Shari Criso’s Top Breastfeeding Myths:
· Myth #1: A large percentage of our population just can’t make enough milk to fully nourish their babies.
Fact: Our bodies were made to breastfeed and our species has survived for hundreds of thousands of years this way. It is actually UNCOMMON for a mom to carry a pregnancy, deliver a baby, and then just not be able to feed it. It does not make sense. There are some moms who may have issues with milk supply, but most of the time it is due to inaccurate advice to supplement with formula because of a “perceived” low supply issue instead of a real supply issue
· Myth #2: That if your mom or sister couldn’t breastfeed, that you won’t be able to breastfeed as well.
Fact: I don’t know what happened with a woman’s mom or sister, but I do know that their mother’s mother, and her mother before that, and so on…were able to breastfeed or they would not be here. We come from a line of women that were able to produce enough and feed their babies because that was the only way. Although the ability to breastfeed can have a genetic factor, this is usually not the case. Most of the time the reason that the mom or sister was not able to breastfeed is due to reasons that were not medical issues, but rather misinformation or assumptions about their bodies ability to make enough milk.
· Myth #3: That you have to have the perfect diet and lifestyle to make good and enough milk.
Fact: This is just untrue. If having the perfect diet, enough rest, not too much stress, etc. were major factors in your body’s ability to feed your baby then our species would have died off long ago. People throughout history have lived through some of the most difficult situations and still were able to feed. Although our own health does make breastfeeding easier, it is not critical in making enough or good “quality” milk. A good diet will keep you healthy, but regardless of what you are eating your milk is rarely effected except in the most extreme cases.
· Myth #4: Breastfeeding will change the shape of your breasts.
Fact: Breastfeeding itself is not the culprit. Other factors that can change your breast appearance more than breastfeeding includes BMI, age, history of smoking, large pre-pregnancy breast size and number of pregnancies.
· Tip #1: Become as knowledgeable and educated as possible about breastfeeding BEFORE you have your baby. Trying to wing it after the baby comes or rely on the staff at the hospital to teach you could be a disaster and the reason why breastfeeding was not successful.
· Tip #2: Purchase what you will need to make breastfeeding more comfortable and easier especially in the first few weeks when you are first adjusting and it is usually the most difficult time. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to accomplish this, but assume that you WILL be successful and get what you need. You may be able to get help with breastfeeding at no cost, since your health insurance plan must cover the cost of a breast pump – and may offer to cover either a rental or a new one for you to keep. I like the Evenflo® Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump: $99.99-$159.99
· Tip #3: Make sure you are surrounded with support. One of the biggest challenges and reasons for moms not having the success that they want with breastfeeding is not getting the support from the people around them. Get your partner on board with education and information. A supportive partner is one of the biggest reasons for breastfeeding success. Find friends and other breastfeeding moms who were successful to speak to and line up a lactation consultant before you deliver so you can reach out for help as soon as you need it.
· Evenflo® Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump: (Retail price: $99.99-$159.99) – Simple way to support breastfeeding for your baby. Small, handheld, portable convenient and diaper-bag ready.
As an added bonus, moms who purchase the new Evenflo Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump will also receive free access to International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Shari Criso’s full length, online educational programs ($60 value) – “Simply Breastfeeding”™ and “Breast Pumps and Briefcases™.” Rich with information and guidance from Criso’s 20+ years working one-on-one with breastfeeding moms, both programs address topics most relevant to nursing moms, and those planning to pump. Additional tools, such as video instructions for pump use can also be found on the newly launched Evenflo Feeding website: www.evenflofeeding.com.
· Warm Milk All-in-One Diaper Bag + Feeding Pillow: (Retail price: $115) – The Baby Hobo Bag is a diaper bag that converts into a breastfeeding pillow to provide perfect positioning for moms on-the-go.
· Milk Makers: (Retail price: $14.99-$39) – Lactation cookies are an easy, delicious, and nutritious way to help boost milk supply.
· Bravado Designs Ultra Comfort Nursing Camisole: (Retail price: $34.99) – Easy to wear while pregnant or nursing your new baby. Wire-free, seam-free, and has a long silhouette.
*WIN IT!
The prize pack will include: Evenflo Deluxe Advanced Double Electric breast pump and premium shoulder bag, ice packs, 4 milk storage bottles, thermal cooler and extra membranes.
*Hip Mama’s Place Disclosure: “My reviews and opinions are 100% my own. Evenflo provided these helpful tips and giveaway prize necessary to facilitate this post and giveaway contest“.
