Top Tips for Breastfeeding Success

You’re sold on the benefits of breastfeeding, and you’re determined to do it once Baby arrives, but there are a few tips you might want to keep in mind in order to make breastfeeding a successful venture.

Donna-lyn Braun, a La Leche League leader in Clermont County, says it’s important to have a support network in place ahead of Baby’s arrival. She suggests taking a breastfeeding class in order to learn about infant feeding cues and to meet and make friends who already know how to breastfed. The more you know what to expect from breastfeeding, the better. Also, Braun says, make sure that the hospital staff and your doctor are aware of your breastfeeding plans, so that you can begin feeding your newborn right away.  The research is solid that skin-to-skin contact between Mom and Baby can triggers a newborn’s instinct to breastfeed, so check with your hospital about delaying any typical newborn procedures in order to have that immediate contact with your baby.  “And if for some reason Mom can’t hold the baby,” says Braun, “let Dad do it!”

In the first few days and weeks of your baby’s life, it’s important to respect all of your baby’s sucking needs, so avoid bottles and pacifiers, continue the skin-to-skin contact, and stay with your baby at all times.  It’s also wise to consult with a La Leche League Leader or lactation consultant to make sure your baby is latching properly and getting enough to eat.  “If things aren’t going well,” says Braun, “get help immediately.”  Don’t just assume that latching issues will work themselves out after a few days.

“Remember that newborns breastfeed a lot,” says Braun, especially in the first few weeks.  A newborn might breastfeed 10 – 12 times in a 24-hour period, but that’s not indicative of his feeding schedule in the coming months, she explains. “They become more efficient, and will take more milk in a shorter period of time.”  So just keep in mind that there’s no such thing as too much breastfeeding.  “In the first few weeks, it’s your job to feed and recover,” says Braun, “hence the need for support from others.”

 

What If … I’m Not a Good Parent?

Books that can Help You Find Your Way

The beginning of parenthood can have you questioning yourself: What if I don’t bond with my baby? What if my instincts fail me? What if I’m not a “natural” parent? These kinds of thoughts are natural and almost always unfounded, based upon your desire to be a good parent. The key attribute of a good parent is responsiveness, says William Sears, M.D., author of more than 30 books on child care. If you are responsive to your baby’s cues, even if you sometimes can’t figure out what he wants or needs, you’re a good enough parent, as long as you care and try.Classic parenting books:

• Dr. Spock’s Baby and Child Care by Benjamin Spock, M.D.
• The Baby Book by William Sears, M.D., and Martha Sears
• The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp, M.D.
• The SleepEasy Solution by Jennifer Waldburger and Jill Spivack
• Your Baby & Child by Penelope Leach, M.D.
• What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel
• What to Expect the First Year by Sandee Hathaway, Arlene Eisenberg and Heidi Murkoff

Current top parenting books:

• The Portable Pediatrician by William Sears, M.D.
• The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley and William Sears, M.D.
• The Secrets of Happy Families by Bruce Feiler
• The Honest Toddler: A Child’s Guide to Parenting by Bunmi Laditan
• The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
• Teach Your Children Well by Madeline Levine

Keep Baby Safe from the Summer Sun

Whether you’re playing in the pool or yard, these products are great for keeping the youngest nice and cool from head to toe!
Sun Hat
Sun Hats
My Swim Baby | myswimbaby.com | $9.95
Adorable and fashionable, these hats will keep the sun off Baby’s head and help keep the glare of the sun out of the eyes. They’re reversible, too, in sizes small, medium and large.
Babywarma
Babywarma Neoprene Swimsuit
Konfidence | konfidence-usa.com | $29.99
Protect your little one from 100 percent of the UV rays with the Babywarma Swimsuit. This cute little suit also keeps the shivers at bay by keeping him warmer than any other suit would. The coolest part about it is that it opens up completely flat making it easier to put on little squirmy ones. Available in a few colors and in sizes 0 – 6 months, 6 – 12 months and 12 – 24 months.
Aquanappy
One-Size Aquanappy Swim Diaper
Konfidence | konfidence-usa.com | $15.99
This reusable swim diaper features an open-flat design made with stretchy, machine washable material with Velcro closures. It also comes in a variety of colors. Appropriate for ages 3 – 30 months.
Paddler Socks
Paddler Socks
Konfidence | konfidence-usa.com | $12.99
Little feet hate hot walking paths! So, cover those tiny footsies with these super-soft, neoprene Paddler Pool Socks. These cool socks keep their feet warm in cold water and feature non-slip bottoms. They also help protect against hot sand or concrete, rough surfaces, sharp objects and infection. Available in 6 – 12 months or 12 – 24 months.