New moms have a lot of questions when it comes to
breastfeeding their babies and it helps to be prepared when baby arrives.
Breastfeeding is a different experience for every mom, but it offers many benefits
for both mom and baby. Not only does it provide baby with the best vitamins and
nutrients, it also reduces the risk of certain types of cancer in mom. Nicole
Zoellner, founder of Nizo Wear nursing bras, shares this advice for moms to
better prepare for breastfeeding:
Educate yourself
Talk to a lactation consultant who is trained to teach
you how to feed your baby. Your hospital probably has a lactation consultant
you can speak to about common breastfeeding issues such as problems latching,
pain and discomfort, and low milk production. Also, search for breastfeeding
resources online to educate yourself before baby arrives.
Don't give up
It’s no secret that breastfeeding can cause great
discomfort and soreness, but don't give up breastfeeding if you are
experiencing discomfort. This is too often the case, but there are several
options you can try to ease the pain like using warm or cool compresses, nipple
creams, and gel pads. It also helps to build a support group of other
breastfeeding moms who are going through or have gone through what you are
experiencing. These moms can provide you with tips and share stories of their
own experiences to keep you strong when you need encouragement.
'New Moms’ is a
monthly column dedicated to our readers in their earliest stages of motherhood.