Please review the concepts and consider the following questions. Next class will have discussion on these concepts and questions.
Mothering through breastfeeding is the most natural and effective way of understanding and satisfying the needs of the baby.
Describe how breastfeeding has helped you to understand and meet your baby’s needs. How have you handled nighttime nursing? How did you manage when your baby cried or had a “fussy” time? Please describe any experience with artificial nipples.
Human milk is the natural food for babies, uniquely meeting their changing needs.
What qualities of your milk have been important for you and your family? How would you describe the importance of human milk?
Alert, active participation by the mother in childbirth is a help in getting breastfeeding off to a good start.
Briefly tell about your birth experience and first feedings. How do you think these contributed to the initiation of breastfeeding and the attachment you and your baby feel?
Mother and baby need to be together early and often to establish a satisfying breastfeeding relationship and reliable milk production.
Describe the transition between birth and breastfeeding. Did you have any difficulties in the early weeks? If so, how did you overcome them?
Breastfeeding is enhanced by the loving support of the baby’s father, a co-parent, a partner, and/or close family members who value the breastfeeding relationship.
How is the role of the baby’s father or your partner viewed in your family? What kind of support was helpful to you?