Getting Started with Breastfeeding
By Donna Murray, About.com Guide
So you've made the wonderful decision to breastfeed your baby...Now what? Here you will find everything you need to know about preparing to breastfeed before your baby arrives; how breastfeeding works; what to expect once your baby arrives; and the different stages of breastfeeding.
Preparing to Breastfeed
What should you know about breastfeeding before your baby arrives? Here is some information on how you can mentally prepare for the experience.
- How to Prepare for Breastfeeding
- The Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding
- Breast Changes in Pregnancy
- Top 5 Sexiest Nursing Bras
- Breast Anatomy and Development
- Melissa's Top 5 Nursing Bra Picks
- Gearing Up to Breastfeed: What Can You Do to Prepare While You're Pregnant?
- Different Kinds of Breastfeeding-Friendly Caregivers
- Breast Self-Assessment and Evaluation
- Clothing Review: Medela Bamboo Nursing Camisole
How Does Breastfeeding Work?
The dynamics of breastfeeding can be intimidating at first. But with a detailed explanation of the functions of the lactating breast, you'll feel comfortable and ready to feed.
- The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Your Baby
- What is the Milk Ejection Reflex?
- The Content and Composition of Breast Milk
- Breastfeeding Basics
- The Common Problems of Breastfeeding
- Top 10 Myths About Breastfeeding
- What is Hindmilk?
- The Difference Between "Nutritive" and "Non-Nutritive" Sucking
- What is Mature Milk?
- What is Foremilk?
- Can My Breasts Be Too Big Or Too Small To Breastfeed?
- What Are the Vitamins in Breast Milk?
- What Are the Proteins in Breast Milk?
- What is Colostrum?
- Breastfeeding Multiples
Once Your Baby Arrives
Your baby is here, and your life has become a bit hectic! Here are some guidelines on taking care of yourself, in addition to properly positioning and latching your baby -- making breastfeeding a positive, comfortable process for you.
- VIDEO: How To Breastfeed
- Latching On
- VIDEO: Breastfeeding Positions
- VIDEO: Latching On and Breastfeeding Your Baby
- Cross-Cradle Position
- Side-Lying Position
- Football Hold
- Alerting the Baby for Feeding
- Cradle Hold
- The First Breast Feeding
- Newborn Feeding Schedule
- Breastfeeding After Cesarean Section
- Newborn Urination and Wet Diapers
- When To Alternate Breasts
- When To Consider a Lactation Consultant
- What is "feeding on demand"?
- Things To Do While You're Breastfeeding
- What If My Baby Ingests Someone Else's Breast Milk?
- Burping Your Baby
Stages of Breastfeeding
Just when you think you're in a nice groove with your baby's patterns, things change. Here is what to expect from the different stages your baby encounters.
- Height, Weight and Growth Spurts
- Breastfeeding During a Baby's Growth Spurt
- Breastfeeding by Stage
- The First 2 Weeks
- First Three Days of Breastfeeding
- What Should My Breastfed Baby's Diapers Look Like?
- How Can I Tell If My Baby Is Hungry or Overtired?
- What to Expect from Breastfeeding in the First 24 Hours
