Breastfeeding Basics From the Beginning

For thousands of years women have nourished their infant by breastfeeding. Just in the last fifteen to twenty years breastfeeding has become "popular". But besides breastfeeding being the thing to do now, nursing your newborn has been shown by research that it is THE best nourishment you can provide for your baby.
I am a Certified Lactation Consultant for over eleven years. I began working as a staff registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Today I work only as a Lactation Consultant helping mothers with healthy newborns, NICU infants, mothers with problems breastfeeding older babies, and any other breastfeeding issues that arise.
Way back, when I working in the NICU, breast milk was good but it was not considered essential for tiny premature infants or sick babies. Breast milk was encouraged but just a little. Today we know by studies performed that breast milk decreases illnesses, especially in sick or premature infants, provides all the nutrition an infant needs and has shown to help moms health as well.
Beginning breastfeeding for all new mothers can be overwhelming and discouraging. It is not natural! Breastfeeding is a learned skill that has been lost by our previous generations. As a new mother you probably have not actually seen many women nursing or as you were growing up witnessed women nursing their babies. Breastfeeding for some women comes easy others it may take a bit longer. You and your baby are a unique couple!
I will be giving you basic breasfeeding tips, techniques and suggestions. These are guidelines only, what works for you may not work for someone else. And does not replace your Doctor or Healthcare provider instruction.