Breastfeeding = Simple?

So many mothers struggle with breastfeeding.  We are told it is 'natural' and assume that means it is easy.  We receive conflicting information about how to do it and how much it matters if we do breastfeed or not.  And for how long?

I just finished reading the awesome book Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers
. One of the things that resonated with me is the idea that part of the reason many mothers in our society do not succeed in breastfeeding is because there is too much conflicting information out there.  People make it sound so difficult that women start out believing they will fail.

Reading books about breastfeeding before you have experienced it is always tricky because (as they explain in the book), nursing is 'body' knowledge, like riding a bicycle.  Did you learn to ride a bike by reading about it?  You probably got on and figured it out (or someone helped you figure it out).  Instead of approaching breastfeeding as a mathematical equation (insert Slot A onto Tab B), something that can be learned from a book, the authors focus on basic principles (or Natural Laws) that help make breastfeeding work.

LAW 1: Healthy babies are hardwired to breastfeed.  Trust that a full-term healthy newborn is looking for the breast and help him/her follow their instincts.

LAW 2: Mother's body is baby's natural habitat. Babies are meant to be carried and touched as much as possible.  Skin-to-skin contact increases opportunities for breastfeeding and bonding.

LAW 3: Better feel and flow happen in the comfort zone.  This one is partly about the latch.  Reinforcing the idea that breastfeeding should not hurt and will not if the breast extends deep into the baby's mouth (the comfort zone).  This will also ensure adequate milk to the baby in most cases.

LAW 4: More breastfeeding at first means more milk later. Frequent breastfeeding in the first several weeks ensures a full milk supply.  The more a baby is unnecessarily supplemented in the early days, the harder it may be for a mother to ever get enough milk to exclusively breastfeed.

LAW 5: Every breastfeeding couple has its own rhythm. It will not necessarily be the same for you as your sister, friend or neighbour down the street.  There is a wide range of healthy breastfeeding patterns.

LAW 6: More milk out equals more milk made. The main thing that has an effect on milk production is how often and how well your breasts are drained (by baby or expressing milk). Diet, fluids and rest have little impact on the amount of milk being made.

LAW 7: Children wean naturally. Children eventually outgrow breastfeeding.  At different times for different children.

I would highly recommend this book and the website www.breastfeedingmadesimple.com

There will be a new edition of the book out in November.