The Most Natural Thing Doesn't Come Naturally (at all)

Call me naive, but prior to giving birth, breastfeeding difficulty was the least of my worries. I just kind of thought, I'll have the baby, I'll put baby to breast and "voila!" Um, yeah, such was not the case. Why doesn't anyone tell you this? I mean, maybe they do tell you, at like a breastfeeding class. But why would I go to a class - it's got to come naturally, right?

Wrong! So, here's some advice that I have for first time moms to help establish a good breastfeeding relationship and also a good milk supply, in the hospital. Some are things I did myself and others are quite the opposite - things looking back, I would have done differently.

1. Breastfeed baby as soon as possible after giving birth. When the baby is first born, your brain releases chemicals and sends signals to your breasts to start producing milk. It usually takes a few days for your milk to fully come in, but in the meantime, the baby will receive your colostrum. It is full of nutrients and antibodies and it has everything your baby needs nutritionally. 
2. Throw out the notion of a schedule during the hospital stay, especially during the day. You want to make sure that you are feeding the baby at least every 3 hours. But if during the day, the baby wants to feed every hour, by all means let him. The baby's suckle stimulates milk production - so, the more suckle you can get, the better your milk making business is going to be. 
3. Ask to be seen by the lactation consultant  as soon as possible. These ladies are amazing! They will be there to check your baby's latch-on, help you achieve a good latch, give you tips, show you techniques, and answer any questions you may have (and even some you don't have)!
4. Bring your breastpump or ask to receive a hospital rental. They will hook you up with all brand new parts and lactation will show you how to use the pump. Getting started early with a pumping routine will also help your body to power through the stored up colostrum and start making milk! Also, your insurance may cover the cost of the breastpump, if you purchase it from the hospital. So, look into that, because pumps are pricey!
5. Lots of skin-to-skin is important in the beginning and will not only help you to bond with your bundle of joy, but will also keep the milk coming! So, plan to spend at least one day with naked baby on your bare chest and let the cuddles begin.
6. Opt to stay in the hospital for as long as insurance will cover you. I had a c-section, and was able to stay from Wednesday until Sunday. They would have released us on Saturday, but the option was there for one more night. I spent all day Saturday 
7. Limit visitors. Everyone will want to come and see you and the new baby in the hospital and that is great, but...baby comes first. People usually claim to understand this, but not everyone realizes how tough and demanding breastfeeding is. It can sometimes take up to or more than hour just to get a good feeding in for the baby and in the beginning, that's okay. 
8. Don't forget you packed a breastfeeding book in your hospital bag, so get that bad boy out to give yourself some extra confidence.

So, those are my tips that will help get you off to a good start. I'll add another post soon about maintaining a good breastfeeding relationship.

Also, if for some reason you are being pressured to supplement with a bottle, know that there are alternatives to giving formula. The hospital may have banked breastmilk that you can request be used for supplemental feedings or if your milk has come in, you should be able to supplement with your own milk vs. giving formula. I wish someone would have told me that.