Basic Information for the Expectant Mother
Anne Meis
Elgin, Nebraska, USA
From: LEAVEN, Vol. 37 No. 3, June-July 2001, p. 56
As Leaders, we tend to surround
ourselves with breastfeeding knowledge, and we may need to sort and
filter this knowledge and determine basic information to share with
the expectant first-time mother so as not to overwhelm her with information.
I am a regular guest speaker at our local rural hospital-sponsored birth
education classes. In addition, our La Leche League meetings have been
well attended by women who are pregnant. Therefore, I have been pondering
the question: What knowledge does a woman need before the baby arrives
in order to successfully breastfeed?
When speaking at the birth
classes, I am allotted about 20-25 minutes, so I must carefully exannne
the information I convey so that it is basic and essential. Also, many
women only attend one LLL meeting before giving birth and we as Leaders
need to give basic breastfeeding information without overwhehning and
confusing an expectant mother.
Now there is no way to know
what lies ahead for each breastfeeding mother, but here are some key
messages that I have identified:
Breastfeeding is healthier
for the baby and mother. Some people are still not informed
about this. Expectant mothers need constant reminders of the many health
benefits of breastfeeding. I think once a woman is empowered with this
information, her determination level will be greater. Determination
is crucial to breastfeeding.
Baby needs to breastreed
early and often to get breastfeeding off to a good start. Bottles
or pacifiers should be avoided in the early weeks. Baby should breastfeed
as soon as possible after birth and should breastfeed 8-12 times in
a 24 hour time period. Continue unrestricted nursing to meet the baby's
needs.
Good positioning and
latch-on are important to prevent sore nipples and promote proper sucking.
Explain to the new or expectant mother what good positioning looks like.
Baby's whole body faces mother. Mother brings baby to her breast and
supports the baby and supports the breast. Is the baby's mouth open
wide? Explain what good latch-on looks like.
Mother should surround
herself with people who are supportive and knowledgeable about breastfeeding.
When husband and other family members support the mother, she can focus
on learning her cues and rhythms and becoming adept at breastfeeding.
Encourage the mother to find a health care provider who is supportive
of breastfeeding. And, of course, now is the time to talk about the
many benefits of La Leche League and attending meetmgs. Encourage the
mother to read THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING and other breastfeeding
books and material.
Encourage the mother to
call La Leche League if she has any questions or difficulties. Present
yourself as approachable, knowledgeable, and friendly. Ask for questions
during or after your talk. Answer questions concisely and in a positive
light.
Even as I write this, there
is so much more information I'd like to give, but this knowledge will
help ensure a good start and identify you (the LLL Leader) as a contact
person. Even if you do not receive feedback, know that you have done
your part in helping at least one more baby receive the very best: breastfeeding.
Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:32:24 UTC 2007.
