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Scroll down for the current breastfeeding Class schedule...

Ten (No, eleven!) Ways to Make Breastfeeding Easier:

1. Consider Breastfeeding your primary "job" for awhile:  Don't worry about the laundry, doing dishes, vacuuming, cooking dinner, etc.  For the next few weeks, breastfeeding will be your main duty.  It's your baby's job to increase you milk supply and make sure breastfeeding is established.  That's why he eats all the time!  Just go with it.  It won't last forever!

 2. Seek help right away if trouble arises:  Breastfeeding may start out uncomfortable, but it shouldn't hurt.  If you feel pain while nursing or you suspect something isn't right, or you're just not enjoying nursing...call someone!  Don't wait until you're miserable and ready to quit.  The bottle doesn't have to be the answer.  Have a stash of phone numbers and website addresses handy and use them.

3. Sleep close to your baby:  There's a big difference between "waking up" and "getting up"!  Babies nurse a lot, during the night, too.  Maximize your opportunity for some good Z's by keeping babe close by during the night.  Sleep research has found that babies and moms who sleep nearby will "sleep cycle" together.  Therefore you are less likely to be awakened by a hungry baby during deep sleep.  Make sure you learn how to nurse lying down as soon as possible, too!  That way, you can snooze while your little one eats.

4.  Change your attitude:  New moms are often heard saying "I'll try breastfeeding and see how it goes."  What kind of attitude is that?  You wouldn't say:  "I'll try being a mother for a while and see how it goes"!  If you're finding breastfeeding a drag, try changing the channel in your head.  Instead of seeing breastfeeding as an option, see it as something you WILL do.  You CAN do it. 

5.  Seek out other breastfeeding moms:  There's nothing like the company of like-minded women!  The best support and advice comes from other breastfeeding moms.  When asking for advice, always consider the source.  A mom who's successfully breastfed her child and has a parenting style you admire is the best person to ask when you have questions.

6.  Learn to breastfeed in public:  No new mom should be stuck at home.  A breastfeeding mom should feel comfortable nursing her baby anywhere.  Polls have shown that the vast majority of Americans find public breastfeeding entirely appropriate!  If you are uncomfortable about nursing out of the house try practicing in front of a mirror at home.  You will find that it is almost impossible to tell that your baby is breastfeeding. 

7.  Get comfortable:  Make nursing as comfortable as possible (you're going to be doing it a lot!)  Where nursing friendly clothes:  floppy shirts, camisoles under tops, a good fitting nursing bra, etc.  Get a good nursing pillow (like the Bosom Baby nursing pillow) and lots of good bed pillows.  Nurse in a comfy chair like a glider or recliner.  Always have a glass of water handy.

8.  Don't use schedules:  Baby feeding schedules went out with Dr. Spock.  We now know that babies need to regulate their own feeding times.  Trying to enforce a regular feeding schedule in the first weeks will only lead to low milk supply and frustration.

9.  Take a breastfeeding class:  Believe it or not, breastfeeding is NOT an instinctual process.  It's learned behavior.  In times past, breastfeeding was a much more visible and prevalent practice.  Girls learned all they needed to know about breastfeeding from the women around them.  Today, it's not so simple.  A breastfeeding class can provide you with information about proper positioning, latching on, feeding cues, and other ways to make breastfeeding easier and more enjoyable.  You can avoid the pitfalls some nursing women fall into. 

10.  If necessary, breastfeeding doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing proposition:  Run out of your stored frozen milk supply?  Going back to work earlier than expected?  Have a last minute event?  Yes, it is okay to mix breastmilk with formula substitutes.  Obviously, formula isn't a great substitute for human milk, but, some breastmilk is better than none.  You don't have to wean just because you've hit a glitch in your nursing.

11. Schedule an in-home pumping visit:  Want to know more about pumping and storing your milk?  Confused about your new breast pump?  I'll come to your house, help you set up your pump, teach you about pumping techniques, how to clean your equipment and go over milk storage.  Call 947-3740 to set up an appointment!

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Breastfeeding Class:

Breastfeeding Basics

Breastfeeding seems like it should be instinctual, right?  Well, there are some things you should know.  Our Basics class will cover breastfeeding from a physical and emotional perspective:  What should you expect?  How should you get started?  What if you aren't sure you want to breastfeed?  Whether you are committed to nursing, or are still on the fence, we'll give you the basic information to start out right.

One night:

Tuesday, July 22

Wednesday, August 13

6-8 p.m.

$50 per couple. 

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Working and Breastfeeding - Pumping and Storing

Is it possible to go back to work and still breastfeed?  Not only is it possible, it can make the transition smoother.  We'll give you the information you need to pump and store your most precious commodity:  breastmilk!  Perfect for moms who are going back to work, or moms who will be separated from baby for any reason.  Check out the latest in pumping options and take away lots of free goodies!

Call for an appointment.

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Breastfeeding Consultation Home Visit

Concerns or issues with breastfeeding your baby... I will come to your home.  Approximately one hour. 

$35

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La Leche League of Traverse City, Michigan

www.lalecheleague.org - will take you to the local page.

Mom-to-mom support group.

One Tuesday per month. 

Traverse City District Library on Woodmere

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An excellent index of articles about breastfeeding by Jack Newman M.D.  (Taken from www.breastfeeding.com)

See Dr. Jack Newman in person at the LLL of Michigan Conference at Shanty Creek Resort!  May 11-12.   For more information visit the web:  www.lalecheleague.org

   Blocked Ducts and Mastitis
   Breastfeed a Toddler? Why on Earth?
   Breastfeeding and Jaundice
   Breastfeeding and Other Foods
   Breastfeeding - Starting Out Right
   Breast Compression
   Breastfeeding Myths
   Colic in the Breastfed Baby
   Finger Feeding
   How to Know a Health Professional is Not Supportive of
 Breastfeeding
   Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?
   Sore Nipples
   Starting Solid Foods
   Treatments for Engorgement and Nipple Soreness
   What to Feed the Baby When the Mother is Working
 Outside the Home
   You Can Still Breastfeed  

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Some Books We Recommend:

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, La Leche League International

The Breastfeeding Book, William Sears, M.D.

The Nursing Mother's Companion, Kathleen Huggins

Breastfeeding Your Baby, Sheila Kitzinger

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