The Second Night

I was able to sign-up for ilactation's Heart-to-Heart Online conference earlier this year.  Learning about breastfeeding is never-ending.  There are regular researches and updates and I am pretty happy that there are providers which allow advocates like myself to listen and learn online, in the comfort of my own home or while commuting.

Pregnant: How to prepare for breastfeeding

Last month, I received this message on my Facebook page:

I am pregnant with my second baby and really want to successfully breastfeed him coz I failed the first time. Im still on my 17th week though but if I can do something as early as now to prepare myself for that, I'd gladly do so. What can you suggest?

I've been receiving similar concerns via email and private message so I decided to compile some tips which I hope will be useful not only to new moms, but also to moms new to breastfeeding.

Solutions to the Challenging First Week of Breastfeeding

The first few weeks for any new parent is always the toughest.  For breastfeeding moms, these weeks are especially as this can make or break your breastfeeding relationship.  It is really important to surround yourself with breastfeeding supporters.  However, it is equally important to read and research and equip yourself with the information to help you succeed.

I realize that even if the internet is now easily accessible there is so much information out there, such that some new parents get overwhelmed and give up.  Plus, there are also information that come from dubious sources.  So, I decided to compile information which I believe in and find reliable in hopes that new parents can use this guide to gain confidence during the early weeks of breastfeeding their baby.

Educational Breastfeeding Videos

I just had to make a post about this series of breastfeeding videos.  I already shared one of them on my FB page but I wanted to make a post about it so I could easily refer back to it anytime I wanted to.

The videos are created by Baby-Friendly Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, whose mandate is to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.

The first video shares "WHY" breastfeed:

Discussions include the importance of local culture and support; the role of grandparents and partners; and the mothers' considerations regarding freedom and confidence. Ultimately, breastfeeding is encouraged for health and convenience. This video may be used to open the dialogue on breastfeeding among pregnant women, their partners and those who may influence them.  

This second video shares different perspectives and will attempt to answer the question "What Are Breasts For"  

Looking at breastfeeding from the perspectives of everyone ranging from young children to grandmothers, childless young women to fathers, this video is ideal for pregnant women and their support partners in a prenatal setting. There is someone for everyone to identify with as we explore the importance of breastfeeding and the risks of formula feeding. 

This is the most viewed video in the series and taps celebrities to emphasize how "breastfeeding is the one parenting choice you won't regret."

This celebrity-packed exploration of the choice of breastfeeding is an ideal video for any public event. A must-see for its entertainment value alone, this fast-paced video shares laughs, facts, personal thoughts, song and passion. As a group of celebrities begin by discussing the benefits of formula feeding, the conversation quickly twists.