by Sandra Lowen

Created on: November 22, 2009

Breastfeeding Tips

Maybe the best advice I every got during my pre-lactating days came from a woman I met in the dressing room at Lord & Taylor. I almost shooed her away, I was so tired of people having this or that to advise about a child who wasn't even here yet, but this woman was the Lord & Taylor Guardian Angel-in-residence. I pass on her priceless wisdom:

When showering every day, direct the jet of water toward your nipples for at least one minute. The pressure from the stream helps to toughen them. Avoid using creams on the areola and nipple, which will cause them to soften. Soft nipples can lead to painful nursing. Stock up on breast pads. A double thickness of thermal underwear cut and stitched into appropriately sized rounds will tuck nicely into your bra cups, keeping embarrassing drips from showing on your clothing. They also launder easily and dry quickly. You will learn about 'letdown', the rush of milk from the milk glands into the breasts that is a response to a baby's cry; any baby's cry. If a hungry baby gets on your bus and lets out a yell, you'll be glad you have breast pads. Buy a couple of good nursing bras. Go to a good store and have them fitted. When the milk comes in and those breasts get heavy with liquid life, you'll want a substantial supporting bra. They will also be easier to open when your little one gets hungry in public. A good poncho will allow you to keep your modesty when baby goes snack diving under your shirt. And speaking of modesty, if you must nurse in public and don't have a wrap, it is better to lift your shirt and put baby under than to attempt nursing by pulling the breast out above the shirt. Do invest in a good rocking chair; my personal favorite is a Bentwood rocker, though there are many excellent nursing chairs on the market. Not only will you feel exceptionally romantic, but you'll also find the rocking to be relaxing for you as well as your baby. Drink! Drink! Drink a glass of water every time baby nurses! Staying hydrated will keep the milk flowing. Gently wipe your nipple with water before baby nurses, to lower the possibility of passing on a mouth infection. Remember, baby's immune system has not fully developed yet, and s/he is susceptible to all sorts of things you'd never think of. Gently wipe his mouth with a soft cloth, gauze, or clean cloth diaper after s/he nurses, to keep his/her oral cavity clean. Sponge off your nipples as well, to keep dried milk from caking in the tiny crevices of

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