How to Breastfeed – Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to KnowHow to breastfeed – it’s the million dollar question for a new mom, isn’t it? There’s a lot to consider, from figuring out your best breastfeeding positions, to making sure your baby is latching on properly, and even recognizing the rooting reflex, which is one of your baby’s best ways of letting you know he’s hungry. But before we get to all that, though, let’s address some of your most common breastfeeding questions. 
Who is This Site for, Anyways?For example, there are lots of different views on bottlefeeding vs. breastfeeding – but you’re on a breastfeeding site, so you can probably guess which side of that discussion I land on!Quick note: I also want you to know that you are absolutely welcomed on this site if you decide to do a combination of formula and breastmilk, or heck, even if you do full formula feeding. We’re all moms, and I don’t want to be a nursing snob – but I do agree with doctors’ assessment that breast is best. I’m guessing you probably feel the same way too, and that’s why you’re here! Why Breastfeed?There are so many benefits of breastfeeding, and if you’ve chosen this path or are considering it, let me just say congratulations!You and your child will benefit from this in so many different ways, both physical and emotional. It is an amazing way to bond with your baby, and to continue providing him with the kind of healthy sustenance that you began while he was in the womb. Okay, now that we’ve set the foundation on how to breastfeed, it’s time to get into the really good stuff! Some of the Most Common How to Breastfeed QuestionsWhat are the first days of breastfeeding infants really like?How do you set up a breastfeeding schedule? (Do you even need one?) How do you handle
breastfeeding and pumping?
Why Didn’t Anyone Ever Tell Me…?I’m happy to tell you about all the basics of how to breastfeed, but I also want to give you the info no one ever tells you either. There are plenty of great sites telling you the mechanics of how to breastfeed – getting your baby to latch on properly, breastfeeding positions, and the like. Oh, I’ll tell you about all of that – but I’ll also get into the details of the stuff that’s a little harder to come by.For example, breastfeeding in public can be very intimidating; it feels like everyone is staring at you and somewhat horrified by the simple fact that you’re feeding your child. But, with the right items and approach, you can keep yourself covered and feel more confident breastfeeding just about anywhere – I’ve nursed everywhere from a museum to the airport, and sometimes all it takes is a blanket, a comfortable place to sit and a positive, nonchalant attitude. A breastfeeding log is recommended by most doctors right after you leave the hospital, so that you can keep track of your nursing times, schedules and duration of nursing time – all of which help determine the success of your breastfeeding efforts (i.e. a full, healthy baby who gains an adequate amount of weight). Plus, in those hazy first few days and weeks at home, it can be a lifesaver for when you can’t remember when you last fed the baby! Okay, say you have breast implants and breastfeeding is important to you – is it impossible to do? Will the saline or silicone leach out into your breast milk? There have been some studies to help you better understand how implants might affect your ability to nurse, but it’s not totally out of the question – there might just be some differences you’ll notice, and some considerations to keep in mind. And of course, please email me anytime you have questions on how to breastfeed; I’m happy to help where I can. Enjoy getting started on what I think is one of the best parts of motherhood: nursing your sweet little baby!
What Do YOU Wish Someone Told You about How to Breastfeed?
Is there something you wish other moms had told you about how to breastfeed? Got any "must-know" tips for other new breastfeeding moms? Share them! What Other Mamas Have SaidClick below to see contributions from other mamas to this page...
Breastfeeding is a Learning Experience (How to Breastfeed)
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