8 Points Before you Breastfeed

If you are near the end of your pregnancy, then this is for you! Here are 8 things you need to know if you plan to breastfeed.

1. The Statistics Speak for Themselves:
   Mothers who prepared themselves to breastfeed were able to breastfeed more easily. They also overcame breastfeeding problems faster than mothers who did not undergo early preparation with an expert.
2. Why Prepare for Something Natural?
   Sometimes it goes smoothly, and that’s great. However if problems arise (as they often do), and you do not know how to identify or treat them in time, it could quickly become complicated.
3. What Is the First Thing to Do?
   Immediately after the birth, place the baby near your breast and allow him to nurse, preferably with skin-to-skin contact. This will increase your chances for successful breastfeeding.
4. Is There Milk At First?
   In the first two days your breasts produce a clear yellowish liquid known as colostrum, which includes antibodies that will protect your baby throughout his life. Each time you breastfeed, your baby receives about a spoonful of colostrum, which helps stimulate your breast milk production.
5. How Can I Tell if My Baby is Hungry?
   Before he cries, baby will try to suck on his fist. Only then will the tears appear. In time you will learn to recognize your baby’s unique hunger signals.
6. How Often Should I Breastfeed?
   In the early days, you could be breastfeeding your baby 8-12 times per day, and it’s best if you allow the baby to nurse on demand. Each time you breastfeed, you should burp your baby before switching to the second breast for the remainder of the feeding session. When your baby is hungry again, start from the alternate breast.
7. Did You Know That There Are 3 Types of Nipples?
   It’s true! Women can have normal, flat, or inverted nipples. Flat nipples protrude with cold temperatures or sexual stimulation; they also tend to protrude during lactation and will not be a problem. Breastfeeding with inverted nipples (the least common type) requires silicone nipple shields to help with breastfeeding. Early identification of your nipple type will allow you to prepare in advance and avoid unnecessary discomfort for you and your baby.
8. Let’s Break a Myth: Breasts Don’t Sag From Breastfeeding
   Research has proven that breasts sag due to weight gain during pregnancy and weight loss afterwards. It is actually hereditary, so you can only hope that you have good genes.