19/08/2021
August is National Breastfeeding Month
Why Breastfeed?
There are many benefits breastfeeding provides for both you and your baby!
Among them:
*Lactation hastens the return of your uterus to its normal state
*The hormone oxytocin produced during nursing promotes
mother and child bonding and can help with relaxation
*Lactation is associated with lowering the rates of Type 2
diabetes, certain types of breast cancer and ovarian cancer
*Benefits for your baby - compared to formula feeding, breast feeding reduces the
incidence of allergies, ear infections, lower respiratory infections, indigestion,
diarrhea, SIDS and type 2 diabetes
Breastfeeding is also cost effective and convenient. Human milk is readily available and at the right temperature. No formula preparation and no bottle and ni**le washing. As your baby grows the composition of your milk changes to meet you baby's nutritional needs!
If you and your baby are challenged with having a positive breastfeeding experience, there are many resources available to you! Check with your local hospital for lactation specialist, many Doulas are also certified lactation specialist; you can also contact the La Leche League.
Check these websites for resources: www.dona.org, https://lllusa.org/MENH/Maine
Here a few tips to avoid neck, shoulder and back pain while nursing your baby: As you settle in to your nursing position check in with your body and become aware of where you are holding tension. Are you hiking up your shoulder while cradling your baby? Try supporting your arm and your baby with pillow so you can relieve the tension in your neck and shoulder. Are you feeling low back strain or pain? Place a small pillow at the curve of your lower back. Switch up the positions you nurse, try reclining or side-lying!
If you are experiencing neck, shoulder, or back pain associated with nursing, carrying or lifting your baby, a physical therapist can help! With education, manual therapy and the correct exercises your pain can be resolved. Contact me and we can work together to help you be pain free!
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