Is breast-feeding your baby becoming challenging and frustrating? Thinking about giving up? I know so many questions, but before you take any actions read below.
There’s more proof coming out everyday about the benefits of breast-feeding; from strengthening the immune system to even making your baby smarter. Yes, you heard me… making your baby smarter. At the American University, scientists have conducted studies that revealed that babies who received breast milk were linked to a higher high school GPA.
With so many studies out there supporting all these benefits, you should be trying it. Unless, of course, you have a medical condition that prevents you from doing so.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that women who do not have health problems exclusively breast-feed their infants for at least the first six months, and continue to do so at least through the first year as other foods are introduced.
While feeding your baby can be very challenging and frustrating at times, especially in the beginning. Don’t give up. If you are experiencing difficulties feeding your baby here are a couple of helpful tips:
Lactation centers – Take advantage of your hospital’s lactation center. These centers are extremely powerful. They are a one on one session. The nurses at these centers are their to help you and coach you. The nurses will study you as you breast feed your baby and give you advice and even correct you if needed.
Trial and error – Remember, just like anything else breast-feeding takes time and practice. In the beginning you’re going to make a lot of mistakes, so be patient. Also remember that your baby is also new to this. So be patient with him too. Before you know it, you’ll be an expert and maybe even find yourself coaching other women.
Read books and watch videos on this subject – Amazon is full of helpful books on breast-feeding. Don’t forget YouTube. YouTube is a great source for videos on this subject. Most of the videos are instructional ones, that will guide you step by step. Then there is always the library. Since you’re going to busy with your little one, send your spouse to the library to get you a couple of books.
Join a nice mother-to-mother breast-feeding support group. These groups are great because there you will meet other women who are also experiencing the same problem as you. You can find these group through your lactation center or La Leche League.
La Leche League – La Leche League is a great source to go to. They are an international organization who strongly believe in the power of breast-feeding. Their website is full of information, tips and ideas on this subject. Go to lecheleague.org for more information.