All too often it is assumed that a breastfeeding mum will scurry off to do the deed behind a locked door and well out of sight. And God forbid she utters the phrase, “I’m Breastfeeding!” Men avert their eyes and women smile as they shuffle their feet and move the conversation swiftly along! So much for breastfeeding support amongst peers!

Most mums choosing to breastfeed their babies do so because they have been made aware of the lifelong advantages of breastfeeding. But when it comes to the task itself, many feel they have no-one to turn to for information and advice when things are not going as planned. For that reason, a lot of breastfeeding mums give up breastfeeding prematurely.

The World Health Organisation recommends exclusively breastfeeding babies for the first six months of their lives. But many are only breastfed for a few days or weeks.

It is vital that breastfeeding mums have a supportive and informative network of people to ask for help.

And that is where Breastfeeding Support Groups come into their own.

A well- organised breastfeeding support group will cater for a variety of women from varied backgrounds. It will educate women thinking about breastfeeding whilst they are pregnant and it will also cater for novice and more experienced breastfeeders.
Breastfeeding support groups allow women and their babies to come together in a relaxed atmosphere, to enjoy congenial conversation. Women are encouraged to discuss breastfeeding issues and, as a result, breastfeeding mums help one another to bypass barriers placed along the path.

Breastfeeding mums need to talk about breastfeeding in order to bring their experiences into the wider community. It is only by chatting about breastfeeding in an open and honest way with one another that it will become more acceptable. If more women are given the opportunity to access breastfeeding support groups then breastfeeding statistics will surely rise.

And who knows, maybe today’s breastfed babies will become confident breastfeeding mums of tomorrow, free of the hang-ups prevalent in today’s society regarding breastfeeding!

About the Author:

Sinead Hoben is the proud mum of three beautiful children aged 6 years, 3 years and 9 months old, all of whom were breastfed. A qualified teacher, she now runs her own website, http://www.breastfeedingmums.com, offering breastfeeding information and advice to both breastfeeding and expectant mums. Visit her blog, http://breastfeedingmums.typepad.com to read her musings about setting up www.breastfeedingmums.com and daily life as a busy mum!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Breastfeeding Mums Need To Talk!

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Pregnancy and lactation are covered in most childbirth preparation classes. Knowing what is normal during pregnancy and lactation can help a mother recognize potential problems and seek the appropriate care should a abnormality arise. Learning about the basics of pregnancy and lactation can help a couple feel more prepared for the arrival of their baby.

Information about the benefits of breastfeeding for the nursing mother can greatly influence a woman’s decision about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers experience fewer complications after the delivery since the hormones released by the suckling of an infant helps a mother’s uterus to contract. Breastfeeding mothers also burn more calories during lactation. They also require a higher caloric intake while nursing. Breastfeeding can help a mother shed those last few stubborn pounds following the delivery of the baby. Breastfeeding mothers bond quickly with their infants because of the frequent intimate contact between mother and child during feedings.

The benefits of breastfeeding are evident in an infant as well. Breast fed infants are reported to have higher IQ’s, have fewer digestion problems and have an intense bond with their mothers. Breast fed infants nurse more frequently than bottle fed babies since breast milk is digested more quickly. Breast fed infants with acid reflux or colic may also experience fewer symptoms while breastfeeding than when nursing a bottle.

Baby websites can be a fun way to research breastfeeding information. Many of your favourite parenting and baby magazines also offer baby websites with discussion forums, chat rooms and message boards in addition to a wealth of breastfeeding information. Baby websites can also be a great way to meet other expectant parents who are considering breastfeeding.

A lactation consultant can also answer your breastfeeding questions and can even visit your home following the delivery of your baby to help you get started should you choose to breastfeed your baby. A lactation consultant is a breastfeeding specialist and is often associated with the local La Leche League in your community. The La Leche League is a group of breastfeeding advocates who offer support and breastfeeding information for mothers. Contact your local La Leche chapter to get in touch with a lactation consultant in your area.

