Celebrating National Breastfeeding Month With Tips For New Moms
August is National Breastfeeding Month! Established by the United States Breastfeeding Committee in 2011, this year’s theme is “Every Step of the Way,” which highlights a vision for the world where every family is supported in breastfeeding their child at every step of their feeding journey.
To help celebrate National Breastfeeding Month here at Zaya Care, we’ve compiled a list of top breastfeeding tips—straight from the experts—for all new moms.
Here’s what every nursing mother (and soon-to-be mom) should know about successful breastfeeding:
Get comfortable.
Because you’re spending a significant amount of time holding your baby close, it’s important that you are in a comfortable position, as readjusting can disrupt your baby’s breastfeeding.
Certified Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, and Certified Breastfeeding Counselor Beth Scheppke recommends “before the baby is born a comfortable feeding zone is established. This should consist of a comfy chair, a place to rest your feet, pillows, and all of your must-haves within reach.”
Beth also suggests “Side-lying or laid back nursing can also be a nice way to optimize rest and healing during your postpartum period, especially if you are feeling the tension in your arms, neck, and shoulders from continually feeding upright in a static position.”
Stay hydrated.
“Water, water, water,” says Anisah Amat, Head of Community at Expectful. “Drink a glass every time you feed or pump. Focus on eating iron-rich foods (milk is a blood product), oats, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast are common ingredients in lactation boosting foods.”
Because breast milk is composed of approximately 90% water, staying hydrated in order for your body is essential to making milk. Adequate hydration also allows you to feel more energized and helps you to produce enough milk.
You can learn more about what to drink to increase breast milk supply here. drinks that can
Rally support.
Don’t forget it’s okay to ask for help. Surround yourself with family and friends that want to see you succeed and can provide you with an important source of support and encouragement.
“Consider reaching out to a lactation consultant before giving birth,” says Anisah. “You may not need one, but it can be a huge relief to know who to go to when and if you need support.”
We know bringing home your newborn can at times be overwhelming and may come with uncertainties. To help you navigate this journey with confidence and ease, Zaya Care offers a holistic network of maternity care specialists which includes, lactation consultants, physical therapists, registered dietitians, acupuncturists and more.
Looking for care? Book online with in-network specialists including acupuncturists, lactation consultants, nutritionists, physical therapists, mental health therapists, and more.
August is National Breastfeeding Month! Established by the United States Breastfeeding Committee in 2011, this year’s theme is “Every Step of the Way,” which highlights a vision for the world where every family is supported in breastfeeding their child at every step of their feeding journey.
To help celebrate National Breastfeeding Month here at Zaya Care, we’ve compiled a list of top breastfeeding tips—straight from the experts—for all new moms.
Here’s what every nursing mother (and soon-to-be mom) should know about successful breastfeeding:
Get comfortable.
Because you’re spending a significant amount of time holding your baby close, it’s important that you are in a comfortable position, as readjusting can disrupt your baby’s breastfeeding.
Certified Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, and Certified Breastfeeding Counselor Beth Scheppke recommends “before the baby is born a comfortable feeding zone is established. This should consist of a comfy chair, a place to rest your feet, pillows, and all of your must-haves within reach.”
Beth also suggests “Side-lying or laid back nursing can also be a nice way to optimize rest and healing during your postpartum period, especially if you are feeling the tension in your arms, neck, and shoulders from continually feeding upright in a static position.”
Stay hydrated.
“Water, water, water,” says Anisah Amat, Head of Community at Expectful. “Drink a glass every time you feed or pump. Focus on eating iron-rich foods (milk is a blood product), oats, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast are common ingredients in lactation boosting foods.”
Because breast milk is composed of approximately 90% water, staying hydrated in order for your body is essential to making milk. Adequate hydration also allows you to feel more energized and helps you to produce enough milk.
You can learn more about what to drink to increase breast milk supply here. drinks that can
Rally support.
Don’t forget it’s okay to ask for help. Surround yourself with family and friends that want to see you succeed and can provide you with an important source of support and encouragement.
“Consider reaching out to a lactation consultant before giving birth,” says Anisah. “You may not need one, but it can be a huge relief to know who to go to when and if you need support.”
We know bringing home your newborn can at times be overwhelming and may come with uncertainties. To help you navigate this journey with confidence and ease, Zaya Care offers a holistic network of maternity care specialists which includes, lactation consultants, physical therapists, registered dietitians, acupuncturists and more.
Looking for care? Book online with in-network specialists including acupuncturists, lactation consultants, nutritionists, physical therapists, mental health therapists, and more.