BreastfeedingGetting Ready

BASICS

Text MAMA to 99000 to watch real-life breastfeeding stories

Ready.

Set.

Breastfeed.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this book:

1. Why should I breastfeed my baby? (Page 1)

2. What kind of support do I need? (Page 5)

3. How can I get the best start? (Page 9)

You probably have lots of questions

about breastfeeding. If you learn about

breastfeeding now, you’ll feel more prepared

when your baby is born.

1

If you’ve already

decided to

breastfeed, that’s

great! If you’re

still not sure, try

breastfeeding for

the first month.

Even a little

breastmilk is better

for your baby than

none at all!

1

1Why should

I breastfeed

my baby?

TEXT4VIDEOText MAMA to 99000 to watch the Why Breastfeed? video.

2

Reasons to Breastfeed

6Breastfeeding helps you bond with your baby. It’s your special time. You are the only one who can breastfeed your baby.

3 Breastfed babies are healthier than formula-fed babies. Breastmilk helps protect your baby from germs that make him sick. Studies also show that breastfed babies have less risk for obesity, asthma, allergies, and diabetes.

2Breastmilk is always ready, clean, and safe. There is nothing to prepare.

1 Breastfeeding can help you lose pregnancy weight faster. When your body makes breastmilk, it burns calories.

4Breastfeeding is healthy for you, too! It reduces your risk for some cancers, postpartum depression and anxiety, and can help prevent osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones).

2

6

5Breastfeeding is free. Bottle feeding can be expensive.

3

Has anyone ever told you that women with small breasts can’t breastfeed?

Or that formula is the same as breastmilk?

How about that breastfeeding makes your breasts sag?

Maybe you heard friends say that breastfeeding is gross…

Friends and family mean well, but sometimes they tell you things that are not true. It can be hard to hear these myths when you are choosing to breastfeed, but you can teach them the facts!

Breastfeeding Myths

All not true!

4

Some men think breastfeeding will get in the

way of sex or that your breasts are only for

them. If your partner feels this way, tell him you

are choosing to breastfeed because it’s best for

you and your baby. Breastfeeding will not get

in the way of sex when you feel you are ready.

Remind him that his support will make the two

of you even closer.

You may find that breastfeeding seems scary or

brings up bad feelings. Think about talking to a

counselor. Abuse and rape survivors can enjoy

breastfeeding. Some even say that it makes

them feel more in control of their body and

their life.

What if my boyfriend or husband doesn’t want me to breastfeed?

What if I was sexually abused or raped?

5

When your

partner, family,

and friends

support your

choice to

breastfeed,

you are more

likely to succeed.

5

2What kind

of support

do I need?

TEXT4VIDEOText MAMA to 99000 to watch the Get Support video.

6

Who can help me breastfeed?

If someone in your life does not support you breastfeeding, there are a few things you can do to get the support you need:

What if my friends or family don’t support my choice to breastfeed?

Breastfeeding isn’t always easy, especially at first.

• Talk to your doctor, midwife, nurse, or lactation consultant. A lactation consultant is an expert who helps you and your baby breastfeed.

• Find a breastfeeding class at your hospital.

• Talk to friends and family who breastfed.

• Tell them why breastfeeding is good for you and your baby.

• Ask them to read this booklet.

• Go to your local WIC office and talk to an advisor, or ask if they offer peer counseling.

• Find a local breastfeeding or new-mom support group (ask your doctor or hospital).

• Be strong and stick with your decision to breastfeed. You know what’s best for your baby!

7

• Bring you a pillow, water, or a snack while you are breastfeeding

• Bond with the baby by holding her skin to skin (see page 12)

• Help with cooking, cleaning, and other chores

• Support you in eating well and taking care of yourself

• Burp the baby or change diapers

• Spend some time with the baby so you can rest

What can dads or other support people do to help?

7

8

Yes! Many moms breastfeed while working

or after going back to school. If you will be away

from your baby and miss at least one feeding,

you may need an electric breast pump. Ask your

doctor where to find a pump. If you are in a WIC

program, many offices offer free breast pumps.

Also, if you have health insurance, give them a

call and ask about getting a pump and if they’ll

cover the cost.

I have to go back to school or work soon after birth. Is it worth it to start breastfeeding?

99

Don’t be

shy about

breastfeeding

in the hospital.

