Establishing Your Breastfeeding Relationship

Summary

This video is designed for healthy moms who have made the decision to breastfeed, and focuses on the first few weeks of nursing. This program is divided into two sections.

'Getting Started' covers the importance of putting baby to the breast as soon as possible after delivery, the benefits of nursing for both baby and mother, correct positioning, proper latch-on and the importance of breaking suction to remove baby from the breast. The cradle, football and side-lying positions are demonstrated; milk physiology is discussed, and the concepts of milk supply, and feeding-on-demand are explained.

In 'Overcoming the Challenges of Breastfeeding,' the video provides strategies to help overcome common challenges which breastfeeding often presents, such as: engorgement, leakage, soreness, growth spurts, and stress. The supportive roles of the lactation consultant, friends and family members are emphasized, and healthy lifestyle choices are encouraged. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation to breastfeed exclusively for six months, and to continue for at least 12 months, is featured. The video emphasizes that the key to a successful breastfeeding relationship is the comfort of both mother and child, and that regardless of the length of time they choose to nurse, any and all breast milk provided is beneficial.