The Sounds of Advice #59: Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding: Aisling: Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to feed your baby. Besides being a great source of food and nutrients there are a lot of reasons why people prefer to breastfeed. It helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and reduces post-delivery bleeding. It makes it easier to lose those pregnancy pounds (you burn up to 500 extra calories a day nursing). It may reduce your risk of postpartum depression and breast and ovarian cancer. It can delay the return of your period (although you should still use some form of birth control when you resume intercourse). It saves money (no formula!). Breastfeeding is a learned process; none of us (not even Baby) are born knowing how to do it. To improve your chance of success: Try to breastfeed within the first hour of birth. This helps your uterus contract and provides that valuable colostrum. Also ask to have Baby room in with you at the hospital so you can feed on demand. ...