All about Pregnancy

       Preparing for an enjoyable breastfeeding experience  
 



Reliable information on
pregnancy topics
by Heisje de Jong,
Certified Lactation Consultant

Welcome (home page)
Your pre-conception diet
Home pregnancy tests
Early signs of pregnancy
Diet for your pregnancy
Things to give up
Lifestyle changes
Childbirth classes
Breastfeeding - preparation
Complications during pregnancy
Prenatal testing
Pregnancy Week-by-Week
When to contact your doctor
What to ask your obstetrician
Hospital or home delivery?
    And your Packing Guide!

Pain relief in labor & birth
Medical intervention during
    labor and delivery

Post partum exercises
Breastfeeding

About Heisje de Jong
Useful links
Contact Heisje

 


 

   

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WHY BREASTFEEDING?

(For more information on breastfeeding I recommend you check out my site Breastfeeding Help! where you'll find all the tools you need for a happy and satisfying breastfeeding experience without problems.)

Bringing your new baby into the world is one of the greatest and most profound experiences in your life, and the beginning of a lifelong relationship of loving and caring for this new creature, your very own child.
Feeding your newborn baby is one of your main contributions to his normal growth and well being.Nature has provided you with the most advanced, convenient and economic way of feeding your baby: BREASTFEEDING.

     

Since breastfeeding is a natural consequence to giving birth, many mothers assume that
knowing how to breastfeed comes also naturally. Unfortunately reality is not like this,
breastfeeding is a skill that requires learning and practice.
Many women do experience some difficulty at the beginning while learning to nurse,
especially first-time mothers.

Being well informed about all aspects of breastfeeding will help you get it off to a good start
with confidence and let you enjoy that wonderful relationship with your baby while providing
him with the best nutrition available.

Many mothers start breastfeeding because they know it's best for their baby. If you have any doubt about whether you want to breastfeed or not, the best way to decide is to give it a try. Find out as much as you can about the benefits of breastfeeding (there are lots!), how to start breastfeeding and how to avoid common breastfeeding problems. This summary will hopefully assist you towards a more enjoyable breastfeeding experience. For more indepth breastfeeding information and articles on how to solve breastfeeding problems I recommend you visit my breastfeeding website at http://breastfeeding-help.v25.com

Breastfeeding has many advantages for mother and baby!

ADVANTAGES FOR BABY

* Breastfed babies are proven healthier; breastmilk contains antibodies, which help protect your baby from colds, chest- and ear infections, stomach upsets and diarrhea.

* Breastmilk is easily digested and breastfed babies are very rarely constipated.

* Breastfed babies have fewer allergies.

* Breastmilk contains Taurine, an amino acid, which contributes to optimal brain growth.

* Breastmilk is constantly changing in its composition as baby grows, to meet the changing needs of the baby. It contains all the right ingredients your baby needs to grow well and to develop. It is the only food needed for your baby until he is about 6 months old.

* Breastfed babies are at less risk for juvenile diabetes and crohn's disease.

ADVANTAGES FOR MOTHER

* Nursing soon after delivery helps to contract the uterus and lowers the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

* Breastfeeding helps you lose that extra weight you gained during pregnancy.

* Breastfeeding for at least 6 months helps protect against pre-menopausal breast cancer.

* Breastfeeding helps protect against cervical cancer and osteoporosis.

* Breastmilk is always available, needs no preparation, is always at the right temperature and needs no refrigeration or sterilization.

* Breastfed babies are easy to take with you, no need to take bottles etc. along.

* Night feedings are easier, no bottles to heat up.

* Lots of physical contact brings mother and baby emotionally closer and helps to develop a strong bond between them.

WHAT CAN YOU DO DURING PREGNANCY TO PREPARE YOUR NIPPLES FOR BREASTFEEDING?

At one time it was recommended to prepare your nipples during pregnancy in order to avoid sore nipples during breastfeeding (rubbing them with a towel or squeezing out colostrum).
This has not been proven helpful.
It is now recognized that poor positioning and latch-on of the baby is the most common cause of nipple soreness in the early weeks of breastfeeding and careful attention needs to be paid to these aspects.
Nipple preparation is no longer recommended, but there are a few things you can do during pregnancy:

Avoid using soap, alcohol or antiseptics on your nipples since they can dry the skin.
Rinsing with plain water when you take your shower is enough.
If your skin feels dry you can put some modified lanolin or a mild bodylotion.

It is a good idea to check for flat or inverted nipples during the last months of pregnancy.
This can be done as follows: place a thumb and forefinger near the base of the nipple and press gently together. If your nipple does not come out far enough for you to grasp it, you may have flat or inverted nipples and you may want to start wearing breast shells during the last months of your pregnancy.

