Breastfeeding is one of the most important gifts that you can give to your newborn baby. The benefits of breastfeeding have been documented for many years, and scientists even admit that they cannot recognize or duplicate all of the ingredients in human breast milk. But mothers of many generations do not need science to tell them about all that is right and unique about breastfeeding; it is a knowledge that comes with becoming a mother.

As with so many things that we question as mothers in our society, one of the questions that comes up is, "Will I have enough milk for my baby?" It is natural to have these fears, as one of our most important jobs as a new mother is to provide nutrients to that tiny baby. But rest assured, only rarely is a mother unable to produce a sufficient amount of milk for her baby.

As a new mother there are many ways to ensure that you will produce enough milk for your baby. One very important aspect to breastfeeding is to have support. Contact with another mother who is successfully breastfeeding a baby is a great way to get the support you need, and also contacting your local La Leche League for support through a lactation consultant, for advice on proper latching and positioning. Through the La Leche it is also possible to be connected with local groups consisting of other breastfeeding mothers. This is a great way to meet new friends and socialize, which is very important to a new mother's emotional well-being and reduce stress, which can also help that milk supply!

Besides the emotional support, Mom needs to take care of her body. Common sense will tell us that good nutrition for the mother equals good nutrition for little baby, too. Staying hydrated by drinking lots of fluids is very beneficial, but avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, which are not good choices for mother or baby. Plenty of rest to reduce that stress is essential.

Feed that baby ! The most important detail to a mother's milk supply, of course. The more the baby latches on, the more stimulation the breasts will receive to produce. Frequent meals to keep production up, and let baby relax on the nipple as he pleases after nursing. This type of comfort nursing helps with production also. In the early weeks of nursing, avoid supplementing with formula, and pump milk instead for those times when you cannot nurse. Every missed meal equals a drop in milk supply.

Nurse baby on both sides, and at the next nursing session start on the breast that baby finished with at his last feeding. The reason for this is that a baby nurses more vigorously on the first breast that is offered, and if you offer the same breast first every time, one side will not get as much stimulation. Keeping a soft bracelet or hair scrunchie on your wrist and slipping it onto the opposite wrist after your baby finishes nursing is a good way to remind yourself which side to start baby on for next time.

Relax while your baby is nursing. Find a comfortable seat with support for your arms. Put a pillow behind your back so you don't slouch uncomfortably. Take deep, slow breaths and let them out slowly. As you exhale, visualize your milk flowing through your breasts to feed the baby and your milk will drop more easily. This was a wonderful trick I learned while nursing an anxious, crying baby who was very impatient for his meal!

The connection of a baby nursing from his mother is a priceless and irreplaceable gift. With support, knowledge and confidence, a new mother can have this connection with her baby successfully, without the anxiety of questioning her milk production.

Learn more about this author, D. Ashley.
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