7 Things Every Breastfeeding Mother Actually Needs

Behind every successful woman, is a tribe of other successful women who have her back. 

At 2 o'clock this morning, as I ended a text conversation and sent happy thoughts to a new, but frustrated breastfeeding mom, for whom I had just provided lactation support, I ran across this adorable blib about 7 Things Every Breastfeeding Mother Needs. Exhausted, yet intrigued, I opened the article and discovered a gear-happy list of super cool niceties, but very few necessities. Here is a more accurate list of actual needs, not stuff. 

SELF-EFFICACY

The belief that you can, along with the internal desire to, breastfeed is of paramount importance. Several ongoing studies have even determined that self-efficacy is the number ONE predictor of breastfeeding success. Confidence? That's it? It may sound wonky, but simply believing that your body is sufficient to feed your baby is enough to overcome many of the challenges that breastfeeding presents... with additional support. 

Breastfeeding, Mood, and Self-Efficacy

IRON CLAD SUPPORT

Because breastfeeding is natural, but not always easy, challenges may certainly arise. A strong support system, including direct access to experienced breastfeeding mothers; a partner who understands and respects your decision; a peer support group such as Breastfeeding USA, La Leche League, ROSE Community Transformers, or a Baby Cafe'; and health care providers that inquire about your breastfeeding journey and can refer you to a lactation consultant, if necessary. 

What Is A Baby Cafe'?

BREASTFEEDING EDUCATION

Expectant moms are in information overload. We all are, but especially expectant and new moms. They are in a position to make seriously life-altering decisions at every turn, and each mother, whether it's what she feeds herself, what kinds of exercises she performs, or what she feeds her baby, wants to make informed decisions, based on sound evidence. While online support, peer support groups, books, and childbirth education classes can be important resources for providing information about breastfeeding, attending a specific breastfeeding education class, taught by a trained breastfeeding educator, will help separate myths from facts, and present timeless, current, biological, physiological, emotional, and economical information about breastfeeding. 

Blossom's Bookstore

BREASTFEEDING FRIENDLY ATTIRE

Before the concept was laid out in any business school text book, breastfeeding moms and babies followed the simple principle of supply and demand. The more often the baby is at the breast, or the more often a mother expresses her milk, the more milk the mother will make. Every 2-3 hours is the recommendation and biological norm, especially early on. Therefore, having easy and frequent access to the breasts is essential in providing piece of mind, burning the day and overnight. It does not have to be fancy, expensive, or specifically for nursing, but it does need to be accessible... and machine or hand washable. 

How Breastfeeding Changes As Baby Gets Older 

KNOWLEDGE OF WORTH, RIGHTS, AND BENEFITS

I can't remember hearing about so many breastfeeding stories in the news and on social media, before  I bacame a breastfeeding mother, but my goodness, they are everywhere, everyday. Breastfeeding mothers need to understand that their bodies were made for breastfeeding, and that breastfeeding extends beyond just providing nutrition for the baby. Infants and toddlers nurse for a variety of reasons, and it's important for mom (and others) to understand that during times when nursing seems otherwise excessive or unnecessary. It's also essential for a mother to understand where she can nurse, which in all but one state, is anywhere that the mom is legally able to be. There are also many insurance and tax benefits related to breastfeeding, such as covered breast pumps and refunds for breastfeeding service and supplies. 

What Are The Breastfeeding Laws In My State?

A RETURN TO WORK (and get out of the house) PLAN

The United States is the only industrial country that does not mandate maternity leave, paid or otherwise. As a result, many mothers return to work earlier than ideal, in terms of establishing a milk supply. Even if a mother does have a paid leave, but plans to breastfeed beyond her leave, it is important for her to talk with her employer about breaks and logistics for pumping or nursing, as well as space for storage. There are federal and state- specific laws to protect breastfeeding mothers and guide employers in the workplace, but they are not well known and often subject to interpretation. The mother needs to let her boss and co-workers know that although her day may look somewhat different for a while, she is still a valuable employee who will be much more productive knowing that she is able to continue providing for her child in a supportive environment. She also needs to help caregivers, baby-sitters, and day care providers understand the frequency, duration, volume, and storage considerations of breast milk and the breastfeeding child. 

Childcare and Breastfeeding

TIME. PATIENCE. NUTRITION. REST. 

For the sake of paralleling the initial article, we will keep the list to 7. These final four can be related. In many cultures, the postpartum period is considered a sacred time, where the new mother is wholly cared for, as she nurtures and nourishes her new child. These traditions give mothers the opportunity to get to know her child, her body, their routine, and the baby's feeding cues. It also allows her to recuperate, not just from labor and the birth process, but also the entire pregnancy. Providing a new mother with ample water and nutrient dense foods, that she does not have to prepare herself, is ideal as she is using everything within her to nourish her child. Helping with their children and chores is of great benefit as well. 

Whether you are currently breastfeeding, intending to breastfeed, still discovering the benefits of breastfeeding, or are in a position to support a breastfeeding mother, please take note and evaluate whether all of these things are in place. If they are not, make them happen. Perhaps you can combine the lists and make for the trendiest and most supported breastfeeding mother ever!