Arvizu: 3 Ways to Get Breastfeeding Off to a Good Start
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Take a Breastfeeding Class
The absolute best way to prepare both you and your partner for breastfeeding is attending a class together before baby is born. Learn all about potential obstacles and issues as well as how to be a supportive partner.
Mike and Amy Davieau are proud parents to a one week old newborn. So far breastfeeding has been going well and mom, Amy attributes a lot of this success to her supportive husband. “Mike isn’t afraid to help me get the baby positioned for feeding,” Amy explains. “He attended the breastfeeding class right alongside me. He’s as interested and knowledgeable about breastfeeding as I am so knows how he can help me if I’m having trouble.”
Make breastfeeding as team oriented as possible! Sign up for a breastfeeding class (LINK: http://shop.wildorchidbaby.com/Birth-Classes_c51.htm) at Wild Orchid Baby (LINK: http://WWW.WILDORCHIDBABY.COM) before baby arrives.
Line up Your Support
Check out local breastfeeding resources before your baby is born. This way, when problems arise, instead of wasting time searching for help, you can focus on troubleshooting and remedying the problem.
Meryl Estabrook experienced mastitis (a painful infection) shortly after her daughter was born. “The whole experience had me convinced that breastfeeding just wasn’t for me,” Estabrook explained. “But then I discovered Babies In Common (LINK: http://WWW.BABIESINCOMMON.COM). I met other moms who were going through the same struggles as I was. It gave me the strength and support I needed to push through and keep nursing.”
Meryl’s breastfeeding struggles also motivated her to become a lactation counselor. She hosts a support group on Saturday mornings at Wild Orchid Baby called Brunch & Breast Milk (LINK: http://www.wildorchidbaby.com/product-list.html) to help other local moms who may be struggling with nursing. Whether you’re experiencing problems or are just looking for fellow breastfeeding moms, come chat with Meryl and enjoy a yummy lactation smoothie.
Work Arrangements
If you plan to return to work, talk to your employer about your breastfeeding/pumping needs before you leave for maternity leave. This way they can set up a pumping room for you if there isn’t one already and you can work out a pumping schedule together.
Kelly Foshiel successfully breastfed her son while out of work on maternity leave, but struggled to maintain that relationship when she returned to work. “I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to maintain my supply once I returned to work,” Foshiel said. “Because I travel and visit with clients frequently, it really disrupted my pumping schedule.” What ways can your employer help you continue breastfeeding? The first step is talking to them about it.
If you need help exploring your birth options, stop by Wild Orchid Baby located at 490 Shrewsbury Street in Worcester and chat with local birth professionals and childbirth educators.
Erin Arvizu is owner of Wild Orchid Baby.
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