In an age where it seems we can buy everything our body needs in a bottle or a pack of pills, the importance of breast feeding gets pushed to the sidelines. Modern maternity wear makes it easy to do no matter where you are, and you will have a number of benefits, financially, for your child, and for your own health.
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- Benefits. There are a number of benefits for women who choose to breast feed. Firstly, it is natural, and will come with ease. Your body is designed to do this, and your body almost needs to do it. There are actually less chances of postnatal depression, and other female associated cancers, in women who breast feed. Breast milk is loaded with all the nutrients that your child needs, and that will change with their age. Finally, you will be saving on the cost of baby formula and the workload of managing that. What else could you ask for?
- How often. There is no real set rule for this. Your child is growing extremely fast, and they will want breast milk at least 8 times a day. This is something you will just have live with. Whether you are breast feeding or not, your sleeping patterns are going to get a bit of a bashing.
- How to increase production. It is a good idea to consume lots of water, and get plenty of calcium in your diet. Naturally enough, the better you eat, the better you will feel, and the more milk you will produce. Keeping active and having a good lifestyle will be easier for those who live that way in the first place. If you have not exercised, eat poorly and are basically a sloth, you are going to pay for that when you are pregnant in many ways. Talk with your doctor about ways to increase production and what you can take if you feel you do not have enough. Be careful with any radical ideas. A doctor’s advice is always best.
- Talk to others. Too often in our modern lives, we deal with these issues alone. Nowadays, there is little assistance from hospitals. If you do not have family or friends to help you with some of the simplest advice, look for support-groups and online groups where you can get some help. Nobody needs to try anything new alone.
- Clothing. There are plenty of maternity dresses that can make this job easier. Getting several new bras that are designed for this process is not as difficult as you might think. Most of them look really good.
- Management. Some women find a breast pump can help their production, get their breast ready for their baby, and be used to drain excess milk, that can be stored for a later date.
- How long for. It is highly recommended you breast feed for a minimum of 6 months and up to a year. Start offering your baby a milk bottle from around 3 months, so you can make the gradual change over the last 3 months.
If you are having problems, always seek advice from a professional. If your doctor does not understand, you should look for those who focus on babies and care. Don’t be afraid to ask. Look after your body and breasts with moisturiser and other products that will keep them in good shape for the future.
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