Successful breastfeeding over time

Even if the breastfeeding rate is increasing significantly in France (we have gone from 52% in 2003 to 58% today), the majority of young mothers have difficulty breastfeeding their babies over time. Four months after giving birth, the breastfeeding rate drops to less than 5%! We are far from the Nordic countries which are close to 90%! How to explain such a situation and ensure that mothers (who wish) succeed in continuing to breastfeed for as long as they wish?

Breastfeeding: get informed as soon as you are pregnant

First reflex: be well informed in advance during pregnancy. Take advantage of the birth preparation classes to introduce you to the art of breastfeeding well. Of the 7 sessions (all reimbursed by Social Security, it would be a shame to do without!), One is specifically devoted to breastfeeding. The midwife explains how to go about it, shows you in what position the baby should be installed, but also the actions to avoid … So many good tips to remember to start breastfeeding well on D-Day.

Breastfeeding, when it gets complicated

If, during breastfeeding, you encounter a few ” technical difficulties »(Problems positioning the newborn, breast pain, cracks, bleeding…), no need to feel guilty, these situations are very frequent. It must be said that the first days are not necessarily obvious, especially when it comes to a first child. Suddenly, when mothers are not sufficiently armed and accompanied, this is where they tell themselves that the use of the bottle could well help them. Ditto also when they do not have enough milk and are worried about the weight gain of their newborn. Be aware, however, that a baby of a few days does not suck at all the same way from the breast and from the pacifier. We also speak of “nipple / pacifier confusion”. Once he has tasted the bottle, it is more difficult for him to return to the breast.

Breastfeeding: get help!

Each baby-mother couple works in their own way and must find their own benchmarks. If breastfeeding is not going as planned, do not wait for the situation to deteriorate and make an appointment without delay with the pediatrician or midwife. These professionals are there to help you correct any small mistakes and start off on a good basis for breastfeeding. Also, don’t hesitate to ask them any questions you can think of. Sometimes all it takes is a few small adjustments to get everything back to normal: think about drink enough to “produce” enough milk, try as much as possible to rest to prevent fatigue from taking over (it’s time to delegate!) … Everything is keep trust in you and you will see, things will happen naturally.

Reconciling breastfeeding and returning to work

Notice to mothers who return to work and wish to continue breastfeeding: it is possible! While waiting for a real political awareness to help young mothers to continue breastfeeding (why not, hey, the return of breastfeeding leave?), The watchword is Organisation ! At the beginning, of course, each must find its rhythm and its marks to succeed in reconcile work and feedings (express your milk during the day, keep it in a sterile bottle in the refrigerator or freeze it…). But the majority of mothers who embark on the adventure are doing perfectly well.

Concretely, the Labor Code requires that companies provide for a adapted room to allow mothers to express their milk or even breastfeed. Breastfeeding time is also regulated: from birth, and for one year, mothers breastfeeding their child have access toan hour a day during working hours, 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon. This time can also be placed in the middle of the day. Do not hesitate to discuss it with your employer.

Also be aware that themixed breastfeeding (breast and bottle) is quite possible. At 2-3 months, babies adapt perfectly because they no longer confuse the nipple / pacifier. So, for example, you can breastfeed her in the morning and in the evening, and provide a bottle of your milk during other feeding times. It’s up to each mother to find what suits her best in relation to her lifestyle. But whatever you do you can be sure that you will make the right decision for the sake of your baby.