GETTING STARTED WITH BREASTFEEDING

When do I start breastfeeding?
The sooner the better.
Put your baby to the breast soon after birth, his sucking instinct is strongest the first hour after birth. The baby's sucking will contract your uterus and this will help to expel the placenta. Breastfeeding soon and often from the beginning can help prevent painful engorgement and your milk will come in sooner.

For more information on breastfeeding please see section Breastfeeding or check out my site Breastfeeding Help! where you'll find all the tools you need for a happy and satisfying breastfeeding experience without problems.

PLEASE BOOKMARK THIS SITE NOW SO THAT YOU MAY RETURN AT YOUR CONVENIENCE

WHY BREASTFEEDING?

(For more information on breastfeeding I recommend you check out my site Breastfeeding Help! where you'll find all the tools you need for a happy and satisfying breastfeeding experience without problems.)

Bringing your new baby into the world is one of the greatest and most profound experiences in your life, and the beginning of a lifelong relationship of loving and caring for this new creature, your very own child.
Feeding your newborn baby is one of your main contributions to his normal growth and well being.Nature has provided you with the most advanced, convenient and economic way of feeding your baby: BREASTFEEDING.

Since breastfeeding is a natural consequence to giving birth, many mothers assume that
knowing how to breastfeed comes also naturally. Unfortunately reality is not like this,
breastfeeding is a skill that requires learning and practice.
Many women do experience some difficulty at the beginning while learning to nurse,
especially first-time mothers.

Being well informed about all aspects of breastfeeding will help you get it off to a good start
with confidence and let you enjoy that wonderful relationship with your baby while providing
him with the best nutrition available.

Many mothers start breastfeeding because they know it's best for their baby. If you have any doubt about whether you want to breastfeed or not, the best way to decide is to give it a try. Find out as much as you can about the benefits of breastfeeding (there are lots!), how to start breastfeeding and how to avoid common breastfeeding problems. This summary will hopefully assist you towards a more enjoyable breastfeeding experience. For more indepth breastfeeding information and articles on how to solve breastfeeding problems I recommend you visit my breastfeeding website at http://breastfeeding-help.v25.com

Breastfeeding has many advantages for mother and baby!

ADVANTAGES FOR BABY

* Breastfed babies are proven healthier; breastmilk contains antibodies, which help protect your baby from colds, chest- and ear infections, stomach upsets and diarrhea.

* Breastmilk is easily digested and breastfed babies are very rarely constipated.

* Breastfed babies have fewer allergies.

* Breastmilk contains Taurine, an amino acid, which contributes to optimal brain growth.

* Breastmilk is constantly changing in its composition as baby grows, to meet the changing needs of the baby. It contains all the right ingredients your baby needs to grow well and to develop. It is the only food needed for your baby until he is about 6 months old.

* Breastfed babies are at less risk for juvenile diabetes and crohn's disease.

ADVANTAGES FOR MOTHER

* Nursing soon after delivery helps to contract the uterus and lowers the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

* Breastfeeding helps you lose that extra weight you gained during pregnancy.

* Breastfeeding for at least 6 months helps protect against pre-menopausal breast cancer.

* Breastfeeding helps protect against cervical cancer and osteoporosis.

* Breastmilk is always available, needs no preparation, is always at the right temperature and needs no refrigeration or sterilization.

* Breastfed babies are easy to take with you, no need to take bottles etc. along.

* Night feedings are easier, no bottles to heat up.

* Lots of physical contact brings mother and baby emotionally closer and helps to develop a strong bond between them.

WHAT CAN YOU DO DURING PREGNANCY TO PREPARE YOUR NIPPLES FOR BREASTFEEDING?

At one time it was recommended to prepare your nipples during pregnancy in order to avoid sore nipples during breastfeeding (rubbing them with a towel or squeezing out colostrum).
This has not been proven helpful.
It is now recognized that poor positioning and latch-on of the baby is the most common cause of nipple soreness in the early weeks of breastfeeding and careful attention needs to be paid to these aspects.
Nipple preparation is no longer recommended, but there are a few things you can do during pregnancy:

Avoid using soap, alcohol or antiseptics on your nipples since they can dry the skin.
Rinsing with plain water when you take your shower is enough.
If your skin feels dry you can put some modified lanolin or a mild bodylotion.

It is a good idea to check for flat or inverted nipples during the last months of pregnancy.
This can be done as follows: place a thumb and forefinger near the base of the nipple and press gently together. If your nipple does not come out far enough for you to grasp it, you may have flat or inverted nipples and you may want to start wearing breast shells during the last months of your pregnancy.

GETTING STARTED WITH BREASTFEEDING

When do I start breastfeeding?
The sooner the better.
Put your baby to the breast soon after birth, his sucking instinct is strongest the first hour after birth. The baby's sucking will contract your uterus and this will help to expel the placenta. Breastfeeding soon and often from the beginning can help prevent painful engorgement and your milk will come in sooner.