The first few

days are very

important. There

are many people

who can help if

you need it.

3How can

I get the

best start?

TEXT4VIDEOText MAMA to 99000 to watch the Get the Best Start video.

106Feed your baby whenever she acts hungry. You need

to breastfeed often to make enough breastmilk for your baby. This will be at least 8 times in 24 hours.

2Tell your doctor or midwife to put your baby on your chest as soon as she is born, without any clothes or blankets between you. This is called skin-to-skin care. You can do it even if you have a cesarean birth.

4Keep your baby in your hospital room for your entire hospital stay. This is called rooming-in.

5Hold your baby skin to skin often during your hospital stay and once you get home too.

1Tell your doctor or midwife and nurses that you plan to breastfeed. You can also include it in your birth plan if you create one.

Things to Do While You Are at the Hospital10

3Try to breastfeed within the first hour after birth.

11

9Tell visitors if you need privacy to breastfeed, or cover up with a blanket so you can feed your baby.

8Breastfeeding takes practice. Ask your nurse or lactation consultant for help if you need it or it hurts.

10

7 If you take medication, ask if it is safe to take it while breastfeeding.

Things to Do While You Are at the Hospital

Tell the nurses that your baby is to get only breastmilk (no formula). Also ask them not to offer any bottles or pacifiers. These can make it hard for your baby to learn how to suck.

12

There are many benefits to holding your baby skin to skin.

• It keeps your baby warm and relaxed

• Your baby can breastfeed better (she might start breastfeeding on her own while you hold her)

• Your baby will cry less

Why is skin to skin important?

12

13

Yes! Your first milk is called colostrum, and

most women start making it in their last few

months of pregnancy. It might seem like you are

only making a tiny bit of it, but this thick and

golden-colored milk is exactly what your baby

needs in the first few days. The colostrum slowly

changes in the first two weeks after birth.

Will I have breastmilk as soon as my baby is born?

13

14

You can use what you already have if you don’t want to spend money on new clothes. Here are a few things you can pack for the hospital:

Do I need special clothes to breastfeed?

Bras: There’s no need for a special nursing bra, unless you really want one. You can just buy a bra in a stretchy fabric. To nurse, pull down a strap over your shoulder, and then pull down the cup. Or try a loose athletic bra that you can push up.

Tops: Instead of buying a special nursing top, just lift your top and feed your baby! Loose-fitting cotton tops or a shirt that buttons in the front work well too.

Pajamas: No special pajamas are needed. Pajamas that have a top and a bottom are helpful. If you prefer a one-piece nightgown, bring one that has buttons in the front or a deep V-neck. Make it easy for you.

Cover-Ups: When breastfeeding in front of others, you can use a special nursing cover-up that goes over your baby and covers your breasts. If you don’t want to buy one, a light blanket or a loose-fitting shirt does the same thing.

14

15

Breastmilk is all the food your

baby needs in the first six

months. Your milk is the perfect

food for your baby.

15

16

• Breastfeeding is good for you and your baby

• Breastfeeding takes practice

• It’s good to be around people who support your plan to breastfeed

• Your partner and family can bond with your baby in other ways besides feeding

• It’s helpful to find a support group in your community

• Share your breastfeeding plan with your doctor and labor nurse (see My Breastfeeding Plan on the next page)

• It’s important to start breastfeeding soon after birth and get support in the hospital

You can do it!Breastfeeding is the healthy choice for you and your baby. The benefits of breastfeeding last a long time and build a strong bond between you and your baby!

What did you learn?

16

Surround myself with supportive people who want to help me succeed in breastfeeding

Hold my baby skin to skin and try to nurse within the first hour after birth

Keep my baby in my room for my entire hospital stay

Give my baby only breastmilk (no formula), and not use bottles or pacifiers in the early weeks

Ask the nurses in the hospital for breastfeeding help if I need it

Breastfeed at least 8 times in 24 hours

People I can call for support:Name: ________________________________

Phone: ________________________________

Name: ________________________________

Phone: ________________________________

I plan to:

My Breastfeeding Plan

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“Immediately after he was born, they placed him

on my belly. I was just so happy to have him in my

arms and to hold him. They really encouraged me to

breastfeed right away within that hour.” – Marimar

See the rest of Marimar’s story by texting MAMA to 99000.