7 Natural Laws of Breastfeeding

In Ireland, when asked if they’re going to breastfeed, pregnant women generally reply with something along the lines of ‘ah, I’ll give it a go but I wont be too annoyed if it doesn’t work out’. It’s almost like she wants to, but is afraid of relying on her body to do it’s thing (even though it just grew a whole person…from scratch!). If she does appear certain that she wants to breastfeed, people can be very quick to tell her that she shouldn’t get her hopes up – “because my best friends cousins wife couldn’t, and she went through an aaaaaawwwful time of it”. This kind of attitude undermines breastfeeding, and what our bodies are capable of. I am here to tell you, that there is nothing wrong with Irish Mammary Glands. It’s true that our breastfeeding rates are amongst the lowest in the world, but that’s more to do with politics, oppression, and lack of vital support networks. I could write long blogs on each of these, but for now, I’m just going to stick the positives and hope that you are inspired by them.

 

Law 1: Babies and Mothers are hardwired to breastfeed.

Something amazing happens when you just leave mum and baby do their thing. I believe we can learn so much from new mothers by just observing what comes naturally to her. Here is a short clip, showing how the baby finds the breast and latches on – with a little help from mum.

Law 2: Mother’s body is Baby’s Natual Habitat.

The mothers body has been home for the baby for the past 9 months, so it’s no surprise that they don’t want to venture too far away from her after birth. As soon as the baby is born, lots of physiological changes happen. For a start, blood rushes to the mothers chest. This serves as a natural incubator, regulating temperature, blood sugar levels, breathing, and heart-rate. It also helps produce colostrum – your baby’s very first vaccine. The Montgomery Glands in the Areola, secrete a fluid that smells identical to the amniotic fluid your baby has been swimming around in. The baby just goes crazy for this smell, and will do all it can to get close to it. This helps with bonding and breastfeeding. The science behind it all fascinates me, but what it all comes down to is; Everything the baby needs is right there on the mothers chest. Food, Warmth, and Security.

Law 3: Better Feel and Flow happen in the Comfort Zone.

When the mother is comfortable, and the baby is latched on well, both parties can get into the flow of breastfeeding much easier. Do me a favour, and feel the roof of your mouth with your tongue. I’m guessing it’s quite hard. Now, feel much further back towards the throat, and hopefully you can feel a softer pallet. This is where the mother’s nipple needs to be in the baby’s mouth. Any further forward, and it’s going to be uncomfortable, and may lead to cracked nipples. Laid Back Breastfeeding, is a great position to encourage a nice deep latch. No special pillows required. Simply get comfortable in a semi reclined position, and place baby on your tummy with his head resting on your chest. He will do all of the work.

Law 4: More Breastfeeding at first means More Milk Later.

For the first few days, a baby’s tummy is tiny. This means he/she will need to nurse little and often. When mum responds to her baby’s cues, this primes the body to make ample milk over the long term. Studies have shown, that the more often a mother nurses her baby in the first few days and weeks, the more milk she had further down the line.

Law 5: Every Breastfeeding Couple has its Own Rhythm.

Some babies feed for a maximum of 5 minutes at a time, some 20 mins per side, and others longer again. Duration between feeds varies greatly also. There is no ‘one size fits all’, as everyone is different. Watch the baby not the clock (or the app!), and you’ll soon find your own rhythm.

Law 6: More Milk Out, Equals More Milk Made.

The number one way to make more milk, is to remove milk frequently. Milk removal tells the body to make more! Your baby knows this, which is why she cluster feeds during a growth spurt. Once she builds up that supply, she will soon get very efficient at removing the milk she’s worked for, very quickly. Soothers can interfere with this process, as the baby isn’t being given the opportunity to work on the supply.

Law 7: Children Wean Naturally.

There is no need to set the timer for 6 weeks / 6 months / whenever. Simply let the baby build the supply in the early days, and go with the flow (pun intended) after that. The World Health Organisation, the Department of Children and Health, The HSE, and many other health organisations – all recommend breastfeeding until at least 2 years of age. Solid food can be introduced from 6 months, and should compliment breastfeeding. In Ireland, only 1-3% of babies are still breastfed at 6 months.

“Scientific research by Katherine A. Dettwyler, PhD shows that 2.5 to 7.0 years of nursing is what our children have been designed to expect (Dettwyler 1995). “

In the second year (12-23 months), 448 mL (approx. 16oz) of breastmilk provides:

• 29% of energy requirements
• 43% of protein requirements
• 36% of calcium requirements
• 75% of vitamin A requirements
• 76% of folate requirements
• 94% of vitamin B12 requirements
• 60% of vitamin C requirements

— Dewey 2001

 

These 7 natural laws of breastfeeding are taken from the book ‘Breastfeeding Made Simple’. If you are pregnant, why not pop along to a local breastfeeding group when you go on maternity leave, or before you’re due. You’ll get to see breastfeeding in action, and may get some tips that could help you through the early days. Another benefit is that it wont be so daunting to go back after you’ve had your baby, as you’ve already made the connection!

Deirdre is a Breastfeeding Counsellor with Cuidiu. She facilitates a weekly Cuidiu Breastfeeding Support Group in the restaurant of The Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. It runs on Thursdays, from 12pm to 2pm. All welcome. Deirdre also provides Antenatal Breastfeeding Classes, and is available for private or group bookings.