what every woman needs to know about breastfeeding

8/13/2019 What Every Woman Needs to Know About Breastfeeding

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2 | P a g e N e e d m o r e h e l p ? S i g n u p t o d a y f o r a c l a s s . C l i c k h e r e .

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l.f Conner- you're my sunshine


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The Village Maternity Services

P.O. Box 972906

Miami, FL 33197

www.villagematernityservices.com

write: [email protected]

ring:(305) 482-1649


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Table of Contents

PREFACE 7RISK OF NOT BREASTFEEDING 9THE BASICS 11SKIN TO SKIN 13FEEDING ON DEMAND 15LATCH 18ADDITIONAL TIPS 19APPENDIX 20BIRTH PLAN WORKSHEET 21


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Prefaceon taking the first steps necessary

towards creating a positive breastfeeding

experience for you and your baby. Ive

heard many lactation professionals say, breastfeeding is not only a science, but an

art. This is so profoundly true. My breastfeeding journey isn't unlike that of many

other women. I had some good days, some triumphs, disappointments and

regrets. In retrospect, I realize I didn't do my due diligence as an expecting

mother. I knew I WANTED to breastfeed and that was it. I thought it was

something that would come automatically. After all, isn't breastfeeding natural?

Boy was I in for a surprise. Although I breastfed my son until he was about 9

months; I weaned after returning to work and starting nursing school; I was

unable to produce enough milk to exclusively breastfeed. When faced with some

of the challenges that may come with breastfeeding, I didnt know where to go

for help. I became frustrated! Possessing the knowledge I have now would have

Breastfeeding is not only a science, but an art!


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made a world of difference for my son and myself. You see, London, my son,

suffers from asthma, a myriad of allergies, and eczema. It pains me to know that

my chose to not exclusively breastfeed may have been the contributing factor.

That is why I am so happy to be able to take the information I have gathered as

healthcare professional and mother and share with you.

Breastfeeding is making headlines around the world. Although I am excited to see

this push, we must also support each others decisions. Women in our society

have so many obstacles and face a myriad of booby traps. Think about it for a

moment:

If you were returning to work, would you be able to pump every 2-3 hours,in a stress free, clean room (cannot be a bathroom)?

At the hospital, did your nurses encourage formula? Did you leave the hospital with a gift bag filled with formula?

Did you leave the hospital confident in your ability to breastfeed?

Do you give women who breastfeed in public strange looks?Do you have a support system?

We should support each others decisions. We dont know what difficulties

someone is facing until we walk in their shoes. My lactation instructor Gini Baker,

would always say You did the best you could, with what you knew. Lets adopt

this philosophy for ourselves and others. Be a positive vessel for change.

Furthermore, I hope what you find within these pages gets you one step closer to

reaching your definition of breastfeeding success. Thank you for allowing me to

be a part of your village.


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RISK OF NOT BREASTFEEDINGIf you are like most women, then you are well aware of the BENEFITS associated

with breastfeeding. Here are just a few:

Not to mention, there is absolutely nothing in the world, that anyone can

manufacture, that can ever be as easily digestible and homogenous to your babys

digestive system as human breastmilk. But did you know that by not

breastfeeding you and your baby are at a higher risk of developing certain

diseases?

Risks for your baby

Ear infections Gastroenteritis Pneumonia Atopic Dermatitis Childhood cancer

Risk for you

Menopausal breast cancerOvarian cancerPostpartum depression

Benefits ofbreastfeeding

Decreaserisk ofSIDS

Decrease riskof childhood

obesity

Preventing

allergies


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On a larger scale, Author of The Politics of Breastfeeding, Gabrielle Palmercredits

women for producing "the most ecological food product in the world ."

Breastmilk is a natural, renewable resource! According to the U.S. Department of

Agriculture, $3.6 BILLION would be saved if we increased the number of

breastfeeding women 10%. So see, the benefits of breastfeeding dont stop at

your front door. Breastfeeding can have a major positive economic effect

nationwide.

Key points:

Breastfeeding is good for baby, mommy, and our economy American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for 1 year

(only breastmilk for the first 6 months)


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The BasicsOne of the biggest mistakes I made during my nursing process was that I did not

understand the means by which my body would produce milk. This along with

skin-to-skin and latch, which we will discuss later, are the building blocks for

successful breastfeeding. Our bodies are uniquely designed to produce the

amount of milk necessary to feed our baby. Clickhereto watch a video that helps

illustrate this point.

At about 14 weeks into your pregnancy, your body will begin making colostrum.

Once you give birth, you dont need to wait for you milk to come in. Nature

makes sure its already there. In the first few days of breastfeeding, your baby

may want to suck a lot. This is important. Let your baby suck on demand.

