The basics archives

In our systems-oriented world, it’s easy to override our instinct

Here’s how to get the “feel” for breastfeeding.

There are some things in life that are best learned by tapping into our left-brain, the analytical, rational hemisphere. It’s there that logic guides, studying sequentially facilitates learning, and rules rule. Then there is the right brain, more holistic and intuitive way to learn. Some things you process best by intellect, others by experience. Which brings us to breastfeeding.

Listing all the positive health effects of breastfeeding (and we’re talking just about the ones we know about) can start to sound like an infomercial, but wait there’s more… But this is not hype, it’s fact. The scientific evidence is compelling, study after study proves the many ways that mother’s milk is critical to a baby’s immediate and long-term physical, emotional and cognitive development.

Caution: Not breastfeeding may be hazardous to your baby’s--and your--health. Learn the facts.
When formula-feeding first became widespread in the 20th century, it was touted as a scientific advancement, a physician-endorsed nutritional improvement for modern infants. Now, a hundred years and thousands of scientific studies later, we know that feeding nonhuman milk can be detrimental to your newborn’s health.

Your comfort during breastfeeding depends, in large part, on where your nipple lands in your baby’s mouth. And that depends on how your baby takes the breast, or latches on. When your baby attaches to the breast deeply, she’s able to get milk effectively, and you are able to nurse comfortably.

To understand the difference between a deep latch and a shallow latch, use your tongue or finger to feel the roof of your mouth.