok. Just remember that you are not a failure as a parent if your child cannot get breast milk.

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Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to stop breastfeeding your child. Long ago doctors believed it actually took nutrients away from the baby inside you, however that is not the case. Even today have people that believe this and they will argue with you the entire time. Only you can decide it. Don’t let someone else make that decision for you.

Reasons to Stop
A few reasons you might want to stop breastfeeding may be if you are feeling tired or maybe your child has started to bite. Sometimes your milk will just dry up, this is your body’s way of telling you to take a break.  Mastitis could play a big role in making you stop immediately as well. Mastitis is an infection in the breast when it isn’t expressed enough and gets engorged.

Stopping or Weaning
If you do plan on stopping because you are pregnant, make sure it is for the right reasons. If your baby has reached a certain age, it might be best. But never just yank it away from them.  Your child could wonder why it is being taken away. Wonder if they had done something or become discouraged about the new baby coming. Some children decide to wean themselves, which is a big help to you and you won’t feel so guilty about it. You can choose to do it cold turkey, or slowly wean him/her off. Cold turkey can have some bad results.  Try limiting his/her feeding times to certain hours and gradually take away more. Your child will quickly stop on his/her own and it won’t be a traumatic event.

Continuing to Feed
If you do plan on continuing to breastfeed while you are pregnant, talk with your doctor about it. Not all doctors will agree with your decision.  Sometimes he/she may see something in your health. Listen carefully and find out if it is a health reason or simply his/her own belief.  If it is the doctor’s belief, you can always seek out one that agrees with you.  Being pregnant hard enough at times, knows you have someone in your corner will only relieve the stress.  Don’t be surprised if your family and friends will probably give you all kind of advice on how to stop and what they’ve read. Nicely explain to them it is your decision and you’ll do what you think is best for your children. Try finding a support group in your area so you have someone to vent to or talk about these issues. Check out if there is a La Leche League near you or online that you can join.

Remember you’ll be able to safely breastfeed while pregnant if you take proper care of yourself and your body.