GETTING READY TO BREASTIFEED CHOOSING TO BREASTFEED

Breastfeeding is the method of infant feeding chosen by most mothers, and it is an excellent method of feeding babies because of the many advantages it gives to both baby and mother. Breast milk is the ideal food for your baby. It is easy to digest and may help protect her* from common early-childhood illnesses such as colds, ear infections, and diarrhea, especially during the early weeks and months of her life. Breastfeeding will help your baby feel secure and create a close bond between the two of you. Breastfeeding also has advantages for you. Your uterus will return to its normal size more quickly, and the calories your body uses to make milk may help you lose some of the weight you gained while pregnant. And breastfeeding can save you both time and money.

LEARNING ABOUT BREASTIFEEDING
Before your baby is born, it is a good idea to learn as much as you can about breastfeeding. Some good sources of information are friends or relatives who have successfully breastfed. Local breastfeeding support groups can be wonderful sources of information and help. They will encourage you to attend their meetings and talk with breastfeeding mothers even before you give birth. There are also many good books available, such as: Pryor K, Pryor G: Nursing Your Baby. New York: Pocket Books, 199 1. Renfrew M et al: Breastfeeding: Getting Breasifeeding Right for You. Berkeley, Calif: Celestial Arts, 1989

CHANGES IN YOUR BREASTS
During pregnancy your breasts will increase in size as the milk-producing cells grow and multiply. Many women report breast tenderness and swelling as the first signs of their pregnancy. These are signs that your body is preparing to make milk for your baby once he is born. Whether your breasts are small or large, you will be able to make milk for your baby. Size is dependent on the amount of fat tissue in the breast and not on the number of milk-producing cells. As your pregnancy progresses, you may notice that the areola (dark skin around the nipple) gets larger and darker. You may see small bumps on your areola, called Montgomery glands. These glands secrete a substance that lubricates and protects the nipple and areola. A daily shower with warm water is all the cleansing that is necessary for your breasts during the end of pregnancy and after the baby is born. You should avoid lathering your breasts with soap-it can dry the skin and wash off the natural softeners.

HOW BREAST MILK IS MADE
Human milk is made by special cells inside your breasts. Once the milk is made in the cells, it moves down the milk ducts and flows through openings in the nipple to your baby. For your body to continue to produce milk after your baby is born, two important things must happen: Stimulation of the nipples, which will give your body the message, along nerve path- ways, to make more milk. This stimulation is provided by the baby's sucking at the breast or by expressing (pressing out or removing) your breast milk. Frequent removal of milk from your breasts, The more milk you take out, the more milk you will make.

THE FIRST MILK
The first milk to come from the breasts is called colostrum. The breasts begin to make colostrum in the 16th week of pregnancy. It is the perfect food for your newborn. o It is loaded with antibodies to protect your baby from illnesses during her first months of life. o It is a thick, concentrated food source higher in protein and minerals than your later milk. Because it is so concentrated, your baby will get enough nutrition from just a small amount while he is learning to coordi- nate his suck, swallow, and breathing in a rhythmic way. By the time he has learned this rhythm and his appetite has picked up, your milk production will have increased.

WHEN YOUR MILK INCREASES
True milk production begins about 2 to 5 days after your baby is bom. The more your baby nurses, the sooner your milk will increase and the more milk you will make. Mature milk appears thinner and whiter than colostrum, but it is actually higher in calories. Many mothers are more comfortable if they wear a well- fitted and supportive bra, but it is not absolutely necessary to do so.

SOME COMMON QUESTIONS MOTHERS ASK ABOUT BREASTFEEDING

Will breastfeeding make my breasts sag?
Actually, it is the number of pregnancies, heredity, and the aging process that are responsible for sagging breasts, not breastfeeding. Will I have to follow a strict diet?
The only requirement is that you eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Some mothers find that their babies are upset by certain foods, and they need to eliminate those from their diet. But this should be evaluated on an individual basis before cutting out particular foods from your diet. Of course, alcohol, smoking, and any drugs not approved by your doctor should be avoided.
Can I breastfeed if I have had breast surgery?
If you have had any type of breast surgery, it is important to discuss it with your health care provider or a certified lactation consultant (breastfeeding specialist). Some surgeries can interfere with breastfeeding if nerves and ducts have been damaged during the procedure. In many cases, though, mothers find they are able to breastfeed successfully.
Do breastfeeding mothers have to expose their breasts in public?
No. It is easy to learn how to nurse in public without showing your breasts. A mother can use a blanket or shawl over her chest and shoulder to cover her breast. Many stores now have areas set aside where moth- ers can nurse in private. You may want to practice at home in front of a mirror to see how little of the breast can actually be seen
How can the father of the baby be involved?
A father can help breastfeeding by providing support and encouragement. Studies have shown that without his help and support, breastfeeding will not last as long. He can help make sure you have enough to eat and drink, and he can do many things to help care for the baby so that it is easier for you to breastfeed.
Does breastfeeding tie a mother to the house?
Not unless you let it! Breastfed babies are easy to take along with you-all you need are a diaper and the baby. No feeding equipment is necessary. If you need to go out without the baby, you can express your milk and leave it in the refrigerator for someone else to feed while you are gone.
Is breastfeeding worth starting if I have to return to work or school in a short titne?
Yes! Any amount of breastfeeding will benefit your baby. And it is entirely possible to combine work- ing or going to school part- time or full-time with breastfeeding.