You are pregnant and you have a lot of questions about breastfeeding. Is it a good idea ? What will others think? How am I going to do it?
First of all, you should know that no one has the right to judge whether you should breastfeed or not. It is a choice that is specific to you, which must be made according to your situation and above all your desires.
Breastfeeding is a very broad subject. We will devote different articles to it. This article will mainly be dedicated to how breastfeeding works.
Can all women breastfeed?
Yes, all mothers can breastfeed, provided there are no contraindications from the doctor. An illness, bacteria, type 1 diabetes or even anemia are examples of risk factors that must be taken into account if you wish to breastfeed your baby. Medical advice and tests are recommended throughout your pregnancy to prevent these risks.
The question that often comes up: can you breastfeed if you have small breasts?
The size of the breast or nipples has no influence on your milk quantity, since it is only the mammary glands that come into play during milk production. These mammary glands are formed thanks to pregnancy hormones.
Getting started with breastfeeding
Throughout your pregnancy, you will be monitored by your gynecologist and/or a midwife. They are there to support you and answer all your questions. Breastfeeding is a completely natural path. It is a primary need. You will be surprised to see that your newborn will quickly find your breast. It is also recommended, as soon as possible, to do skin-to-skin contact with your baby, in order to introduce him to breastfeeding. In fact, babies are programmed to breastfeed from birth, this is what we call early breastfeeding.
Can you breastfeed in public?
Today, in France, no law prohibits public breastfeeding.
Often considered a taboo subject, breastfeeding in public is nothing new. Babies, from birth, are programmed to feed every 3 hours. Breastfeeding is natural, and if you have to breastfeed your child while you're at a restaurant, do it. Well, you're at a restaurant, it's the best place to eat, right?
For a little more privacy in these moments, you can wear a cotton diaper which will hide part of your breast, while letting your child breathe thanks to its natural material.
Discover our article on public breastfeeding
Breastfeeding and returning to work
The Labor Code states: “For one year from the day of birth, mothers breastfeeding their children have one hour per day during working hours for this purpose. » (Labor Code – article L224-2). This hour of breastfeeding is actually divided into 2 half-hours, allowing you to either express your milk or breastfeed your child on site.
From 100 employees within a company, the employer is obliged to provide you with a specific room so that you can breastfeed or express your milk.
The withdrawal
It is proven that breast milk has real benefits on the health of babies. The WHO recommends breastfeeding until the child is 6 months old, so that he or she benefits from the benefits of breast milk. But it's really up to you to judge what's good for you and your child. Today, powdered milk also contains benefits for children's health.
Weaning should be done step by step. It would be too frustrating for a young child to have to give up breast milk overnight. You can start with dietary diversification or mixed breastfeeding.
Mixed breastfeeding
Mixed breastfeeding is the act of alternating between breast milk and powdered milk intended for babies.
It is particularly used to start weaning a child.
During this change, you will notice a reduction in the amount of your breast milk. To avoid an overall decrease in your milk supply, make sure that bottles are given at the same time each day. Your body, after a few days, will understand on its own that a surge of milk will not be necessary at this precise time.
How the human body works will always surprise us!
And the spouse in all this?
If you are lucky enough to have two people accompanying this little being, you will surely enjoy sharing these moments. Only the woman who gave birth to this baby will be able to provide breast milk naturally. To involve your partner, you can collect your milk using a breast pump and store it in baby bottles. This way, your partner and even your loved ones will be able to bottle feed your baby.
The Medela brand offers different types of breast pumps designed to meet the needs of all breastfeeding mothers.
From the classic breast pump to the electric breast pump, you are sure to find the one that suits your needs.
To store your milk, several options are available to you:
- at room temperature for up to 8 hours after printing
- refrigerate for up to 1 week
- freeze for up to 2 weeks
Remember that breastfeeding is a personal choice, it's your body. It is an experience that can vary from one person to another, from one pregnancy to another. There are no right or wrong ways to do things.
