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NIPPLES/BREASTS
Physical preparation for breastfeeding requires no intervention
on your part. Throughout pregnancy, under the influence of certain
hormones, your breasts will naturally undergo their final development
that will prepare them for lactation. Outwardly, you may notice
these changes as a general increase in breast size and darkening
of the areolae.
IT IS NOT NECESSARY, NOR IS IT ADVISABLE, TO
« CONDITION » YOUR NIPPLES IN ANY WAY, REGARDLESS
OF YOUR SKIN TYPE OR COLOUR.
Why not?
The main argument for the « conditioning
» of the nipples (including rubbing them with a rough cloth,
and rolling or stretching nipples between the fingers, etc.) is
to « toughen » them to avoid abrasions and cracks.
However, we know that these are caused by incorrect positioning
and latch, and have nothing whatsoever to do with nipple «
conditioning » or « preparation ». Women with
a fair complexion or with sensitive skin are no more at risk of
damaged nipples than those with a darker complexion.
Another argument for nipple preparation is to
help erect flat or inverted nipples. Flat or inverted nipples
(the latter being much less common than we think) are not a contraindication
to breastfeeding. There is no evidence that any form of nipple
preparation for this type of anatomical variance is effective.
One could argue that this practice actually gives the mother a
negative perception and causes her to doubt ability to breastfeed.
This indeed may be the real obstacle to a rewarding breastfeeding
experience. The mother feels as though there is a problem before
she has even begun breastfeeding! The mother's confidence
is key to a positive breastfeeding experience. Remember : the
baby feeds at the breast, not on the nipple.
So-called nipple preparation can actually damage
nipple and areolar tissue, and even cause premature labour. The
Montgommery glands, situated all around the areola, secrete a
lubricant that protects the skin. Rubbing or washing with harsh
soap can make the skin more vulnerable.
Anyone who recommends this practice is unfortunately
not up-to-date in their breastfeeding knowledge, and may hinder
you, rather than help you.
HAVE
REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
Meet and share with breastfeeding mothers, to learn and understand
the normal breastfeeding course and breastfed babies' behaviour.
These are often very different from formula-fed babies'
behaviour, which are unfortunately what our society considers
« normal ». For breastfeeding, like all other aspects
of life with a new baby, it is important to have realistic expectations,
so that you are not needlessly surprised, worried or even disappointed
and frustrated.
ENTOURAGE
Surround yourself, as much as possible, with people who respect
and support your choice to breastfeed. Your spouse is your most
important source of support and encouragement. Whenever possible,
as you would do to prepare for childbirth and family life, prepare
for breastfeeding together. Your spouse, even though he will not
himself be breastfeeding, will also reap the benefits of breastfeeding
and has an important role to play in your breastfeeding goals.
GET
TO KNOW AVAILABLE RESOURCES
One of the best ways to prepare for breastfeeding is to find out
about existing resources in your area (mother-to-mother support
groups, breastfeeding clinics, Lactation Consultants, etc.) You
can even benefit from these resources before the birth of your
baby, to form relationships with other mothers, obtain information,
and get to know specialists who will be able to help you if you
need it.
See our Resources page to find out which ones exist in your area.
THE
3 GOLDEN PRINCIPLES OF BREASTFEEDING
Remember these 3 fundamental principles for « smooth sailing
» breastfeeding:
1. Breastfeeding should never be painful
If breastfeeding hurts, this is a sign of an
underlying problem. Seek help from a skilled professional. The
most common cause of painful breastfeeding is incorrect positioning
and/or latch, which can be easily corrected.
2. The more your baby drinks, the more milk
you make
The inability to produce an adequate milk supply
is rare. Breastfeeding should be done on demand of the baby, avoiding
pitfalls such as unnecessary supplementation and artificial nipples,
especially during the first weeks. Milk supply problems are most
often caused by sub-optimal breastfeeding management.
3. Breastfeeding is rarely contraindicated,
and there are very few medical reasons to give formula to a breastfed
baby
Breastfeeding is possible even in situations
of mother/infant illness, prematurity, genetic disorder, multiple
births, medications, etc. Artificial baby milks are never a first-choice
intervention for breastfed babies, and they most often compound
breastfeeding problems, rather than solving them.
In short, with good support and skilled
help, breastfeeding is rewarding and enjoyable, and rarely contra-indicated!
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