With the availability of breastfeeding information today, every parent has the opportunity to make an informed decision about breastfeeding. A few keystrokes, a phone call or even a trip to the local library can put a huge amount of breastfeeding information at your fingertips. Support groups, consultants and educators are available to answer questions and temper the fears of new parents. Help is available for those seeking breastfeeding information.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/ – Free Articles Directory

About the Author

You can learn more about the benefit of breast feeding and breast feeding tips at http://breastfeeding.answersforyourfamily.com

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Many first time mothers develop sore nipples. This can be an especially difficult time for both baby and mother. Sore nipples can make every breastfeeding session excruciatingly painful for the mother. The resulting stress and anxiety can be sensed by the infant and can cause an infant to be fussy during feedings. Sore nipples can also be a health concern for the mother if the skin is not treated appropriately. Women who experience sore nipples should consult a lactation specialist or experienced breastfeeding mother for suggestions on topical lotions and home remedies to treat sore nipples before the skin becomes cracked and opens the mother up to infection.

Some mothers experience a slowing of their milk supply. Inadequate milk can make breastfeeding difficult and many women are tempted to give up breastfeeding when this occurs. Seeking the advice of a breastfeeding specialist can help mothers continue to breastfeed while supplementing with formula until their milk supply is restored. A slow milk supply does not have to mean an end to breastfeeding.

Lactation consultants are available through local La Leche Leagues as well as most hospitals. Many obstetricians will employ or recommend a few local lactation consultants for mothers who are new to breastfeeding or those who are experiencing problems during feedings. Lactation consultants are specially trained medical personnel who are passionate about breastfeeding. It is important to be honest about your lactation problems and questions in order for the lactation specialist to assist you and your baby properly.

Learning about breastfeeding can seem like an overwhelming task. Seeking breastfeeding support can greatly reduce stress and allow for a more pleasant breastfeeding experience for you and your baby. The more you know about breastfeeding the better. Joining a breastfeeding support group, online discussion forum or chat group can help you stay connected to others who share your enthusiasm for breastfeeding. Once you have learned the facts about breastfeeding you may find yourself offering breastfeeding support to other mothers struggling with breastfeeding difficulties. Helping others is a wonderful way to contribute to your community and providing breastfeeding support and advice for new mothers can help promote breastfeeding advocacy in your community.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/ – Free Articles Directory

About the Author

You can learn more about the benefit of breast feeding and breast feeding tips at http://breastfeeding.officialfamily.info/

Technorati Tags: breastfeeding, breastfeeding help, breastfeeding support

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Here’s a very important tip that will help you have a happy nursing relationship:

Build a support network

During your pregnancy, attend ongoing breastfeeding classes or La Leche League meetings. Ask your Doctor or Midwife for suggestions if you aren’t aware of any groups in your area. Or search at La Leche League International’s website to find a local group.

Find women who have or are nursing their babies and talk with them about their experiences. You might meet these Moms at your local Mom’s group, where you worship, storytime at the library, or anywhere else Moms hang out.

In our society, it’s rare to see women openly nursing their babies and that’s one of the reasons that new Moms have challenges. Breastfeeding is an art, not a science, and it helps to have women who have “been there, done that” to support you.

Keep the phone numbers of one or two of these women, and a local La Leche League leader, with you when you go in to the hospital to have your baby. Not all labor and delivery nurses are knowledgeable about breastfeeding and may
actually discourage you.

After I had my first baby, one of the nurses told me not to nurse my baby for more than 5 minutes or “you’ll get sore”. If I had listened, there is probably no way I would have been able to bring in a milk supply adequate for my son’s needs.

If you want to breastfeed your baby and enjoy it too, go find your tribe.

Carrie Lauth is the host of http://www.NaturalMomsTalkRadio.com and has been helping Moms to breastfeed their babies for 5 years. For more breastfeeding tips, visit http://www.SexyNursingBra.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carrie_Lauth
http://EzineArticles.com/?Breastfeeding-Tip:-Find-Your-Tribe&id=333853

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To ensure the best fit, take these measurements at home while wearing a good fitting but unpadded bra:

For your Band Size: Measure around your body just under your arms while keeping the tape snug but not tight. If the measurement is an odd number, round up to the next even number. This number is your band size.

For your Cup Size: Measure around your body over the fullest part of your bust. Subtract this measurement from your band size. Each 1” difference represents one cup size. 1”=A Cup, 2”=B Cup, 3”=C Cup, 4” = D Cup, 5” = DD Cup, etc. So, if your band size is 36” and your measurement across the fullest part of your bust is 40”, then you would wear a 36D.