Mom Breastfeeding Image Courtesy: Bravado Designs
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About the Author: Jocelyn Cañasa-Brown is a working mom of two boys and is a recognized blogger and mom influencer in the Washington, DC area. In her spare time, she designs and creates her own handmade jewelry, maintains her jewelry store on Etsy and is an active moms group organizer and leader both online and offline. Hip Mama’s Place was nominated for Parents 2011 Best All-Around Mom Blog and named one of the Highest Rated Blogs and Sites on Nickelodeon ParentsConnect for the Washington, DC area. Follow Jocelyn on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. 
A former school teacher, Jocelyn Brown created Hip Mama’s Place in 2007. Her motto for this blog is: get inspired, create and share! Jocelyn loves sharing about food and recipes, crafts, DIY projects and her random travels with her family. She also loves all things social media, but her latest obsession is Instagram.
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My mom helped me through breastfeeding my first child-she was there for me every step of the way and encouraged me to keep going! And I did, for 16 months 🙂
I’m on my first pregnancy, due in a couple of weeks. I don’t know anyone that has breastfed their baby and gave any tips. I spoke to a lactation consultant and she went over proper latching to reduce/prevent pain. The part of the areola should be in the babies moths not just the nipple, there is a comfort spot in the babies mouth on the pallet.
Making sure your baby has a proper latch is very important. This will make it more comfortable and less stressful.
My tip would be to stick with it. You might have some hurdles at the beginning but it gets much easier.
I always breast fed because I heard that it was healthier for the baby.
I breast fed my son for 2.5 years and will breastfeed this baby, I am pregnant again, I was patient and followed directions.
Breastfeeding was difficult for me for my 2 kids. I made it easier instead of giving up just to pump as often as I could to keep my milk going
I haven’t started breastfeeding yet as my baby is due in Nov but all these tips are great.
I would love to win this for my wife. When I’m home, I always make sure to take care of the other baby things so she can focus on breastfeeding without getting overwhelmed.
I was not very successful with my first, 5 years ago, but I’m hoping it goes better this time around. My SIL seemed determined to make it work and carried her pump around with her everywhere. I plan to do the same.
I remember my aunt breast feeding twins when I was a kid. I am pregnant with my first baby and look forward to breast feeding.
I made things easier by allowing others to feed the baby sometimes so I didn’t feel overwhelmed. I made sure to have a fun show in the DVD player for night feedings so I wouldn’t fall asleep while feeding. And having snacks and water within reach is important too! 🙂
My tip is latch, latch, latch or pump, pump, pump! The more your baby latches, the more you pump, the more your body will produce. If you feel like “you’re not producing enough” just pump after each feeding for 20 minutes. Even if you get nothing, it will let the body know that your baby needs more milk and it will increase the milk production. That is how amazing our bodes work! Don’t let your breast get engorged though: #1 it will hurt, #2 you can get mastitis if you do it constantly and #3 it can let your body think that it is producing more than it should and it can decrease the production just because of that.
🙂 Great giveaway, by the way ) Thanks!
Ask a nurse every time you’re at the maternity ward to make sure that you and your baby do it right. This way you don’t get very sore at all. I know it’s not a guarantee, but if the baby does not suckle the right way, you can be sure to have problems so get help in the beginning.
I’ve been needing a good pump hope to win this for going back to work
My sister is about to become a first time Mom & i’ve been trying to help her get prepared to breastfeed by giving her advice and tips. My #1 tip is to try to be relaxed, find a comfortable spot and have a tall glass of water handy!
I took Fenugreek to keep up my supply.
To set yourself up for success, I suggest getting nice and comfortable. Where ever you will be sitting, make sure you have water, a book, your cellphone and/or the remote control. There is nothing worse than when your baby is nursing and you left something just out of reach.
With my son, I attempted breast feeding but really didn’t have a good support system. When I was pregnant 4 years later with my daughter, I told everyone that I was sticking to the plan of nursing and they could either support my decision or keep their mouths shut. It worked. I ended up having more support from friends and family as well as my fiancé. I was bound and determined to nurse my daughter and I did…for 2.5 years. We end our breast feeding journey a moth ago but the bond is still there. I am pregnant with #3 and due in December and have every intention of nursing and pumping him or her as well.
By going to Breastfeeding Luncheon hosted by hospital. They are run by 2 lactation consultants, get lunch, a topic, and you can weigh baby before and after you nurse so you know the exact ounces they drank. Also you can ask the LC for help. Also a nipple shield was a life saver for my last baby. Last advice is it is so hard but persevere. It is so worth it!
I haven’t breastfeed yet. But my mom and friends always tell me that you have to sit very comfortable because the first time your gonna be awhile until you get the hang of it. And don’t let your boobs to fill with milk because it’s gonna hurt a lot!
I have not started breastfeeding yet, so I don’t have any tips,but I would LOVE to hear what other people’s ideas are.