Melissa Macdonald - Breastfeeding: Real Moms Tell You How

Breastfeeding:

Real Moms Tell You How

Melissa Macdonald

&

Tatyanna Wright

Diversion Books

A Division of Diversion Publishing Corp.

80 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1101

New York, New York 10011

www.DiversionBooks.com

Copyright 2011 by Melissa Macdonald & Tatyanna Wright

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

For more information, email info@diversionbooks.com.

First Diversion Books edition July 2011.

ISBN: 978-0-9838395-1-4 (ebook)

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Thank you

Thank you to all the wonderful women who have shared their experiences of feeding their babies. Your honesty and openness to share your journeys overwhelms us.

We hope this book gives you the knowledge and confidence you need to have a successful feeding relationship with your baby.

Special Thanks to Dr. Jack Newman, Edith Kernerman IBCLC and The International Breastfeeding Center for the kind use of their breastfeeding videos.

Tatyanna Wright & Melissa Macdonald

Authors and Mothers

DISCLAIMER

This book is intended as a source of information and not as a medical reference. It is primarily a compilation of mothers experiences of feeding their babies. The reader is advised to consult medical health professionals for their expert opinions. The author cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions emanating from the suggestions offered.

As part of the Copyright Act - All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the author.

Every effort has been made to trace and acknowledge copyright. Should any infringement have occurred the authors tender their apology and invite copyright owners to contact them. The Illustrations and images contained within this book are subject to the provision of relevant license agreements held with Fotalia and Getty Images. No reproduction of any part may take place.

Please note: Some e-readers have experienced issues loading video. If you encounter difficulties viewing the video links in this e-book, you can view the videos on your computer at The International Breastfeeding Centre and Institutes website: http://www.nbci.ca/

www.breastfeedingbook.com

Contents

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Foreword - Why write this book?

Theres a misconception that youre either a breast feeder or a bottle feeder. While its true, there are many fortunate women who have successfully nursed and many women who have chosen not to, there are many more who dreamt during pregnancy of nursing but encountered unforeseen complications.

Despite what most people think, breastfeeding does not come naturally; it has to be learned and most women are starved of information and support.

Pregnant humans arent given a manual on how to breastfeed theyre just expected to know what to do. Its not instinctive as in other lactating mammals - women have to learn how to do it.

Our book is not a medical how-to book, its a book written by real moms for moms, the women feeding our future. While there are many books offering to bring you closer to a breastfeeding relationship and help you get started, none offer the insightful wisdom stemming from personal experience with a no-pressure approach; just support for all women, however they choose to feed their baby.

The book is based on the premise of encouragement and support for all women, not just giving them a whole bunch of information to read in the hope it all works out for them.

Its like a personal friend whos been there and done that and is offering all the best advice she can.

We are everyday mothers; A Breastfeeding Champion and A Bottle Babe simply sharing our tips and words of wisdom from one mother to another. We care passionately about our babies, children, our health and support nursing 100%. All we hope to do is to empower women to make their own very personal feeding decisions so they dont feel like failures if they cant nurse or alienated if they choose to bottle-feed.

Our book covers the fundamentals of breastfeeding and what you need to know to give yourself the best chance. If you cant or dont want to breastfeed then there is practical information on how to bottle feed or even combination feed and with no judgment from anyone on what you decide. Mothers just like you, share their stories and their experience of feeding their babies and the highs and lows that come with it.

For those of you for whom breastfeeding comes easily, you are the lucky ones. There are many mothers for whom it doesnt. I hope you find solace in this book by relating your experiences to those of others. Read these heartfelt stories from mothers around the globe and take what you will from them. You may find many parallels as you start to feed your baby. Some things may work for you as they did for others and some may not. If you need extra assistance you must see your health care provider, post partum doula or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

We hope this book gives you the confidence and knowledge to feel prepared to feed your baby.

Note: There are 2 ways to read this book. If you are pregnant and are new to feeding you would benefit most from reading this book front to back so that you feel well versed prior to beginning to feed your baby. Once your baby has arrived you can refer back to certain stories, topics and advice by using the summary points on each story page.

Breastfeeding Fundamentals

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Breastfeeding Fundamentals

T he World Health Organization actively promotes breastfeeding as the best source of nourishment for infants and young children. However, their statistics show that globally fewer than 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed. Why?

Well, there are obviously a multitude of reasons why women dont or cant breastfeed but the main reason seems to be due to the lack of knowledge about how to breastfeed and the lack of support mothers have from healthcare professionals.

Its true that many women sail through breastfeeding with no problems at all and simply cant understand how anyone could have a problem. They are the lucky ones. The reality is that the majority of people find it takes a while to get going and many mothers give up because it becomes too difficult or painful.

In reality many of the problems that occur can easily be solved with the right help, knowledge and advice. So, in light of this, lets take you through some of the fundamental information that we thought you need to know about breastfeeding to give yourself the best chance.

What to Eat When Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding uses up energy and nutrients, so it is very important that you have a nourishing balanced diet rich in protein, calcium, iron and carbohydrates. Dont skip meals or go on a strict diet. Although breastfeeding burns up a lot of energy it can take several months to get back to your usual weight, so be patient. Research does show that breastfed moms lose weight faster than those not breastfeeding.