If your current bra you are using for measurements is too small or not very supportive, you many understate your true cup size. There should be no breast tissue beyond the side seam on either side of your bra. Also, there should be not spilling out of the top of your bra, as you would have in a too small or push up bra, as this will also affect your measurements.

For a proper fit, the bra band should be snug and should not ride up on your back as you wear it. Most women’s upper bodies do slim down quite a bit following delivery, so make sure that the bra you choose is either adjustable around the rib cage and you are on the last set of hooks, of has a stretchy band which will continue to fit a shrinking rib cage.

When your milk comes in, usually by 3-5 days postpartum, allow some extra room in the cup. You may need to purchase a larger size bra after your milk comes in and you can switch back to a smaller size once your milk supply is regulated and your hormones subside, usually 2-3 months postpartum. Also, your cup size will probably be bigger for those first few days when your milk comes in and subside some in the following weeks. Oftentimes women rotate through several sizes in a nursing bra during the first few months until their size is more stabilized.

Many women ask about wearing underwire nursing bras. Many lactation consultants prefer nursing mothers to wear softcup bras for the early weeks of breastfeeding as your milk supply comes in and your size is changing. Underwire bras, particularly if they are too small or tight, can dig into your breast tissue and clog a milk duct which can lead to mastitis. However, many women prefer the support of an underwire bra, and can comfortably wear one. If you do choose an underwire bar, make sure that the bra fits properly and that the wire is not pressing on any part of your breast.

Amy Jarman is owner the maternity and nursing clothes store Tummystyle.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Jarman
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Fit-your-Nursing-Bra&id=703690

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Here are some of the benefits of breastfeeding your baby.

1. Breastfeeding creates a strong emotional bond between Mom and baby. Breastfeeding can even help you be a better Mom – when you breastfeed, your body is stimulated to create the mothering hormones, prolactin and oxytocin, which can help you feel relaxed and calm. These hormones even make you feel less stressed and more rested despite sleep deprivation!

2. Breastfeeding can create a calmer baby too. The regular skin-to-skin contact that breastfeeding provides helps reduce the stress baby feels of having left the womb.

3. If your baby is experiencing discomfort or pain, the closeness of breastfeeding can help as well. Besides physical closeness, breast milk contains endorphins that help suppress any pain your baby feels.

4. Breastfed babies are healthier. According to many studies, breastfeeding your baby can help reduce food allergies, eczema, asthma, prolonged colds, childhood cancers, bronchitis, diaper rashes, and many other conditions.

5. Breastfeeding mothers can also be healthier. They have lower rates of breast, ovarian, uterine, and endometrial cancers, as well as a reduced risk of developing osteoporosis.

5. Breastfed babies are smarter. Some studies show that breastfeeding can increase an infant’s IQ, and there is evidence that breastfed children achieve higher on developmental tests.

6. Breastfeeding mothers lose weight more quickly. If you’re anxious to shed those pregnancy pounds, stick with breastfeeding. Breastfeeding helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size faster than if you don’t breastfeed. Breastfeeding also increases the level of the hormone prolactin which speeds up post-partum weight loss.

If you’re having breastfeeding frustrations, here are some places you can find the support you need.

1. Remember that your doctor may not have the answers you need. If she can’t answer your questions, don’t give up – just look for help somewhere else.

2. Find someone who is specially trained to answer your breastfeeding questions, like a lactation specialist or a member of the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

3. You could also speak with a La Leche League Leader. These are volunteers who have been specially trained to help mothers with breastfeeding. They are also good listeners, and non-judgmental.

4. One of your best sources of help and support can be other mothers who have successfully breastfed their children. They can tell you about their experiences, and assure you that things you are experiencing are normal. They can also give you advice and tell you what worked for them.

If you’re not having problems with breastfeeding right now, it is still a good idea to learn what resources are available and where you can connect with other breastfeeding moms. If you ever do have concerns, you will know exactly where to go for help and won’t be tempted to give up breastfeeding your baby before you’re ready.

About the Author:
For more information about breastfeeding, including tips, advice, mom’s stories and resources, go to the Breastfeeding Book

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – When Breastfeeding Gets Tough – How to Get the Help You Need

Technorati Tags: breastfeeding, breastfeeding help

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