How To Breastfeed: Tips, Resources (VIDEO)

August is National Breastfeeding Month and it's worth taking a look at breastfeeding tips and resources to help you out.

Breastfeeding can be extremely intimidating, especially for first-time mothers but even for veterans.

"It's not easy," says Carley Roney, editor-in-chief of TheBump.com. "You think it's natural. But getting the baby to latch on in the first place is not easy, controlling your milk supply is not easy. I've had three children and it wasn't easy any of the times."

Roney says a survey found that 50 percent of mothers admit to challenges breastfeeding and 90 percent had to consult someone, and that's OK. In fact, she encourages mothers to reach out to others.

There are numerous places on the Web to find advice. Baby Center has an easy how-to for getting started, stressing if it doesn't feel right when the baby latches on, try again. Mama's Health has a piece called "Breastfeeding Basics 101" for best practices, including begin breastfeeding as soon as possible after the baby is born.

Watch the video below for more breastfeeding tips, the benefits of it, as well as accessories that can improve your breastfeeding experience:

Comments

[Erickay]

11:01 PM on 08/16/2010

Regarding FGDinVA's post and the follow up question: Breastfeeding releases hormones similar to those women have during orgasm, which is why I also felt much calmer when I breastfed. I had three sons and the biggest one was difficult because he was "hungrier" more often. I stopped breastfeeding him at age 6 months but after stopping, I regretted it: he became afflicted with chronic ear infections. Before that, he was otherwise healthy. The second son, I resolved to breastfeed for as long as possible and I did until I was pregnant with the third one. Breastfeeding is virtually free, a psychological boost for mom, requires no bottles or formula, no microwave oven, no artificial additives and can be done about anywhere. There is empirical evidence that breastfeeding fosters higher IQ in baby's later life, and greater self-confidence. It offers health benefits to both baby and mom and in "the old days" I never once made someone feel uncomfortable when I fed my children: I used a large, light weight blanket and preserved my privacy. Breast feeding is the way to go if at all possible.

[saskatoonie]

11:12 PM on 08/12/2010

There are some women who can't and some babies who won't breastfeed. I have mentioned before that I had three children 10lbs and over, one almost twelve. Everytime I tried and everytime I failed. Women have to be told how difficult it can be and to have proper breastfeeding support ready for when you give birth. It is too late when you are exhausted and your baby is starving and crying uncontrollably. If you do have to bottle feed try not to get down on yourself, your child can still be very healthy and you are still a good Mom!

[Annie VerSteeg]

12:40 AM on 08/13/2010

You are right. It can be very hard and even with amazing help, it may not work out. Knowing you tried with each child makes you a winner not a failure.
I am sure you have amazing kids!

[saskatoonie]

02:34 PM on 08/13/2010

Thanks, they are all adults and they are doing very well. By well I mean happy, that's the most important thing for me as their Mom!

[Red45]

09:37 PM on 08/12/2010

Until I had my son 34 years ago, I had no idea that there were several things about breast feeding that didn't just come naturally and I could have used this article back then. Ultimately, La Leche League taught me what to do and it all worked out.

[FGDinVA]

09:13 PM on 08/12/2010

I don't think enough is said about the benefits of breastfeeding for the mom. When I was lactating, I was much more even-tempered and placid, and my feeling of well-being was very high.

[Uproar]

03:32 PM on 08/13/2010

To be "more" even-tempered, are you referring to a child you did not breastfeed, and you were not even tempered then? What is the comparison?

[FGDinVA]

07:33 PM on 08/13/2010

I'm referring to the difference between my normal self and my lactating self.