Body Smart Breastfeeding Tips

Yesterday my sister told me that she never knew what hard work breastfeeding was going to be. Last month, she celebrated her first year as a mother, and her first year of breastfeeding. She amazes me, balancing her busy schedule in the corporate world with time for breastfeeding and breast pumping in the office “pump-quarters.” I’m thrilled my sister’s breastfeeding is supported in the workplace, because breastfeeding is one of the body’s most beautiful, intelligent functions. Breast milk is a living fluid substance, one of the most nutritious on earth. The wisdom or innate intelligence of the human body is so remarkable that a mother’s body will change the composition of her breast milk at every feeding, according to the time of day, the climate, and the baby’s age. Breast milk contains the perfect amount of every essential nutrient optimal for your baby’s growth and development at each unique moment. As a family wellness chiropractor who is passionate about serving pregnant woman, infants, and growing families, I have had the joy of witnessing the nurturing, love, and connection that takes place when a mother breastfeeds her baby. Body Smart Breastfeeding Tips: 1. Breastfeed in the ERGObaby Carrier No matter where you are in the world, you can breastfeed while wearing your baby in the ERGObaby Carrier. The brilliant concept of having your hands free and your hearts connected allows both mother and baby to receive nourishment in their most natural, relaxed state—heart-to-heart. The ERGObaby Carrier allows you to sustain that heart-to-heart bond, supporting the nervous system and the spirit to relax and connect. As far as I am concerned, ERGObaby allows for breastfeeding more optimally than any other carrier I know of. With your baby resting in the front-wearing way, allow your baby’s head to relax in an upright position, close to your breast. It should be easy for you to release your shirt and bra. Your baby’s mouth is located very close to your breast, making it easy to connect. Use your hand to make sure your baby’s head and neck are in a relaxed position and not twisted or tilted to the side. They will let you know when it is natural and feels right because they will just sink in and start feeding. Remember that each feeding is a new moment; be present and check to make sure that you are relaxed, breathing easily, and situated in a comfortable place. 2. Boost Your Breastfeeding with Chiropractic Chiropractic care can bring ease to the breastfeeding process for both mother and baby. While breastfeeding, your baby receives optimum nutrition and engages in major brain and body development. You were designed with two breasts and it is important to use both of them during feeding. Switching breasts during feeding is a natural, intelligent way the body enhances brain development. When bottle-fed, the caregiver will most often use their dominant hand while feeding. Switching this pattern, whether bottle- or breastfeeding, stimulates both sides of your baby’s brain and activates cross-crawl patterning, supporting physical and mental development. Switching it up is really good for your baby! If a baby seems to have trouble feeding on one side, is fussy, or is not latching properly, it can often be the result of lingering interference and tension from the birth process. As chiropractors we call these interferences subluxations.  Chiropractic care can help ease tension in your baby’s spine and nervous system, and support clear brain function to signal latching. As a breastfeeding mother, remember that the extra weight you’re carrying in your breasts can create tension and imbalance in your body. Chiropractic care can help clear this and allow your body to produce and deliver milk with ease and comfort. To locate a family wellness chiropractor trained in serving infants and families, please contact http://www.icpa4kids.org. 3. Mamas, Babies & Coconut Water: The Perfect Match Living on Maui for the past four years, I’ve witnessed many nursing babies guzzling down freshly harvested coconut water. I decided to investigate this natural healing beverage, as I have also experienced firsthand the benefits of regularly drinking coconut water. It has many properties similar to breast milk, and can be enjoyed by anyone, at any age. It is coconut water’s unseen qualities that make it life-giving. Its electrolyte balance matches that of human blood, and the liquid has been used in military shortages for emergency plasma transfusions. Nursing mothers can use coconut water as a natural, healthier alternative to processed infant’s milk. Coconut water contains lauric acid, a fatty acid present in breast milk that has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Coconut water may also lessen intestinal disturbances in feeding infants. Remember how important it is to hydrate yourself while nursing, too! Coconut water is an ideal beverage for mama and baby. Enjoy the heart-to-heart connection of breastfeeding with your baby!