Whenever he wants; even if it is only for 5 minutes. During this time, your baby is

getting use to the motions of sucking, swallowing, and breathing. Establishing

good techniques now will help when your milk increases in volume. During this

time you are bonding and releasing feel good hormones that aide in breastmilk

production.
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Oxytocin

Milk

productiion& letdown

Suckingstimulus

Brain

Key points

Milk production begins 14 weeks into pregnancy Milk does not come in at birth. It is already there. It will, however,

increase in volume later

Sucking is a stimulus that signals your body to produce more milk

\


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SKIN TO SKINThere may be reasons a womans body is not producing enough milk to feed a

growing baby.

Tongue-ties Breast augmentation Severe maternal stress Milk Stasis Engorgement

Some complication may arise weeks and months after initiating breastfeeding.

This book by no means, serves to state that your breastfeeding experience will be

as easy as 1-2-3. However, the first few days are pivotal in getting your body on

the right track. These steps outlined in these chapters will get you on your way.

Skin-to-skin, also called kangaroo care, is a crucial first step in creating a bond

between you and your baby that will promote the release of oxytocin and

promote let-down. Skin to skin regulates the babys temperature, blood sugar,

breathing, heart rate, and calms a fussy baby. Immediately following birth, place

baby on your bare chest between y our breast. Baby will lay there for a while and

begin to familiarize himself with the new surroundings. It may take some time (1-

2 hours), but a newborn can actually find, crawl to, latch, and breastfeed on their


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own! All around the world, women are experiencing the breast crawl

phenomenon. Heres alink. If would like to do skin-to-skin immediately after

birth, discuss your wishes with your healthcare provider. A good way to begin

this conversation is by developing a birth plan. A birth plan outlines your wishes

for your birth experience. Please visit ourwebsitefor a list of printable

worksheets.

Key points:

Skin-to-skin helps baby acclimate themselves with their new world Promotes release of feel good lactation hormones Skin-to-skin immediately after birth and as often as possible Create and discuss your birth plan with healthcare provider
http://www.villagematernityservices.com/http://www.villagematernityservices.com/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEjM2TkVmK8http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEjM2TkVmK8http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEjM2TkVmK8http://www.villagematernityservices.com/resources/worksheets/http://www.villagematernityservices.com/resources/worksheets/http://www.villagematernityservices.com/resources/worksheets/http://www.villagematernityservices.com/resources/worksheets/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEjM2TkVmK8mailto:[email protected]://instagram.com/village_maternity_serviceshttps://www.facebook.com/TheVillageMaternityhttp://www.villagematernityservices.com/https://twitter.com/VillageMaternal


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FEEDING ON DEMANDIts important to understand that newborns feed frequently. It maybe every 1-2

hours, or in 45 minute time spans. Understand early hunger cues and it will be

easier to feed baby.

Early hunger cues:

Smacking or licking lips Opening and closing mouth Sucking on tongue, lips, hands,

etc

Rooting (turning head to theside searching for nipple)

Late hunger cues:

Moving head frantically fromside to side

Fussing and breathing fastCrying

Since the proteins in breastmilk are small, it is a lot easier to digest. A breastfed

baby will feed more often than a formula fed baby. Also,a newborns stomach is

very small. At this time you will be producing about 30 mL of colostrum per day;

more than enough to feed your baby. 3-5 days after birth, your milk will increase

in volume. Since your baby has retained fluid at birth water is not necessary.

Even after baby has lost the extra fluid, your breastmilk is designed to hydrate

your baby. Your foremilk is thinner and will quench his thirst. The hindmilk is

denser and calorie rich providing baby all the nutrients he needs for the first 6

months of life.


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Also, for the first 6 weeks

resist the urge to use bottles

or pacifiers. This is especially

important for mothers that

want to exclusively breastfeed.

By using a pacifier, you are

satisfying your babies sucking

need and decreasing the

stimulation to your nipples

needed to increase milk

volume. The use of bottles will

create a preference; not

confusion. Babies are not confused. Its much easier to get milk out of a bottle.

He has to work harder to massage milk from the breast and may begin toprefer

the bottle over your breast. At about 6 weeks, a good breastfeeding regimen

should be established, and introducing any of these items at this point should not

interfere with breastfeeding.


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Key points:

Breastfed babies feed oftenBreastmilk is the only thing your baby needs in the first 6 months of lifeDont substitute baby to breast for anything else (pacifiers or bottles)for

the first 6 weeks of life.


