World Breast Feeding Month starts today, and I have the opportunity to feature renowned lactation consultant and Registered Nurse
Shari Criso,
who offered her round-up of must-have essentials every new
moms needs to make breastfeeding a success. Breastfeeding rates have
continued to rise over the past decade, according to data released
by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s in large part due to the health benefits of this
liquid gold: lower risks of ear and gastrointestinal infections;
diabetes and obesity; and mothers who breastfeed have lower risks of
breast and ovarian cancers.
Shari Criso’s Top Breastfeeding Myths:
·
Myth #1: A large percentage of our population just can't make enough milk to fully nourish their babies.
Ø
Fact: Our bodies were made to breastfeed and our
species has survived for hundreds of thousands of years this way. It is
actually UNCOMMON for a mom to carry a pregnancy, deliver a baby, and
then just not be able to feed it. It
does not make sense. There are some moms who may have issues with milk
supply, but most of the time it is due to inaccurate advice to
supplement with formula because of a "perceived" low supply issue
instead of a real supply issue.
·
Myth #2: That if your mom or sister couldn't breastfeed, that you won't be able to breastfeed as well.
Ø
Fact: I don’t know what happened with a woman’s mom
or sister, but I do know that their mother’s mother, and her mother
before that, and so on…were able to breastfeed or they would not be
here. We come from a line of women that
were able to produce enough and feed their babies because that was the
only way. Although the ability to breastfeed can have a genetic factor,
this is usually not the case. Most of the time the reason that the mom
or sister was not able to breastfeed is due
to reasons that were not medical issues, but rather misinformation or
assumptions about their bodies ability to make enough milk.
·
Myth #3: That you have to have the perfect diet and lifestyle to make good and enough milk.
Ø
Fact: This is just untrue. If having the perfect
diet, enough rest, not too much stress, etc. were major factors in your
body's ability to feed your baby then our species would have died off
long ago. People throughout history
have lived through some of the most difficult situations and still were
able to feed. Although our own health does make breastfeeding easier,
it is not critical in making enough or good "quality" milk. A good diet
will keep you healthy, but regardless of
what you are eating your milk is rarely effected except in the
most extreme cases.
·
Myth #4: Breastfeeding will change the shape of your breasts.
Ø
Fact: Breastfeeding itself is not the culprit.
Other factors that can change your breast appearance more than
breastfeeding includes BMI, age, history of smoking, large pre-pregnancy
breast size and number of pregnancies.
Shari Criso’s Top 3 Breastfeeding Tips
·
Tip #1: Become as knowledgeable and educated as
possible about breastfeeding BEFORE you have your baby. Trying to wing
it after the baby comes or rely on the staff at the hospital to teach
you could be a disaster and the reason
why breastfeeding was not successful.
·
Tip #2: Purchase what you will need to make
breastfeeding more comfortable and easier especially in the first few
weeks when you are first adjusting and it is usually the most difficult
time. You don't have to spend a lot of
money to accomplish this, but assume that you WILL be successful and
get what you need.
You may be able to get help with breastfeeding at no cost, since
your health insurance plan must cover the cost of a breast pump – and
may offer to cover either a rental or a new one for you to keep. I like
the
Evenflo® Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump: $99.99-$159.99
·
Tip #3: Make sure you are surrounded with support.
One of the biggest challenges and reasons for moms not having the
success that they want with breastfeeding is not getting the support
from the people around them. Get your
partner on board with education and information. A supportive partner
is one of the biggest reasons for breastfeeding success. Find friends
and other breastfeeding moms who were successful to speak to and line up
a lactation consultant before you deliver so
you can reach out for help as soon as you need it.
Shari Criso’s Must-Have Products to Make Breastfeeding Easier:
·
Evenflo® Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump: $99.99-$159.99
www.Evenflofeeding.com *available mid-August
Simple way to support breastfeeding for your baby. Small, handheld, portable convenient and diaper-bag ready.
The Baby Hobo Bag is a diaper bag that converts into a breastfeeding pillow to provide perfect positioning for moms on-the-go.
·
Milk Makers: $14.99-$39
www.milkmakers.com
Lactation cookies are an easy, delicious, and nutritious way to help boost milk supply.
Lactation cookies are an easy, delicious, and nutritious way to help boost milk supply.
·
Bravado Designs Ultra Comfort Nursing Camisole:
$34.99
Easy to wear while pregnant or nursing your new baby. Wire-free, seam-free, and has a long silhouette.
No comments:
Post a Comment