The basics: Starting out slowly

Baby boy, my sweet little man Jayden, blessed us with his debate at 41 1/2 weeks gestation. He was 6 pounds 2 ounces and 19 inches long. 


I had planned on formula feeding him, until about when I was 5 months pregnant. Something inside of me changed, and I had this irresistible urge to breast feed. And not only, "I will try breast feeding" type mentality, but a "I'm definitely breastfeeding no matter what it takes" mentality. 


I immediately jumped into research mode and looked up all the benefits of breastfeeding, which only sold me more into the desire to exclusively breastfeed.


I then researched how to be successful at breastfeeding, and eventually pumping my milk. I wanted to make sure I would have no issues, and have no issues with supply. 


I researched everything from how to, diet, and life styles.


This is what I have learned:
1) Eat oatmeal every morning for breakfast, not only does it give you a good amount of Iron, but it also pushes some of that iron that breastfed babies need into your breastmilk.
2) When pumping, pump NO LESS than 15 mins per breast. 
3) When pumping, pump both breasts at each pumping session.
4) Massage your breast all over, prior, during and after to stimulate breast flow and milk production.
5) Smear a little of baby's saliva on breast, it stimulates milk production.
6) They have an insert that goes into the breast shield part of the pump that massages all areas of the breast as you are pumping, I highly suggest getting one. 
7) Eat every 2 hours, even small snacks, the more calories you pack in (Within the appropriate amounts) the better milk production is. 
8) If your baby is not nursing every 2-3 hours, make  sure you are pumping.
9) Your milk works over time at night, so a good nights sleep, although difficult sometimes, is a must! SO, that means get on daddy's case to help you sleep AT LEAST in 3 hour stretches, in order for your milk to ramp up. Studies have shown that women who can get 3 consecutive hours of sleep at night at least twice a night have better milk production. 
10) Avoid TOO many carbs, and take in as much protein as possible. 




For more help and information try these sites: 
kellymom.com
breastfeeding.com
babycenter.com key word search breastfeeding
and there is a support group for breastfeeding on cafemom.com


Jayden was exclusively breastfeed until 4 months old. He had nothing but breastmilk. This was very important to me.


In fact he still gets his breast milk, we plan to still give him breast milk one way or another until he self weans, or age two.


Stay tuned for the next stage of food, but first, some tips on things that are worth the money and somethings that are worth skipping.