Successful Breastfeeding - 4 Keys

By Ruth Bonnemare


Below are some of the ways to ensure that a mother is able to breastfeed successfully:

I  think the first key to successful breastfeeding is determination. Determination  helps you overcome many obstacles, and forces you to find ways to make  sure you succeed. For me, I didn't give myself any option at all. When I  was pregnant with my first child, I was determined to breastfeed my child,  no matter what. Nothing was going to stop me from breastfeeding my child,  because I didn't want to give my child any formula at all. This is because  I believe that God gives us breast milk for a reason, and it just doesn't  make sense (to me) if we decide not to use something that is God made, but  choose something that is men made instead. I refuse to listen to all the  negative words that were spoken to me about why I should rest and not  'torture' my body by breastfeeding. Once the mother has determination,  there is a higher chance that she will succeed in breastfeeding her child.

  The  next important ingredient for successful breastfeeding is support. If a  mother has people that are close to her that discourage her from  breastfeeding, it will be quite hard for her to continue. This is because  these people will jump at every opportunity to tell her why breastfeeding  is not good, either for her or for her baby. For example, if the baby  cries a little the first few days after she was born, then these close  relatives will suggest that it is because the baby is not having enough  milk, and that the mother should give the baby formula. However, if the mother  is determined, and knows that her close relative discourages breast  feeding, then she should seek breastfeeding support groups, or experienced  mothers who have breastfed before, that will give her the support and  encouragement that she needs.  Nowadays, most maternity hospitals have  these kinds of support groups.

  Another  important factor that determines whether a mother is able to breastfeed  successfully is knowledge. Ignorance is definitely not bliss. With knowledge,  the mother will have confidence that she can produce enough milk regardless  of the size or shape of her breasts, or other family member's lack of  success at breast feeding. So it is very helpful if the mother reads  widely, talk to experienced breastfeeding mothers and get herself prepared  for breastfeeding before her baby is born. This will not only help her  succeed in breastfeeding, it will also help her avoid learning how to  breastfeed from the hard way.

  A lot  of times, the success of breast feeding is largely determined by how the  mother manages her breastfeeding first few days after the baby is born. If  the mother didn't insist that she wants to breastfeed completely the  moment the baby is born, and the baby is being fed by formula, the chances  of success tend to be slimmer later on. Nipple confusion also often arises  when the baby is being introduced to the bottle too early (if the mother  is planning to breastfeed). The baby needs to suckle even though the  mother's milk has not come in yet. It helps to stimulate milk production. Besides,  the baby will also be getting colostrum, a mixture which contains  antibodies, produced by the breasts prior to milk. Many mothers  erroneously think they have no milk or not enough milk. They become  disheartened by the seemingly meager amount of thin-looking colostrum. In  actual fact, colostrum alone, in very small quantities - teaspoons, not  ounces - is all the baby needs for the first three to four days after  birth. The fact that the baby doesn't feel full encourages the baby to  nurse frequently, as a result, helps the mother establish an early good  milk supply. Hence, it is important that the mother does not cave in to  giving her baby formula immediately. The transition to produce mature milk  takes about two weeks to complete. Therefore, it is a matter of time  before her milk comes in. Total breastfeeding with no supplements will  establish the mother's milk supply more quickly.


In short, only for a few exceptional cases, most mothers should be able to breastfeed successfully, because this is what God give mothers. Sadly, a lot of misinformation has caused lots of mothers to fail to breastfeed. But I am glad that more and more people are aware of the importance of breastfeeding their children these days.

Ruth Bonnemare is a very experienced mother who enjoys conselling and training young families. A renowned cook in her hometown, she loves to research into healthy living and healing foods from around the world. She has also consulted on breast feeding and supports young mothers on breast feeding while working. She maintains a website at http://www.allteachingparentingskills.com/

Article Source: Successful Breastfeeding - 4 Keys