Shari Criso’s round-ups were shared with me and are Shari’s opinions. I received no compensation for sharing, but I completely support breastfeeding and am happy to share them with you!
Today starts World Breastfeeding Week! Renowned lactation consultant and Registered Nurse, Shari Criso, is sharing her round-up of must-have essentials every new moms needs to make breastfeeding a success. Breastfeeding rates have continued to rise over the past decade, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s in large part due to the health benefits of this liquid gold: lower risks of ear and gastrointestinal infections; diabetes and obesity; and mothers who breastfeed have lower risks of breast and ovarian cancers.
Shari Criso’s Top Breastfeeding Myths:
Myth #1: A large percentage of our population just can't make enough milk to fully nourish their babies.
Fact: Our bodies were made to breastfeed and our species has survived for hundreds of thousands of years this way. It is actually UNCOMMON for a mom to carry a pregnancy, deliver a baby, and then just not be able to feed it. It does not make sense. There are some moms who may have issues with milk supply, but most of the time it is due to inaccurate advice to supplement with formula because of a “perceived” low supply issue instead of a real supply issue.
Myth #2: That if your mom or sister couldn't breastfeed, that you won't be able to breastfeed as well.
Fact: I don’t know what happened with a woman’s mom or sister, but I do know that their mother’s mother, and her mother before that, and so on…were able to breastfeed or they would not be here. We come from a line of women that were able to produce enough and feed their babies because that was the only way. Although the ability to breastfeed can have a genetic factor, this is usually not the case. Most of the time the reason that the mom or sister was not able to breastfeed is due to reasons that were not medical issues, but rather misinformation or assumptions about their bodies ability to make enough milk.
Myth #3: That you have to have the perfect diet and lifestyle to make good and enough milk.
Fact: This is just untrue. If having the perfect diet, enough rest, not too much stress, etc. were major factors in your body's ability to feed your baby then our species would have died off long ago. People throughout history have lived through some of the most difficult situations and still were able to feed. Although our own health does make breastfeeding easier, it is not critical in making enough or good “quality” milk. A good diet will keep you healthy, but regardless of what you are eating your milk is rarely effected except in the most extreme cases.
Myth #4: Breastfeeding will change the shape of your breasts.
Fact: Breastfeeding itself is not the culprit. Other factors that can change your breast appearance more than breastfeeding includes BMI, age, history of smoking, large pre-pregnancy breast size and number of pregnancies.
Shari Criso’s Top 3 Breastfeeding Tips
Tip #1: Become as knowledgeable and educated as possible about breastfeeding BEFORE you have your baby. Trying to wing it after the baby comes or rely on the staff at the hospital to teach you could be a disaster and the reason why breastfeeding was not successful.
Tip #2: Purchase what you will need to make breastfeeding more comfortable and easier especially in the first few weeks when you are first adjusting and it is usually the most difficult time. You don't have to spend a lot of money to accomplish this, but assume that you WILL be successful and get what you need. You may be able to get help with breastfeeding at no cost, since your health insurance plan must cover the cost of a breast pump – and may offer to cover either a rental or a new one for you to keep. I like the Evenflo® Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump: $99.99-$159.99
Tip #3: Make sure you are surrounded with support. One of the biggest challenges and reasons for moms not having the success that they want with breastfeeding is not getting the support from the people around them. Get your partner on board with education and information. A supportive partner is one of the biggest reasons for breastfeeding success. Find friends and other breastfeeding moms who were successful to speak to and line up a lactation consultant before you deliver so you can reach out for help as soon as you need it.
Shari Criso’s Must-Have Products to Make Breastfeeding Easier:
- Evenflo® Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump: $99.99-$159.99
www.Evenflofeeding.com *available mid-August
Simple way to support breastfeeding for your baby. Small, handheld, portable convenient and diaper-bag ready.
The Baby Hobo Bag is a diaper bag that converts into a breastfeeding pillow to provide perfect positioning for moms on-the-go.
- Milk Makers: $14.99-$39
www.milkmakers.com
Lactation cookies are an easy, delicious, and nutritious way to help boost milk supply.
- Bravado Designs Ultra Comfort Nursing Camisole: $34.99
Easy to wear while pregnant or nursing your new baby. Wire-free, seam-free, and has a long silhouette.
These are Shari Criso’s tips & tricks. I’ll be sharing my own with you next week! We’ve now made it 9 months exclusively nursing. It’s been tough at times, but hooray for hitting that milestone!
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