Breastfeeding Benefits

Breastfeeding’s value and benefits are significant, not just for Baby but also for Mom.

Let’s be honest, though, breastfeeding is not always easy, and many obstacles on the journey can be incredibly challenging for the breastfeeding mama.

Whatever the struggle is, your best move is to reach out for help. Many resources are available for

lactating mothers, such as breastfeeding support groups or private consultations with lactation

consultants certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. In fact, some of the visits may be free to the mother, covered by insurance.

If you are unable to get in touch with someone quickly, sometimes pumping and bottle feeding

need to come to the rescue. Most experts agree that bottles should be introduced between three and four weeks postpartum. However, if you are experiencing severe pain, Baby can’t latch or is losing or not gaining weight, bottle feeding may need to be introduced sooner. With bottle feeding also comes the necessity for pumping, which will protect or establish Mom’s milk supply.

When introducing a bottle to a breastfed baby, choose wide-base, slow-flow nipples. Many

companies promote their brand as the best for breastfed babies but the reality may differ. Just becausee a bottle looks like a boob, doesn’t mean it’s best for a breastfed baby. Also, bottle nipples that

are narrow and look more like a straw are not ideal either. Breastfed babies are used to opening

their mouths wide and flanging their lips out. Bottles like Lansinoh, Evenflo, Boon Joovy, Dr.

Brown standard neck and the new Spectra bottles are more ideal.

Another important aspect is the flow of the bottle. For healthy newborn infants, a slow-flow newborn nipple should be adequate. Some babies are not able to suck on the bottle, may gag and be unable to remove the milk. If this happens, contact your pediatrician or a lactation consultant to get further evaluation by a feeding specialist. Lastly, when you give a breastfed baby a bottle, your baby should be resting comfortably in an upright position or lying on his side with the bottle horizontal so as to prevent passive dripping into the baby’s mouth. Babies should still work and suck while bottle feeding.

Feeding a baby can be tricky. No matter where your breastfeeding journey takes you, no matter how you feed your baby, all your baby needs is your love and care. Don’t let the pressure of needing to breastfeed overtake your focus on your baby. Nothing matters more than your baby being fed, loved and happy.

Petra Saidi, RN, IBCLC, works to empower moms to breastfeed with confidence. Check out MidwestLactation.com for quality lactation support with personalized care.