Each pregnancy raises a lot of questions: co-sleeping or not, childcare arrangements, birth wishes, first name, DME or classic purees, etc. All these subjects lead to reflections and then to choices which should allow both parents to make the decision. find in order to live in harmony with their unborn baby. One of the other subjects that raises questions and on which you need advice: breastfeeding .
We hear a lot about it at the moment and for good reason breastfeeding is either adored or criticized... So, we wanted to take stock with you! What are the benefits of breastfeeding? How to properly prepare for breastfeeding? Do we need equipment for breastfeeding?
We give you advice on how to properly prepare for and make breastfeeding easier!
Summary :
- Breastfeeding, a choice that is yours
- The benefits of breastfeeding for the baby and the mother
- Our advice for properly preparing for breastfeeding
- Who should you consult for advice on breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding, a choice that is yours
Let it be said, by hearing everyone's opinion on absolutely every possible and imaginable subject during pregnancy , we sometimes come to doubt our own desires... We therefore wanted to start by reminding you that your choices are yours. It doesn't matter if you decide to breastfeed or not, to co-sleep, to buy ready-made baby food or to make it at home, it's up to you! It’s your pregnancy, your child, your body and your family. So if breastfeeding doesn't tempt you, go straight to bottle-feeding! If you want to give your newborn your breast milk but can't stand sucking, you can express your milk and give it to your baby from a bottle. Finally, if you want to breastfeed your baby directly, do it and don't let anyone dissuade you!
The benefits of breastfeeding for the baby and the mother
Breastfeeding has a number of benefits for the baby :
- Colostrum , the milk that makes up the first feedings, is very rich in proteins and immunoglobulins (antibodies). This is often why we encourage mothers to do the welcome feeding !
- Breast milk (it arrives after a few days of breastfeeding to replace colostrum) is also very rich. It meets the nutritional needs of the baby in a very precise way . For example, depending on the time of day and the lactation period its composition varies: in winter it is thicker and has a higher fat content, in summer it is more liquid to provide more hydration , in the evening it contains more melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep.
- Mother's milk contains all the nutrients that the baby needs during the first months of life: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. It is generally very well assimilated and digested by the infant !
- Breast milk contains plenty of antibodies which makes it ideal for preventing your baby from getting sick.
- Breastfeeding allows you to create an exceptional bond with the baby : you regularly have skin-to-skin contact with him and you spend moments of pure happiness together.
- Breastfeeding is also great for mom: your body creates prolactin and oxytocin, two hormones that reduce stress! It is also estimated that a breastfeeding mother would be less prone to postpartum depression .
Discover our products for baby eczema-prone skin
Our advice for properly preparing for breastfeeding
Sometimes a woman knows she wants to breastfeed even before she is pregnant. Sometimes the trigger comes later, or it doesn't happen and that's totally ok! If you wish to breastfeed, please note that it is strongly recommended to find out a little about breastfeeding. You can ask questions of those around you and read testimonials if you wish, but remember that breastfeeding experiences are unique to each person . For some women it's nothing but happiness, for others it was hell from the first minutes! Take the breastfeeding advice you want to take and leave it alone. In short, make up your own mind on the matter. And for that, nothing better than trying!
What equipment to prepare for breastfeeding?
In fact, the body of all women, even those who do not wish to breastfeed, prepares for potential breastfeeding. Yes, don't forget that pregnancy hormones play a role in lactation! It is thanks to them that on the day your body will be able to provide your baby with precious colostrum. So you won't really need any equipment to prepare for breastfeeding . However, you can buy accessories that can help make breastfeeding easier once baby arrives. Among the essential accessories for breastfeeding we note:
- The nursing pillow , which will also greatly help you sleep at the end of the pregnancy!
- The nursing bra or nursing clothes to make it easier to hold your breasts anywhere!
- Breast pads to prevent milk leaks
- Breastfeeding shells : when baby suckles one breast, it is possible that milk comes out of the other nipple, the shell therefore collects the milk
- The breast pump , very useful if your baby is looked after or if the other parent wants to give a bottle
- Breast pads , useful in cases of flat nipples, mastitis (breast infection) or cracks
- A cream to soothe the nipples , feedings can be regular with a newborn, so it is essential to take care of your breasts!
What positions to breastfeed?
It is true that position during breastfeeding is very important. It can relieve the mother's back and arms when the child is older. It also allows the baby to be more comfortable and therefore promotes milk intake . Among the best known positions there are:
- Breastfeeding inverted Madonna
- Classic Madonna Breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding lying down or lying on your side
- Rugby ball breastfeeding
- Straddle or koala breastfeeding
- Intuitive breastfeeding .
Our advice on a suitable diet during breastfeeding
Just like during pregnancy, the mother must take care of her diet during breastfeeding ! Nothing too complicated here, just eat a balanced, healthy diet and vary your intake of starches, proteins, fats and carbohydrates . Also remember to drink a lot because breastfeeding draws on all your reserves, including water! To make your life easier, you can prepare meals in advance. This tip allows you to eat balanced and varied meals without spending hours in the kitchen! You will see quite quickly, with a newborn it is complicated to cook every day.
Generally speaking, this idea is highly recommended for preparing for postpartum !
And the partner’s place in all this?
Despite what we may think, breastfeeding does not necessarily prevent the other parent from creating a special bond with their baby! He can burp him, rock him, give him a bottle if the mother expresses his milk, put him to sleep, change him, sing him music, etc. All it takes is for each parent to find their place with the baby!
Breastfeeding and cosmetics, how to choose the right products?
Well, in terms of cosmetics, it's the same as for food: you must continue to choose products without endocrine disruptors, without perfumes and without essential oils ! Breastfeeding means regular contact between your baby's mouth and your nipple. It is therefore very important not to apply products likely to contain controversial or potentially dangerous ingredients for the baby!
Also discover our selection of organic products for postpartum . The products are formulated to be compatible with breastfeeding. To firm your chest and stomach, you can use certified organic Fresh Firming Milk . If stretch marks appeared during or after pregnancy, SOS Stretch Marks Balm will be your ally to significantly reduce the appearance of your stretch marks.
Who should you consult for advice on breastfeeding?
If you want case-by-case answers about breastfeeding, you can consult a lactation consultant . The lactation consultant is a specialist in breastfeeding and human lactation ! With a little luck you might even see one before leaving the maternity ward.
Moreover, know that midwives, childcare workers and childcare assistants can also help breastfeeding mothers! You can ask them for help from the first days of the newborn's life in order to get off to a good start. Besides, remember to include that you plan to breastfeed in your birth plan! This information is valuable for professionals.
You can also make an appointment with your midwife when you get home if you are more comfortable that way.
Last useful information: to help you, you can download the breastfeeding guide and read it before giving birth. It allows you to have a clearer idea of what exclusive breastfeeding is, mixed breastfeeding (breast and bottle) and also talks about weaning .
----------
We hope you enjoyed our advice on breastfeeding. You have all the keys in hand to implement breastfeeding! Remember that sometimes breastfeeding your baby can be difficult, but nothing is impossible. Also remember that it is you who decide whether or not to breastfeed and that you can wean your child whenever you want!
