Preparing for your breastfeeding journey
It is time to prepare for your breastfeeding journey after you gather as much as possible information about breastfeeding and you made your informed decision. Information can be gathered via breastfeeding preparation classes and contact sessions with a lactation consultant.
Emotional preparation for breastfeeding is essential, due to the fact that you might experience some difficulties. It is also very important that you and your partner talk about breastfeeding and understand each other's views. It is also vital that you do have your partner’s support. Your support system needs to include your partner and people who are or had been breastfeeding. Attend a breastfeeding workshop and join a support group. It is advised to have a discussion with your employer during pregnancy to discuss the company’s breastfeeding policy.
The breastfeeding journey does start during pregnancy. Changes in the breasts start from the beginning of pregnancy. These changes are one of the first signs of pregnancy with breast tenderness and a tingling or prickling sensation around the nipples. Colostrum may start leaking towards the end of the pregnancy, this is normal and do not stress about it and do not start to express breastmilk. The nipples become more distinct and the skin around the nipple, which is called the areola, becomes darker as the pregnancy progresses. The areola helps the baby to find the nipple after birth. You will also notice pimple structures on the edge of the areola, these are called Montgomery glands. These pimples help to lubricate the areola during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is very important not to use soap on the areola and Montgomery glands to prevent them from drying out. These areas need to be moist and elastic to prevent damage to the nipple and surrounding areas. You may wash the breast, areola and nipples with warm water. You may apply any lotion to areola and nipples which contain zinc and caster oil, or nipple cream.
Do draw up a breastfeeding plan so that everybody knows what your wishes are regarding breastfeeding. It is important to write a motivation line which you can read to help you when your breastfeeding journey hits a rough patch. Plan for skin-to-skin after delivery and add it to your breastfeeding plan. It is helpful to prepare meals and freeze them so that you do have meals available when needed.
What will you need for breastfeeding:
It is overwhelming to see how many products are on the market for breastfeeding. Do not panic. Make a list of the products with the advantages and disadvantages of each product. You do not need all the products. I would like to give some guidelines regarding what you may need.
Clothing: When choosing clothes, especially tops, make sure that it gives easy access to the breast. There are tops with hidden flaps available on the market. Another option is loose tops which can easily be lifted and after the baby latches drop again and it then covers the baby’s head if some privacy is needed.
Nursing bras: the bra size which you wear in the last trimester is the size which will fit you while breastfeeding. Avoid bras with underwire support due to the fact that it may cut into milk-forming tissues which increases the risk of blocked ducts and infection in the breast. Make sure that the bra does not have structures which may cause constriction on the breast. The bra needs to fit loosely but does give support.
Breast/nursing pads: necessary for if the breast does leak. Variety is on the market and you do have the option of disposable or washable pads.
Breastpump: a big variety of pumps are available. The options are between functions, availability and price range. It is not necessary to buy a pump prior to birth unless you know you are definitely going to pump for example when going back to work. You can do your research and write in your breastfeeding plan which one you prefer if needed. We will discuss how to choose a pump in the article going back to work which will follow.
Breastfeeding pillow: is handy but you can also support the baby with normal pillows or folded blankets. Positioning and holding the baby while feeding will be discussed in the article: what is important when latching your baby ( article will follow)
Breastfeeding place: Decide on a place which you want to use as your feeding place. Prepare the area for you prior to birth. It is important that you must be comfortable, good back support is essential. A support for your feet if you are short so that your feet will not hang in the air, this will cause discomfort and put strain on your back. A small table where you can put something to drink or snack on while feeding. A light with the option to dim. Nappy change area nearby.
For more information on breastfeeding preparation classes or a breastfeeding consultation or to join our support group contact Sr Elna 072 124 7455.
REFERENCES:
Breastfeeding and Human Lactation; Jan Riordan and Karen Wambach;
Breastfeeding Made Simple; Nancy Mohrbacher and Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
Born to breastfeed, born to be breastfed; Hettie Grove
Borsvoed jou baba; Marie-Louise Steyn
Hold your baby; Jill Bergman
The womanly art of breastfeeding; Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, Teresa Pitman
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