Breastfeeding May Not Come Naturally to New Moms | Video

Juli McDonald | 8/6/2010

There are so many choices to make when preparing for a baby. One of the most important decisions is whether to breastfeed.

World Breastfeeding Week will conclude tomorrow, and one lactation counselor says even though it`s a natural process, it does not come naturally.

Choosing to breastfeed has many advantages. Breastmilk is always the right temperature, the right amount, and it`s the least expensive option. It also has major health benefits for mothers and babies.

"It`ll help prevent cancers -- uterine, breast cancer -- down the road. It`s beneficial for babies. You`re seeing they`re talking about less instances of childhood obesity, less diabetes, less ear infections. Healthier children. Plus the bonding. The bonding between mom and baby is a great benefit," said Paulette Jorgenson, lactation counselor.

It seems like an easy choice to make, but breastfeeding a new baby can feel like a challenging, full-time job for many women.

"Breastfeeding is a natural process. It doesn`t come naturally for many moms. It does take some work. It is definitely a commitment, " explained Dr. Shari Orser, Medcenter One OB/Gyn. "Both mom and baby are learning."

Jorgenson says it can take two to three weeks for mothers and babies to find a comfortable, supported position to breastfeed successfully.

"It can be getting the baby to latch on properly. Latch is everything. If the latch is not correct, baby is not transferring milk properly,"

said Jorgenson. "Mom gets sore. If mom is sore that`s going to inhibit them from putting the baby to the breast."

Jorgenson recommends frequent nursing for new moms. Mothers might be concerned they`re feeding every hour or three hours, but a breastfed baby stops when full and never over-eats.

Some women cannot breastfeed for medical or other reasons. If that is the case, you can talk to your baby`s doctor about choosing the best formula to meet your baby`s nutritional needs, and there are so many other special ways to bond with your baby, too.

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