For more information on breastfeeding please see section Breastfeeding or check out my site Breastfeeding Help! where you'll find all the tools you need for a happy and satisfying breastfeeding experience without problems.

PLEASE BOOKMARK THIS SITE NOW SO THAT YOU MAY RETURN AT YOUR CONVENIENCE

WHY BREASTFEEDING?

(For more information on breastfeeding I recommend you check out my site Breastfeeding Help! where you'll find all the tools you need for a happy and satisfying breastfeeding experience without problems.)

Bringing your new baby into the world is one of the greatest and most profound experiences in your life, and the beginning of a lifelong relationship of loving and caring for this new creature, your very own child.
Feeding your newborn baby is one of your main contributions to his normal growth and well being.Nature has provided you with the most advanced, convenient and economic way of feeding your baby: BREASTFEEDING.

Since breastfeeding is a natural consequence to giving birth, many mothers assume that
knowing how to breastfeed comes also naturally. Unfortunately reality is not like this,
breastfeeding is a skill that requires learning and practice.
Many women do experience some difficulty at the beginning while learning to nurse,
especially first-time mothers.

Being well informed about all aspects of breastfeeding will help you get it off to a good start
with confidence and let you enjoy that wonderful relationship with your baby while providing
him with the best nutrition available.

Many mothers start breastfeeding because they know it's best for their baby. If you have any doubt about whether you want to breastfeed or not, the best way to decide is to give it a try. Find out as much as you can about the benefits of breastfeeding (there are lots!), how to start breastfeeding and how to avoid common breastfeeding problems. This summary will hopefully assist you towards a more enjoyable breastfeeding experience. For more indepth breastfeeding information and articles on how to solve breastfeeding problems I recommend you visit my breastfeeding website at http://breastfeeding-help.v25.com

Breastfeeding has many advantages for mother and baby!

ADVANTAGES FOR BABY

* Breastfed babies are proven healthier; breastmilk contains antibodies, which help protect your baby from colds, chest- and ear infections, stomach upsets and diarrhea.

* Breastmilk is easily digested and breastfed babies are very rarely constipated.

* Breastfed babies have fewer allergies.

* Breastmilk contains Taurine, an amino acid, which contributes to optimal brain growth.

* Breastmilk is constantly changing in its composition as baby grows, to meet the changing needs of the baby. It contains all the right ingredients your baby needs to grow well and to develop. It is the only food needed for your baby until he is about 6 months old.

* Breastfed babies are at less risk for juvenile diabetes and crohn's disease.

ADVANTAGES FOR MOTHER

* Nursing soon after delivery helps to contract the uterus and lowers the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

* Breastfeeding helps you lose that extra weight you gained during pregnancy.

* Breastfeeding for at least 6 months helps protect against pre-menopausal breast cancer.

* Breastfeeding helps protect against cervical cancer and osteoporosis.

* Breastmilk is always available, needs no preparation, is always at the right temperature and needs no refrigeration or sterilization.

* Breastfed babies are easy to take with you, no need to take bottles etc. along.

* Night feedings are easier, no bottles to heat up.

* Lots of physical contact brings mother and baby emotionally closer and helps to develop a strong bond between them.

WHAT CAN YOU DO DURING PREGNANCY TO PREPARE YOUR NIPPLES FOR BREASTFEEDING?

At one time it was recommended to prepare your nipples during pregnancy in order to avoid sore nipples during breastfeeding (rubbing them with a towel or squeezing out colostrum).
This has not been proven helpful.
It is now recognized that poor positioning and latch-on of the baby is the most common cause of nipple soreness in the early weeks of breastfeeding and careful attention needs to be paid to these aspects.
Nipple preparation is no longer recommended, but there are a few things you can do during pregnancy:

Avoid using soap, alcohol or antiseptics on your nipples since they can dry the skin.
Rinsing with plain water when you take your shower is enough.
If your skin feels dry you can put some modified lanolin or a mild bodylotion.

It is a good idea to check for flat or inverted nipples during the last months of pregnancy.
This can be done as follows: place a thumb and forefinger near the base of the nipple and press gently together. If your nipple does not come out far enough for you to grasp it, you may have flat or inverted nipples and you may want to start wearing breast shells during the last months of your pregnancy.

GETTING STARTED WITH BREASTFEEDING

When do I start breastfeeding?
The sooner the better.
Put your baby to the breast soon after birth, his sucking instinct is strongest the first hour after birth. The baby's sucking will contract your uterus and this will help to expel the placenta. Breastfeeding soon and often from the beginning can help prevent painful engorgement and your milk will come in sooner.

For more information on breastfeeding please see section Breastfeeding or check out my site Breastfeeding Help! where you'll find all the tools you need for a happy and satisfying breastfeeding experience without problems.