Breastfeeding Support

Outside of extenuating circumstances, breastfeeding is the most optimal form of human feeding.  Not only is human milk the best possible nutrition you can give to you baby, it is also responsible for brain wiring and optimal neurological development.  Infants who are breastfed reap the benefits of a decreased risk of diabetes, asthma, upper respiratory and other infections, such as ear infections.  The content of breastmilk changes throughout the time that the infant is nursing, as well as throughout the day and even within one feeding!  

Breastfeeding is also beneficial for the mom.  It increases the level of bonding with her baby and decreases her risk of certain cancers, including breast and uterine cancer.  It also helps to control bleeding after birth and to decrease the length of postpartum bleeding.

If that weren't enough it is readily available in the right amount, at the right temperature, and it comes in a soft and appealing package!

When you birth with us we will help you latch your baby within the first hour.  The primary goal in the first few days of breastfeeding is to get a good latch and stimulate the breasts often to help the milk come in.  The baby's first milk is colostrum, which we call "liquid gold" because it is packed with protein and antibodies and acts as a natural laxative for the baby while providing good flora to line the baby's gut.  It does not come in large amounts because the baby's tummy is tiny, so small a teaspoon could fill it.  Colostrum is not about quantity it is about quality. 

Around day 3 your milk will come in and you will likely experience some degree of engorgement.  Your breasts will become very full and hard (looks like you got a natural boob job!) and may feel tender.  It's not uncommon to have a low-grade fever during this time.  Engorgement usually sorts itself out within a day or two, but it is important not to pump during this time.  Since milk production is based on supply and demand, pumping in addition to feeding your baby will only exacerbate the problem by telling your body to make more milk than what the baby is demanding.

The American College of Ob/Gyns, as well as The World Health Organization, The American Academy of Pediatrics and Motherfly Midwifery recommend exclusive breasteeding for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding as long as is mutually desired by mother and baby. The international average age for weaning worldwide is 3 years old, so there's no rush to quit early unless you want to. 

We will provide breastfeeding support for your during your postpartum care and refer you to a lactation consultant if needed.  We recommend that you attend a La Leche League meeting during your pregnancy and afterwards for ongoing support.