by Shelly Burke

"I had always planned to breast-feed, but no one seemed to agree with my decision," says Laura Jones, mother of one, from Milwaukee, Wisc. "My husband thought if I breast-fed, he wouldn't get to feed the baby. My mother warned me that I'd get sore nipples. I tried to ask my doctor some questions, but all he said was, "Try it if you want. The nurse will give you some pamphlets."

Despite these discouraging responses, Laura was confident she was making the right decision. "I knew there were many benefits for the baby. I borrowed a book from a friend who breast-fed her children and took my questions to the midwife in my doctor's practice. I did get an inflamed breast, but a lactation consultant gave me pointers and it only lasted a few days. My husband brought Morgan to me for middle-of-the night feedings, so he felt involved. Even my mother acknowledged that the baby was growing well and rarely got sick," Laura continues proudly. Laura breast-fed Morgan until she was 11 months old.

Breast-feeding isn't as easy as the pictures of serene mothers feeding their newborns would have you believe, nor as hard as some of the old wives' tales may suggest. It does take some work and practice to get both you and your baby used to each other, but the benefits for mom and baby are definitely worth it!

Expect the Unexpected

Breast-feeding takes practice and patience. Many moms experience:

* Sore nipples (usually during the first weeks of breast-feeding)
* Discomfort from engorged breasts
* Awkwardness while trying to find a comfortable position in which to nurse.

Jean Foland, mother of two from Columbus, Neb., said she and her first baby Sean, a preemie, had a rough beginning. "He was jaundiced and too weak to breast-feed. I had to pump my milk and they fed the milk to the baby through a tube. It wasn't the easiest way to start, but I felt it was the best way for Sean. In just a few days he was strong enough to nurse. The nurses helped me get started breast-feeding."

Foland successfully breast-fed for eight months.

"Our second baby had trouble choking on too much milk," reports Tawn Bueltman, mother of four, who lives in rural Nebraska, "but I found if I nursed her while I was lying down, she was able to keep up and swallow the milk more easily. After a few months she could nurse in any position."

Pamela Schaffart, a certified nurse-midwife from Columbus, Neb., reassures first-time breast-feeding moms that, "It can take up to six to 10 weeks for mom's body and baby to get into the rhythm of producing milk and getting used to, and comfortable with, the breast-feeding process."

Avoid Pessimists

Discouragement can come from family members, friends or even professionals. Schaffart says, "It's easier to breast-feed if your family is supportive. But if they're not, find a support person who has breast-fed, and join a local support group if there's one available." Visit the Resources area for support groups.

When you interview your baby's prospective health care provider or nurse practitioner, ask about breast-feeding. Ask a female if she breast-fed and for how long. Ask a male if his wife breast-fed. Ask health care professionals how they deal with breast-feeding problems. Do they suggest working with lactation specialists?

Hopefully, the hospital staff will support your decision to breast-feed, but if not, you can still successfully nurse your child, as Tammy Edwards of Auburn, Neb., discovered.

"When my daughter was born the staff was not very supportive of my decision to breast-feed. They gave her bottles and only brought her to me at hospital-designated times. I left the hospital as soon as my doctor OK'd my dismissal. It was a little harder, but after a day or two at home Alicia adjusted to breast-feeding with no problems."

Be confident in your decision and show that confidence. If people discourage you, just smile and say, "I've made the decision that's best for me and my baby. I'm confident I'm doing the right thing."

Cindy Circo, mother of two from Columbus, Neb., relates to feelings of discouragement. "When I heard discouraging remarks, sometimes I got mad, but mostly I just listened-or pretended to-and moved on. When you know you're doing what is right for you and your baby, it doesn't matter what people say or think about that decision."

Begin with the Basics

"One of the best ways to prepare for breast-feeding is to read a book about it. I suggest So That's What They're For by Janet Tamaro," says Schaffart.

If you haven't chosen a hospital in which to have your baby, look for one with a "Baby Friendly" certification. According to Marie Kozel, a lactation consultant at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Neb., "Baby Friendly" hospitals have a goal to promote practices in the hospital, which will help a mom and baby be successful if they choose to breast-feed." There are only about 24 "Baby Friendly" hospitals in the United States (thousands internationally) but more will be certified in the future.

During the last weeks of pregnancy, prepare a quiet breast-feeding area, complete with a basket full of the supplies you might need while breast-feeding, such as, pillows to support your back and arms, drinking water, a burp cloth, tissues, etc.

Before you sit down to breast-feed, turn on the answering machine, go to the bathroom, and change the baby, so you are prepared and can be comfortable and relaxed while you feed your baby.

Make sure the baby is latching on well (this will help prevent sore nipples). The baby's jaws should grasp the areola, not just the nipple. Her nose should be touching your breast, but she will be able to breathe if she's facing you squarely; use your thumb to gently press your breast out of the way if you have large or engorged breasts.

Experiment with holding your baby in different positions to see which one is most comfortable for you and the baby. If you've had a cesarean section, ask your midwife or health care provider for suggestions so you can avoid pressure on the incision.

Moms who breastfeed-even if for just a few weeks-are offering their babies a wonderful start in life. Be confident in your decision, and you can overcome any difficulties associated with breastfeeding.

Resources

Use the following resources if you have questions about or problems with breast-feeding.

La Leche League International (LLLI). LLLI supports breast-feeding through meetings, mother-to-mother support, and written material. For more information, call (800) 525-3243, or check the Web at www.lalecheleague.org
 

Consult a lactation consultant. According to Marie Kozel, a lactation consultant at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Neb., these professionals "must meet criteria and eligibility requirements (which include having a bachelor's degree and working at least 2,500 hours with breast-feeding women), and pass an international examination. A lactation consultant provides information to help women make informed choices about how to feed their babies, and can help with problems that come up at any time during breast-feeding."

Every Baby magazine was a publication of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, copyright 2004. To learn more about midwives and midwifery, and to find a midwife in your local community, visit www.midwife.org