Did you know August was Breastfeeding Awareness Month? It has been said over and over “Breast is Best.” I read a million books, articles, and facts about breastfeeding before I had my sweet baby. Here are a few fun facts I found about breast milk and breastfeeding:
- A breastfeed last an average of 16 minutes.
- Almost three-quarters of moms produce more milk with their right breast (no correlation to being right or left – handed).
- The average time it takes for a mom’s milk to let-down or start flowing, during a breastfeed is 56 seconds (but this can vary widely – so don’t get stressed if you take longer).
- About 1/3 of moms can’t sense let-down. Watch for your milk to flow faster to see it happen.
- Babies breastfeed until they’re full, not until they ” empty” your breast. On average, babies remove 67% of the milk you have available- this amount can vary widely among moms.
- Babies instinctively know how to get your milk quickly and efficiently: they start breastfeeding with a faster suck for stimulation until you let-down. then when your milk is flowing, they switch to a slower, deeper suck and eat until they are full.
- It’s common for babies to have resting periods during breastfeeding – sometimes they ” take breaks” in between sucks.
- Your milk sprays out of many holes, not just one.
- 82% of breastfeeding moms use a breast pump.
- 73% of breastfeeding/breast pumping moms get outside help. There’s an entire profession dedicated to successful breastfeeding – lactation consultants are passionate about helping you and your baby breastfeed. You can find one in your state at www.iblce.org (click on “About IBLCE” then “US Registry of IBCLC’s”)
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding (that mean no formula – but pumped breast milk is okay) for 6 months and continued breastfeeding for a minimum of 1 year.
- 71% of babies have ever breastfed.
- 36% still breastfeed at 6 months.
- 17% still breastfeed at 1 year.
- No matter your size, you’ll make enough milk for your baby – A cups, rejoice.
Source: “Did You Know? Interesting Facts and Fun Trivia about Breastfeeding and Breastpumping.” Medela, Inc., 1101 Corporate Drive, McHenry, Ill. 60050. www.medela.com
Breastfeeding can burn up to 500 calories a day, and it can also help prevent cancer. Breast milk changes daily according to what your baby needs that day and it is always the perfect temperature. Breast milk is amazing stuff!
All that being said, breastfeeding for me was really hard to get the hang of. With my son I was able to breastfeed for 3 months. He ate a lot and I had post partum depression and anxiety so badly my milk dried up. I was still grateful we got those 3 months of breastfeeding, but he was formula fed from then on. He is now a happy and healthy 4 year old. There is absolutely nothing wrong with formula fed babies. Formula was perfect for my family then and right now breastfeeding is working out great.
My daughter is now 5 months old and I feel like now we are excellent at breastfeeding. But good grief did it take work. I was so close to giving up multiple times. I cried a lot, she cried, I was engorged and in a ridiculous amount of pain. Figuring out how to latch, learning her hunger cues, plugged ducts, more engorgement, it was all exhausting and so painful. All while trying to heal from my c-section and coming down from all those pregnancy hormones. BUT! We did it. I am so proud of our accomplishment. I don’t know how long I will breastfeed, but I am grateful for everyday we can. Everyday is a little victory for me. I finally really enjoy it, and I love that special breastfeeding time we have together.
Here are a few things that have helped me be successful and more comfortable with breastfeeding:
1. You HAVE to have support when you are breastfeeding. I truly almost gave up at least 50 times. My husband was really encouraging, my very best friend offered tips and suggestions that helped her, I had a great support team. I also use the La Leche League website A LOT to find answers to my questions or problems. At the beginning my saving grace was the LLL leader in my area. I cried on the phone to her and she just listened to my frustrations and helped me through it. She saved my sanity and helped me push through those rough patches. There are LLL groups all over the country. Through their website you can find a group that meets in your area. You might be able to find another mom in your shoes struggling with the same things you are. Or maybe you will be able to encourage another mama who is currently struggling with something you have overcame!
Another great resource is Kellymom.com I find lots of answers to my questions there as well. What medications are safe, other nursing positions, boost my milk supply..etc..etc…
2. My Boppy pillow. I haven’t ever tried any other pillow because my boppy works great for us now. When she gets bigger I may try something else. We will see. But a pillow that you are comfortable with is a huge help. It will help with positioning baby and your back will thank you.
4. Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover. I LOVE that cover. I actually did a review for it that you can read here. I use it every Sunday at church. I am not one to just be all out there and nursing. I need more privacy in public when we are breastfeeding and this is the perfect solution.
5. A good burp cloth. For those “leaky” moments or when baby spits up all over their cute outfit, and all over yours. I received a few burp cloths as gifts, that are made out of flannel or cloth diapers that I love. I also love the burpy bips from Aden and Anais.
6. Lansinoh breast pads. Again for those “leaky” moments. They stay in place, they are absorbent, and they breathe. All wins in my book.
7. Lansinoh gel soothie pads and HPA Lanolin. Oh sweet sweet relief. It took awhile for me and Halli to figure out how to latch. My nipples were cracked, and so sore. I would trade off doing the soothie pads or Lanolin in between feedings. They were both my saving grace. (Also, breast milk does wonders for healing and soothing cracked, sore nipples.)
8. Medela Pump and Save Breastmilk Bags. These bags are the best. I like that I can pump milk directly into them, zip it, label it, and pop it in the fridge or freezer. Have you ever tried to pour breast milk into another bag to save it and then you spill all 6 oz of it? It is so DEVASTATING! These makes it simple, and spill proof.
9. My Camelbak Waterbottle. I am constantly drinking water. If I don’t stay hydrated I can tell my milk supply nose dives. Having a water bottle always close by that I really like has helped me stay well hydrated and keep my supply up.
10. The Similac Baby Journal app. Those first few weeks I was so sleep deprived I could barely remember what day it was let alone what side we last nursed on. The Similac app helped me remember what side we last nursed on and for how long. It also will time when baby sleeps and tracks diaper changes. It is awesome and free!
If you are about to have a baby or have just started breastfeeding HANG IN THERE! Those first 2 months were the hardest for me, I had to just focus on nursing one day at a time. After that everyday got easier. I am so glad I pushed through the pain, tears, frustration, and exhaustion of trying to figure out how to breastfeed. It was and is so worth it. YOU CAN DO IT!
(To read Jennifer’s Must Have Breastfeeding products click here)
Do you have any favorite products, things, or tips that help you breastfeed?
About Megan
Interesting fun facts 🙂 My daughter just had a baby and is breast feeding and has many of the great products listed.
I’ve been debating on breastfeeding or not, I hear its very good for the baby!
Great facts. Never realized that breastfeeding lasts an average of 16 minutes.
That is interesting.. I didn’t know most women produce more in their right breast.
I’m nursing my 7th and it’s always been like that for me.
I loved reading the facts and thanks for sharing them and your favorite products. Very interesting that a right breast produces more than the left and a baby know how suck to get the milk flowing. Wonderful life’s little miracles.