My journey of breast feeding started when I was around seven months pregnant. I attended pre-natal yoga and lamaze classes conducted by the wonderful Dr. Rolly Sapru, a Certified LAMAZE and CAPPA Childbirth Educator and Ante Natal Care Specialist, conducting Prenatal Yoga and Preconception Yoga and Counselling. Her classes, recommended by my gynaecologist, helped me to have a healthy and fit pregnancy and instilled some of the fitness fundamentals that I continue to follow even post-partum. Rolly’s researched and verified information on pregnancy, labor, delivery and baby care formed the foundation of my knowledge on motherhood. Her lecture on baby care covered the basics about feeding the baby, and for the first time really threw light on how important mother’s milk is. (If you’re in Mumbai, and expecting, please reach out to her here. It’s the best decision we made as we started our parenting journey!)
There are numerous studies and research reports to explain why breast milk is so essential for development of your baby. Breastfed babies have been found to be healthier, and smarter. If you haven’t already done the research, do have a look at articles like this, this and this. I wouldn’t call my self a breast-feeding fanatic. If there had been any medical issue, I would have happily given formula or whatever else was advisable. Proper nutrition is more important than being stubborn about breast feeding! But I also knew that my first priority was going to be to try and work on proper latching and feeding.
I always like to start my journeys by being prepared. Unfortunately, for most of us the process of “getting ready to have a kid” ends up being more of a “getting ready to be pregnant” exercise. The conversations with doctors are centred around managing the pregnancy part. And then suddenly, you’re out of the delivery room, and feeling kind of helpless with a wailing baby, ailing body, sore breasts, and very little or no idea at all on how exactly to feed and manage the little new born. Once you’re past this stage, and finally feel like you are getting the hang of feeding. You need to start thinking about everything else that goes with it.
Is the milk enough? Is it too much? Do you need to pump? What kind of breast pump is best? How do you store pumped milk? What do you do about giving breast milk when you’re back at work? How long do you continue breast feeding? What do you give for nutrition once breast milk is done? There are enough and more questions on the topic to fill an entire room! And in fact a simple google search will lead you to many such rooms. Information and opinion on how to feed your child appear to be infinite.
My advice to new moms is to find reliable sources, and listen to them above all else. If you’ve attended pre-natal classes or lectures at your maternity hospital, then stick to what they have told you. Or else find a good paediatrician and listen to him/her. Ask for advice and experience from your friends who have recently been through similar journeys (just be sure to cross-check the details of your own specific case with professional opinions too).
I also used to rely heavily on a website called Kelly Mom. They have well researched articles that talk facts. This article particularly, on the storage of pumped milk was always open on one tab of my browser for months!
There are also other resources. You should check out this course by lactation educator Stacey Stewart who has put together an ultimate guide to breastfeeding – covering pregnancy to weaning and everything in between. It’s a comprehensive 90 minute online learning module and I love that she breaks it down in to quick 5-7 minute videos to cover everything you need to know about breastfeeding.
As always, when you’re searching online for information pertaining to anything baby related, be sure to check the sources carefully. There will be advice thrown at you, especially in India where all aunts, neighbours, and even strangers on the street, feel they have certified information about child rearing to share. Don’t just go with the flow, arm yourself with knowledge and make sure you’re doing what is best for your child and you.
Do you have any concerns about your breast feeding journey? Hit me up in the comments below. Let’s find a solution.
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