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Latch

Since you are breast feeding, and not nipple feeding, you want to ensure baby has

a deep latch on your breast. Baby needs to take in the nipple and large portion of

the areola; especially on the bottom. The bottom jaw does the majority of the

work when it comes to sucking. You want to present the breast and rub your

nipple against the babystop lip. He will instinctively put his head back and open

his mouth to feed. You will then bring the baby to the breast; chin first; while his

mouth is wide open. Always bring the baby to the breast, never your breast to the

baby. You will know he has a good latch because his lips will be pursed out like a

fish. An improper latch that is not deep is the main reason women experience

soar and cracked nipples; some tenderness in normal. Youve never had this

amount of stimulation and pressure applied to your nipples. However, the

nipples shouldnt crack and feeding shouldnt be painful. If he isnt latched

properly, insert a clean pinky into his mouth, and pull outward on his check

breaking the seal. Attempt to re-latch.

Key point: Breastfeed. Dont nipple feed Lips should appear pursed out like a fish during feeding Break the seal and re-latch if breastfeeding is painful or latch isnt deep


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I hope you find this information useful as you begin your breastfeeding journey. If

you encounter difficulty, seek the assistance of a lactation educator/counselor or

a lactation consultant. La Leche League offers free support groups in many

communities. Together, we can raise happier healthier babies.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Dont wait. Ask for help right away if you experience difficulty. Problemsare easier to fixthe sooner they are addressed

Dont watch the clock. Let your baby set the paceConsider a co-sleeper or rooming inDevelop your support team

Consider a to-do-list for friends and family that want to help out. Youshould be resting during this time, not entertaining guest

Have family & friends signup to deliver mealsDrink plenty of fluids

If you cant sleep when baby sleeps, at least try to get rest. Put your feetup. Read a magazine.. REST

The world can wait, so can the dishes and the laundryGive yourself time

Dont measure your success against anyone elseEnjoy your baby


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APPENDIXColostrum This is the first milk. It is usually yellow in color compared to

mature milk. Also known as the foremilk. Newborns have veryimmature digestive systems, and colostrum delivers its

nutrients in a very concentrated low-volume form. It has a mild

laxative effect, encouraging the passing of the baby's first

stool, which is called meconium. This clears excess bilirubin, a

waste-product of dead red blood cells, which is produced in

large quantities at birth due to blood volume reduction, from

the infant's body and helps prevent jaundice.

Foremilk milk (typically lower in fat) available at the beginning of afeeding

Hindmilk hindmilk is milk at the end of a feeding, which has a higher fat

content than the foremilk at that feeding

Letdown This let down reflex usually happens after your baby has been

sucking the breast for about two minutes. Some women feel

this let-down reflex as a tingling or a warmth. Other womendont feel their let down at all. Even if you dont feel your let

down, you will see a change in babys swallowing patterns and

hear your baby swallowing

Oxytocin Causes the cells around the alveoli to contract and eject your

milk down the milk ducts

Diaper chart


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Birth Plan Worksheet

Basic Information

Name: __________________________________________

Partners Name: ___________________________________

Doctor/Midwifes Name(s): __________________________

Other Birth Attendants (doula, friends, etc.): ________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Children and Helpers, if attending: ________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Babys pediatrician, if known: _________________________________

Delivery location: ______________________________________Estimated Due Date: ___________________________________

Pre-Birth Preferences

Induction:

___ I prefer to be induced on _____________ (date)

___ I will discuss induction after _____________ (date)

___ I prefer not to be induced unless it becomes medically necessary

___I am having a scheduled c-section on _____________ (date)

Arriving at the Birth Location

___ I will be birthing at home

___ I prefer to arrive as soon as contractions begin or my water breaks

___ I prefer to arrive once my labor is well established

___ I prefer to arrive only once I am advanced in labor; I want to labor at home as long as possible

Paperwork

___ We will pre-register

___ We will do the paperwork at our earliest convenience; please do not separate me from my support

person

___ We will do the paperwork immediately; please make an y separation as brief as possible

Comfort Measures

I would like to use the following comfort measures:___Pain medication (see below)

