How to Relax for Breastfeeding

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

31 Jul 2009 10:41 AM

One of the biggest obstacles to a good breastfeeding relationship and plenty of breastmilk is a stressed out mom. Being well-nourished and well-rested can go a long way to having a good milk supply. But, hey, you have a little baby to take care of, so how restful can that be? Well, just being to control your levels of stress, especially right before you breastfeed can help.

Studies have shown that the milk-eject reflex is negatively affected by stress.

When you are stressed, your body naturally makes less breastmilk, Having less breastmilk makes you even more stressed, so the pattern just continues. In bad cases, you may start supplementing with formula or giving up breastfeeding altogether. I really don't want that to happen. So let us look at some ways that you can reduce that stress and have not only a happy mommy but a happy baby.

Focus on your baby

Try to leave the rest of the world somewhere else when you sit or lay down to breastfeed. That can all wait. Instead, focus on your baby. Feel his hair and soft skin, cuddle your baby, and if you are pumping, imagine the details of your baby's movements and facial expressions.

Have a snack

Right before it is about time to nurse, sit down and have a healthy snack and water, juice or a glass of milk. Taking this little bit of time to take care of yourself and keep hydrated can really help.

Have a shower

Warm showers are notorious for getting the milk flowing. If your baby is awake and you are home alone, you can placed her in a secure bouncer or car seat in the bathroom with you while you take your shower.

Minimize distractions

Try to nurse in the same place each time. It will train both you and your baby because you will associate this particular place with nursing. Maybe it is a specific chair in the corner of the nursery. Play some soothing music.

Maximize one distraction

Sometimes just taking your mind off of nursing can actually help. Go ahead and turn on the television or read a trashy novel (one handed or prop it up). Use this time to indulge in an absorbing, easy activity without guilt.

You can read more blog posts by Mary Ann Romans here!

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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bringham (5) 04 Aug 2009 12:10 PM

I'm so happy you wrote this blog post. Moms need to focus on their babies when they're breastfeeding, especially when they're just trying to get the hang of it. I tried sending you an email, but your email address posted on this site wasn't working. Is there an alternative email address where I can send information for a product review/story idea for National Breastfeeding Awareness Month? Thank you.

bryan valderrama (35) 13 Aug 2009 08:35 PM

Do you believe that if a mother has the choice to stay at home while her children are young that she should?　 Do you think that the children benefit from having at stay at home mom? 　 Do you believe that if a Mom decided to work instead of staying at home, that Mom is being selfish? If this sounds like your situation and you have a question for Dr. Phil - please email you're questions to at Bryan.valderrama@cbsparamount.com along with recent photos of yourself & your family . Thanks for writing Dr. Phil and thank you in advance for your response, we look forward to hearing from you!

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