As a mom, feeding your baby liquid gold is an accomplishment and something to be very proud of. If you don’t know much about breastfeeding yet, here are great resources to get started with!
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Everything You Need to Know About Breastfeeding
1. The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby and for Mom
Many experts and advocates recommend breastfeeding babies for at least six months. Don’t miss out on the many physical and psychological benefits breastfeeding has for you and your baby.
2. Nutrients Found in Breast Milk
While formula is a safe way to feed your baby, breast milk is still the best source of nutrition for newborn babies. Do you want to know what it is made of?
3. How to Prepare for Breastfeeding While You’re Pregnant
While you’re pregnant, your body is getting ready to produce the milk your baby needs. Breastfeeding can be tricky in the beginning, but there are things you can do to prepare for it while you’re waiting for your baby to arrive.
4. How to Breastfeed Successfully
Breastfeeding may be natural, but it doesn’t come naturally for some moms. It’s an acquired skill that needs to be learned and practiced.
There are some general breastfeeding tips you may find useful early on. Click here to learn more.
5. Breastfeeding Your Newborn — What to Expect in the Early Weeks
Do you know how often you should be nursing? How can you tell if the baby is getting enough milk?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are answers to many of the common questions new moms have about breastfeeding.
6. Getting a Good Latch
Getting your baby to latch the right way can take some practice. It helps if you are able to recognize the signs of a good latch and how to correct a wrong one.
7. Slideshow: Breastfeeding Positions
Breastfeeding may be a little awkward at first. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the different breastfeeding positions as you figure out what works best for you and your baby.
8. Breastfeeding and the Let-Down Reflex
There are ways to help you stimulate the let-down reflex to improve your milk flow while breastfeeding. Click here to learn more.
What is the let-down reflex? It’s your body’s automatic reaction when you initiate breastfeeding. It triggers the release of breast milk.
9. Common Breastfeeding Challenges
Some women face many challenges while breastfeeding while others do not. Don’t worry though, because there are solutions to these common breastfeeding challenges.
10. Warning Signs of Breastfeeding Problems
There are more serious breastfeeding problems that may interfere with your milk production or your baby’s nutritional needs. Some of these problems will require immediate medical attention.
11. Get Help from Lactation Consultants
Most women don’t realize that breastfeeding requires some work. Often, the new mom needs a little help, especially in the beginning.
These days, moms have the option of getting help from health care professionals or support groups.
RELATED: 7 Top Foods To Avoid While Breastfeeding
12. Should You Pump or Breastfeed?
Breastfeeding and pumping are great ways to feed your baby breast milk. Pumping can offer similar, but not identical, benefits as breastfeeding.
13. 9 Breast Milk Pumping Tips for New Moms
Breastfeeding and pumping are sometimes used interchangeably, but they’re actually quite different.
Just like learning how to breastfeed, you’ll also need to learn how to use a breast pump. There are ways to ease into pumping.
14. Breastfeeding: Choosing a Breast Pump
For some moms, breast pumps become an important companion throughout their breastfeeding journey. It gives you the flexibility to return to work or simply have some time for yourself if you don’t want a direct latch every single feeding time.
15. Breast Milk Storage: Dos and Don’ts
What do you do with your pumped breast milk? There are specific guidelines for storing, freezing, and thawing breast milk.
16. Breastfeeding Diet 101 — What to Eat While Breastfeeding
While you’re working hard to feed your baby, don’t forget to take care of yourself. It’s very important to eat healthy while breastfeeding.
17. 10 Easy Tips for How to Breastfeed in Public
Adults eat out, so is there any reason why babies shouldn’t be allowed to as well? There are ways to make breastfeeding in public more comfortable for you and your baby.
18. Breastfeeding Your Toddler: What to Expect
Some moms choose to breastfeed their kids until they express the desire to wean. This often means breastfeeding a toddler.
You may find that breastfeeding a toddler can be quite different from breastfeeding a baby. Click here to learn more.
19. Breastfeeding and Daddy
While most breastfeeding resources are made with mom in mind, let’s not forget dad! Dads can play an active role in helping the new mom adjust to breastfeeding.
20. 5 Signs It’s Time to Stop Breastfeeding
At some point, breastfeeding must eventually come to an end. It’s different for every mom, so try not to compare.
There are a few signs that may mean it’s the right time to end your breastfeeding journey. Click here to learn more.
21. Weaning Techniques
Weaning can be a challenging time for mom and her child. There are a few techniques that may help make this transition smoother.
Overall, breastfeeding can be challenging, but it’s also rewarding in different ways. Take the time to weigh the pros and cons of your baby feeding options.
These resources are useful in helping you make your decisions, but don’t be constrained by them. The bottom line of breastfeeding 101 is figuring out what works for you and your new baby.
Are you thinking of breastfeeding your baby? How are you preparing for it? Let us know in the comments section.
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