Ask the Domestic Life Stylist: Tips for the Nursing Moms

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Ask The Domestic Life Stylist

Lisa our resident fine living expert answers your questions each Thursday.

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I am pregnant with my first child and want to nurse her. However, the idea of nursing makes me nervous.  Can you offer any advice?
~Damilola

First off, congratulations on your upcoming baby. Motherhood is the most inspiring, rewarding yet difficult  job you can ever have. I want to welcome you with my arms outstretched.  The fact that you have decided to breastfeed your baby is a wonderful thing! Mother’s milk is best for baby. Although nursing  is a big undertaking the good news is, there is lots of support.

Support

I am not sure when your baby is due but, start looking for support groups now. When you are tired and sleep deprived is probably not the best time to start looking for a support group to join.  Are you taking any child birth classes? That may a good place to start to find like-mined supportive women with the same goals as yours. Inform your doctor of your decision and include breastfeeding as part of your written birth plan. A staff that is well informed will be able to better assist you once your baby has been delivered.

Resources

Many hospitals not only offer birth classes, but have lactation consultants on staff to offer counsel to nursing moms during their hospital stay. If you need a lactation consultant after discharge, your local hospital should also be able to point you in the right direction.

Tap into resources from organizations like Le Leche League and find a support group near you. Seek out friends and family members that have successfully nursed before. Express your concerns and listen to their suggestions. If you have questions or concerns during breastfeeding (as you will inevitable will), address them right away as any delays could make a difference in your potential success.

Supplies

Start getting the supplies you need for breastfeeding right away. Include them on your gift registry if you have one. Things like a dual breast pump, lanolin (for sore nipples) and milk storage pumps are important to have even before you think the baby will be coming home. I wish you a timely delivery but, sometimes things don’t always go as planned.  Don’t forget to get 2-3 nursing covers as well. Make sure you really like the colors/patterns/print as well. Just because you are a mother now, doesn’t mean that you have lost your sense of style.

Again congratulations to you. You are about to embark on something really special.  Enjoy the journey!

More Posts About Nursing

Susan and Janice have written several posts about nursing that you may enjoy…

• The Simple Beauty of Breastfeeding
• Losing My Superpowers
• A Time to Wean…
• I think tonight is the last night I’ll nurse my baby to sleep…

 

 

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Lisa is passionate about fine living and sharing with others how to live life at home with finesse and style. If you want to do the same, follow her blog at The Domestic Life Stylist or Facebook page.