Month eight Q&A
Q: My pregnancy is coming to an end. I’m planning on breastfeeding. How should I prepare myself? Is there anything I should take to hospital to help me? Should I take a bottle and formula just in case it doesn’t work out? I hear so many conflicting things about breastfeeding: That it’s so natural, but also not easy at all. I just don’t know what to expect and would like to be prepared. A: Linda answers: Having a baby is a life event, and it is wise to plan ahead of time so that you are ready to face the challenges that come with this very special occasion. However, the hormonal changes during pregnancy prepare your breasts, producing the newborn milk, called colostrum. While your body knows exactly what to do, discuss your decision to breastfeed your baby with your partner and get his support. Talk to other mothers that have breastfed their babies, and ask them for their advice and top tips that helped them succeed. Visualise yourself breastfeeding. Breastfeeding your baby is a skill that needs to be practiced until you master it. Attend a prenatal class with your partner, that focuses on the benefits of breastfeeding, and the importance of keeping your baby in skin-to-skin contact straight after birth, as this is the best way to initiate the bond, and get your breastfeeding off to a good start. You will also learn techniques and how to hold your baby and position correctly to latch properly. Find a local La Leche League group. These support groups meet occasionally and have a leader that presents a topic on breastfeeding. Both expecting and breastfeeding moms attend these information sessions. Make contact with a lactation consultant so that you have a contact available for guidance, advice and extra support and help to address any problem early, and discuss your concerns. There is no need to prepare your nipples. No harsh products, including soap, should be used to rub or scrub your nipples, as it will only hurt, and cause them to crack. From 30 weeks start to ‘get to know the equipment’: Once a day in the shower or bath, under the warm water, massage your breasts gently with tissue oil as part of your daily routine. Massage on the breast tissue from your chest wall through to the nipple in all directions. As if your breast was the face of a clock, and your nipple the centre, massage from each number, through towards the centre. Don’t massage the areola or nipple area as this can stimulate contractions. This massage encourages recognition and early detection of problems and helps with drainage through the ducts. Continue your breast care after birth, once a day in the shower, and also before or after a feed about three times a day, over a basin in front of a mirror to observe and note changes as they fill and become heavier. Apply a warm facecloth to warm your hands and breast. Wipe off the oil gently before feeding. Pack a facecloth and tissue oil into your hospital bag for your breast care. It is important to note and understand that usually around the third or fourth day after birth, you can expect your breasts to feel fuller and heavier. Your milk volume is increasing and is described as the ‘filling’ of your breasts, as your milk ‘comes in’. This lasts for around 24 to 48 hours, after which it settles to your baby’s demand. Do not keep formula nearby, as your breasts need stimulation to produce milk. Most hospitals stock supplement feeds, should there be a good medical reason. The most important part of your layette is a comfortable chair or place to sit, where you can set up a nursing station. Make it a relaxing space with lots of pillows and a small table to hold a water jug, glass and healthy snacks. Stock up on at least two good supportive nursing bras and pyjamas or a top with easy access for nursing to make the experience comfortable. Keep positive. Believe in your body and believe in your baby.