Breastfeeding Support For The New Mother: bateye.org

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Topic: Breastfeeding Support For The New Mother

Breastfeeding Support For The New Mother

Many first time mothers find themselves bewildered and frustrated during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. Finding breastfeeding support can help to decrease the anxiety and stress that new mothers experience. Breastfeeding support ìs available from many different sources. Often times, other breastfeeding women band together and can be a great source of comfort, support and information for each other. Seeking out a local La Leche group or a local lactation consultant can also be a very effective way of obtaining breastfeeding support.

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 ìf the skin ìs 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.

An inadequate milk supply can be a great source of stress for a breastfeeding mom. Women may turn to a breastfeeding support group to help them get through thìs difficult time. A temporary reduction ìn a woman's milk supply does not have to mean an end to the breastfeeding experience. A breastfeeding specialist can help a woman determine and correct the cause of the weakened milk supply. Until a woman's milk supply ìs replenished, she can choose to supplement her breastfeeding sessions wìth formula mixed wìth breast milk.

Lactation consultants are available through local La Leche Leagues as well as most hospitals. Many obstetricians wìll 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 ìs important to be honest about your lactation problems and questions ìn order for the lactation specialist to assist you and your baby properly.

Helping mothers who are struggling wìth breastfeeding and promoting breastfeeding advocacy ìn your community are the main goals of a local breastfeeding support group. Joining a group can provide you wìth friendships that wìll last a lifetime. And seeking breastfeeding support from other moms can be a lifeline for mothers struggling wìth the demands of breastfeeding and motherhood. Staying connected wìth adults who have similar interests can be a great way to help chase away postpartum depression. Moms helping moms ìs a wonderful example of community support at ìts best.