Breastfeeding is a normal and natural process, yet for some, the keys to success have been a bit elusive. It is the job of a board certified lactation consultant to demystify the experience, and to assist families in achieving their feeding goals through all phases of their BF experience - from initiation through weaning.

There are several components to success. One is attachment parenting. That means bonding skin to skin as soon after birth as possible and for as long and as frequently as is possible. Placing the baby core-to-core is the best way to stabilize mother and baby immediately after birth. This is a great way for mom to learn about her new little one, as well as a wonderful way for dad to bond.

It has been said that a mother’s body provides everything a baby needs to survive except for one thing— and that is air. Think about it. A woman’s body carries a baby for approximately 40 weeks. Once the baby is born our body does not abandon us. We are created perfectly. If the baby is allowed to adjust on mom’s chest, it is naturally near his source of nourishment. Given a little time, baby will make his way to that destination.

Newborns have more than 20 inborn instinctual reflexes that help them to locate, move to and obtain their food. For human babies, that food is mother’s milk. A mother’s body has been preparing for this function since early in her pregnancy. 24-hour rooming-in while in the hospital allows for lots of bonding time. Baby likes resting along your body too, since for him, it is the closest thing to home. I often say the womb was his old address…your chest and loving arms are his new home. Slings and wraps are very popular these days for that reason. Babies that stay close to mom sleep better, are less fussy and eat more. Human babies are frontal feeders. This is their biological design to approach mom lying comfortably along her body, so if mom comfortably reclines instead of sitting up straight, baby will be able to follow more of his inborn feeding behaviors.

Another important tip is to be patient with yourself and your baby as you both learn this new skill. Practice makes perfect!