*August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Check out all the wonderful information about breastfeeding and where you can get additional help/resources. This post includes my affiliate links.
The US Department of Health and Human Services launched the National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign in 2004. As part of the campaign, they deemed August as National Breastfeeding Awareness Month.
The goal of the campaign is to encourage women to breastfeed by raising awareness of the importance of the benefits of breastfeeding. The campaign highlights new research which shows the important health benefits of breastfeeding.
The World Health Organization now recommends breastfeeding for at least six months when solid foods should also be introduced to complement breastfeeding for two years or more.
Studies have shown that babies who are exclusively breastfed for at least six months are less likely to have diarrhea and respiratory illnesses, develop childhood obesity or ear infections. There are also benefits for the mother.
I breastfed all three of my babies even though I had some issues, I still got through it. It wasn’t easy for us though! I constantly was getting mastitis and that hurt SO bad! I had to pump my way through those times and it hurt.
Then there were those times I nursed my baby in public, and could care less what others thought of me doing that! If my baby was hungry, my baby was going to eat!
Some More Interesting Things You Might Not Know About Breastfeeding:
· Breastfeeding should begin within one hour of birth
· Pacifiers & Bottles should be avoided if possible
· Breastfeeding should be on demand, whenever the child wants to nurse, day or night
· Breastmilk contains antibodies that protect infants from common childhood illnesses, like diarrhea & pneumonia. These illnesses are the most common causes of child mortality worldwide. The formula does not contain antibodies.
· Breastfed babies perform better in intelligence tests.
· There are benefits for mom too! Breastfeeding can provide a natural (though not fail-safe) method of birth control in the first six months after birth. Studies have also shown it reduces the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast and ovarian. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of type II diabetes and postpartum depression.
Some Great Resources For Breastfeeding Support
· Many hospitals offer free classes and information about breastfeeding. I was assigned a breastfeeding counselor at the hospital after I had my baby.
· You can also check out Fairhaven Health. They have a very helpful guide for breastfeeding moms!
Giveaway Time!
I have partnered with Fairhaven Health to bring you breastfeeding mama’s an awesome prize package to win! See pictures of the prize package, above! Yay!
Rules
The contest is open to US, 18+. Giveaway will end on August 31, 2017, at 11:59 PM MT. The winner will have 48 hours to confirm their win after I email them, or a new winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for lost or stolen mail.
Josie Rice says
No experience so no advice, but I’d definitely reach out for help if you are having trouble.
Leela says
It’s not always something that comes easy.
Vera P. says
If you feel like there is a problem, contact a lactation specialist. I was misinformed with my first and didn’t have the resources available to figure out what was wrong and there wasn’t even a problem.
Laurie Nykaza says
Go to a Dr to find out if their is a medical reason it is not working.
gracefulcoffee says
Never give up! You can do this 🙂
Kristina says
I would make sure that they’ve had a lip and tongue tie examination by someone who is skilled in knowing what to look for. A lot of women I know had problems for months before finding out their little one had a lip/tongue tie.
Christina A. says
Be patient and seek help from breastfeeding resource groups! I had some problems when I first started out with my son but it all sorted itself out!
msrodeobrat says
I don’t have any helpful advice yet, because I am fixing to have my first baby I haven’t experienced it yet. I love the guide and all the advice people are giving though!
Nicole Bradley says
This will be our third baby, my first time trying to ebf& not just pump, googling: HOW TO GET A DEEP LATCH& watching informative breastfeeding videos on Youtube has helped out a TON!
karley moore says
Be patient and ask for help. Every baby is different.
JEN D says
I breastfed all 3 of my children and each one was different. My daughter was the hardest one – she was a very sleepy baby and would always fall asleep after a few minutes of feeding. I would undress her except for her diaper, tickle her feet, and try to engage her by talking to her.
Angela Ingles says
Never give up on your worst day. Ask for help. Join Facebook breastfeeding groups. And see if there’s local breastfeeding support groups that you can join.
vickie couturier says
as a retired post partum Nurse,,patience is the top,,,some babies take longer than others to attach and get the ideal,,,,doesnt mean you are doing anything wroing,,
Kenia P says
I woudl say that they should ask for help or advice whenever they need it.
ashley perez says
I suggest that new moms will ensure they are getting enough protein and rest. Love this. 🙂
Nancy says
I suggest that new moms ask La Leche League or other skilled breastfeeding moms for breastfeeding help. Also the family should accept help in other areas – laundry, shopping, cleaning, and cooking.