___Massage

___Birthing ball

___Birthing tub

___Music

___Essential oils

___Other: _____________________________


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Pain Medication

___Please dont offer it; I will ask if I want it

___Please offer me pain medication immediately upon arrival (explain my options)

___Please offer me pain medication only if I seem to need it

IV

___I do not want an IV or Hep lock at all

___I am okay with a Hep lock, but do not want an IV

___I would like an IV

Water

___I would like my water broken upon arriving at the hospital, to speed things along

___I would like my water broken only if my labor is slow and I am exhausted

___I would like my water broken only if my babys arrival is imminent and it hasnt broken on its own

___I would not like my water broken under any circumstances

Food/Drink___Please offer me ice chips or popsicles and nothing else

___Please offer me drinks but not food

___Please offer me food and drink as I need it

___Please do not offer me anything; I will ask or have an IV

Labor Augmentation

___If it becomes necessary, I would like to try natural methods first, including:

___Nipple stimulation

___Walking

___Herbs

___Other___Please offer me Pitocin

___I would like to try to avoid augmentation if at all possible; my baby will come when s/he is ready

Fetal Monitoring

___I prefer an external continuous monitor

___I prefer a continuous internal monitor

___Please use an external monitor for a few minutes per hour to check on my baby

___Please use a Doppler to check on my baby occasionally

___Please do not use any devices to monitor my baby; use a fetoscope or palpations only

Labor Positions

I would like to labor:

___While walking

___Lying down

___Sitting on a birthing ball

___In the tub/shower

___Let me decide at the time


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Environment

___Please keep the lights dimmed

___Please keep noise levels low

___Please play music. I would like a particular collection: _________________

___Please do this: _______________________________________

Internal Exams

___Please examine me as soon as I arrive and hourly after to check my progress

___Please examine me only if I ask

___Please keep examinations to a minimum

Pushing Preferences

___I would like to push on my back

___I would like to push on my hands and knees

___I would like to push on my side

___I would like to push on a birthing stool

___I would like to push _____________________

___Let me the decide at the time

Episiotomy

___Please cut an episiotomy if my baby is large and having difficulty

___Please do not cut an episiotomy; I would rather risk a tear

___Please allow me to try different pushing positions to avoid a tear

___Please use perineal support, massage and hot compresses to help avoid a tear

Vacuum/Forceps

If I need an assisted delivery, I would prefer:

___Vacuum

___Forceps___I trust my doctor to decide whats best

C-section

___Please help me to avoid a c-section unless an emergency arises

___Please offer me a c-section in my labor is not progressing after ___ hours

___I would prefer a c-section

___Other: ___________________________

Emergency Procedures

___Please explain to me what my options are so I can choose

___Please use your own discretion and choose what is best for me

Moment of Birth

___Please place my baby immediately onto my chest and leave him/her there

___Please allow me to hold my baby briefly before taking him/her to be cleaned and weighed

___Please take my baby to be cleaned/weighed immediately


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Cord Cutting

___Please cut my babys cord immediately

___Please allow my husband/partner to cut the cord

___Please have a doctor cut the cord

___Please wait until the cord stops pulsing before cutting

___Please wait at least an hour to cut my babys cord

___Please do not cut my babys cord (lotus birth)

Initial Bonding

___Please leave us alone for an hour after birth to bond

___Please clean and dress my baby, complete our medical exams, and then allow us bonding time

___Please do this: _______________________________________________

Newborn procedures:

We give consent for:

___Eye ointment

___Hep B vaccine___Vitamin K shot

___PKU test

___Hearing test

We do NOT give consent for (please bring us any waivers we need to sign):

___Eye ointment

___Hep B vaccine

___Vitamin K shot

___PKU test

___Hearing test

Feeding

___My baby is exclusively breastfed, please do not offer:

___Formula

___Sugar water

___Pacifiers

___My baby is formula fed, please help us choose a formula

Rooming In

___I wish for my baby to remain in my room 24/7

___Please take my baby to the nursery only at my request

___Please take my baby to the nursery at night so I can sleep (bringing him/her for feedings)

___Please take my baby to the nursery except when s/he needs fed

Visitors:

___I am open to any visitors during visiting hours

___Please allow only the following people: __________________________________________

___Please do NOT allow the following people: _______________________________________

___Please, no visitors during these times: ___________________________________________


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Medications Post-Birth

___Please offer me OTC-strength medications to cope with pain (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)

___Please offer me stronger medications to cope with pain (as prescribed)

___Please offer me arnica or another natural pain reliever

___Please do not offer me pain medication

___Please offer me a stool softener

___Please do NOT offer me a stool softener

Babys Exam

___Please perform my babys exam in my room

___Please perform my babys exam in the nursery with myself or my partnerpresent

___Please perform my babys exam in the nursery, we do not need to be present

Hospital/Birthing Center Stay:

___We prefer to leave 6 hours after birth

___We prefer to leave 24 hours after birth

___We prefer to stay 48 hours after birth___Please give your recommendation on our length of stay

Complications

___If my baby requires a hospital transfer, please allow my partner to accompany him/her

___If my baby requires a hospital transfer, please allow us to go together once I am released

___Please allow another family member to accompany my baby: ________________________

Other:

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________


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