August 1st through 7th marks the 18th-annual World Breastfeeding Week. Since the celebration began nearly two decades ago, the body of research on the benefits of breastfeeding has been growing every day. For baby, these include an easier transition from womb to world, improved emotional and physical development, and protection from asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and some childhood cancers. For mom, breastfeeding can help with post-pregnancy weight loss and provides her with protection from breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
In light of these benefits, many mothers strive to meet the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation to breastfeed for at least a year. In order to achieve that milestone, I advise expectant moms to take the following steps:
- Go to the pros. Plan to learn as much as you can about breastfeeding before baby arrives. Sign up for a class about breastfeeding at the hospital where you will deliver. Speak with a certified lactation consultant (visit http://medela.findlocation.com/ to find one near you) and keep her contact information handy in case you run into any hurdles. Also, ask friends and family for referrals to pediatricians who are supportive of breastfeeding in your community.
- Go to your peers. While a good lactation consultant and pediatrician are extremely important to breastfeeding success, sometimes you simply want to talk to someone who has been there before. Support organizations such as La Leche League International (LLLI) and the Nursing Mothers' Council offer the opportunity to meet and compare notes with other local breastfeeding mothers. Go to www.llli.org or contact your hospital for support groups located in your area.
- Plan for the next stage. For many mothers, the return to work is a critical junction in their breastfeeding journey. If you’re planning on going back to work, your first step is to talk to human resources before your maternity leave. Ask for a clean, private place to pump, and remind them that the health benefits of breastmilk will translate into fewer days when you’ll stay home to take care of a sick baby. Next, make sure you have the right equipment. Choose a double-electric breastpump that mimics what babies do naturally to make pumping as quick and easy as possible. Look for research-based breastpumps that have been demonstrated to imitate a baby’s natural sucking rhythm, which begins with rapid sucking to stimulate milk ejection reflex (MER), followed by longer, deeper sucking once milk starts to flow.
- Go to your support system. Postpartum adjustment isn’t easy. Make sure your partner and close family members are educated on the benefits of breastfeeding, know your breastfeeding goal, and are prepared to offer encouragement and help.
With the proper planning and support, breastfeeding can become something that you’ll celebrate not just during World Breastfeeding Week, but every day as you enjoy this unique bonding experience.
By Irene Zoppi, international board certified lactation consultant, Medela clinical education specialist.