Breastfeeding ages 1-6 months
This page contains articles and tips I have written
related to baby's first 6 months of life and breastfeeding.
Months 1-6 - To sling or not to sling
Health Canada, the United States Consumer
Product Safety Commission, and Infantino LLC have jointed recalled the
Infantino Slingrider and the Wendy Bellissimo slings due to three infant
deaths in that past year from using these slings. To read about this
recall, click
here.
The scare of this recall has unfortunately led to many
false statements and fears about the use of all slings. How can an
age-old tradition, found in numerous cultures around the world, now be a
hazard to your baby's health? To read Health Canada's warning sheet
about sling use, please click
here. While all of Health Canada's warnings and concerns about
sling use are valid, the fact is that proper sling use eliminates all of
these risks. Proper sling use not only is safe for our babies, but
provides numerous benefits to their physical health and emotional
wellbeing, not to mention how much easier parenting can be when we wear
our baby.
The Infantino Slingrider, which was sold at Walmart and Toys R Us for under $40, is faulty in its design. For a picture and more information about the recall, click here. If you look closely at the picture of the Infantino sling in the last link, you will notice that the edges of the sling are elasticized, and baby lies deeply in a pocket, the edges of which tend to close up as you move around. This is not the way babies are meant to be carried! This is like carrying your baby in a bag. Slings that are good for our babies to use do NOT put them into an elasticized bag situation.
Proper sling use involves carrying baby in either a vertical or horizontal position, with the sling-wearer able to see baby's face, OR baby's face is out of the sling and against the sling-wearer's chest. This
webpage does a great job of showing pictures and demonstrations of the proper way to carry a baby safely in a sling. You can use ring slings, or stretchy wraps, or fabric wraps to safely carry your baby. For more information and about how to use a wrap, along with hands-on help to do so, feel free to contact a
LLL Leader,
myself, or anybody that sells these products and offers demonstrations.
The benefits of sling use are many! Research has found that babies who are carried
cry less and are
better attached to their caregivers than babies who are not carried as often. Slings allow parents to have 2 hands free, which improves quality of life for parents while allowing baby the many benefits of being carried. When baby is in a sling, parents can sit, walk around, use the bathroom, prepare a snack (not over the stove!), tend to older children, go for a walk, surf the internet, and generally tend to their own needs without ever having to remove the baby from the carrier. Keeping baby close to a parent's body also regulates baby's breathing and body temperature, allows baby to better regulate their own muscle movements, and they sleep more restfully. For a list of the research summarizing the benefits of baby wearing,
click here. (this is an 8 page PDF file)
Months 1-6 - Out and About!
Now
that you are becoming more comfortable with breastfeeding, you will
start to find yourself needing to feed your baby when you're out and
about. This can feel overwhelming for some mothers, away from the
familiar pillows and furniture of their own home. Don't worry - with
practice and some courage, you will be nursing away in public along
with the pros. Here are some tips to help you breastfeed in public:
1.
Know that you are allowed to breastfeed in any public location. No one
can legally ask you to "go to the bathroom", leave the room, or cover
up while you breastfeed your baby. See the Ontario Human Rights
Commission stance on rights of pregnant and breastfeeding moms here.
2.
Choose clothing that helps you breastfeed discreetly, if that is
important to you. Generally, have a layer that closes vertically (like
a button up blouse or zippered cardigan) over a layer that moves up and
down your body horizontally (like a tank top or t-shirt). Then, as you
feed your baby, there is very little exposed skin as both layers work
to cover different areas. Also, choose a properly fitted nursing bra
to help you nurse comfortably in public.
3.
Use, or learn how to breastfeed in, the cradle position. The
cross-cradle position exposes more breast and can cause sore shoulders
and a sore upper back over time. See more on how to use various
positions to nurse the baby here.
4.
Try deep breathing to help you relax while you're attempting to nurse
for the first time in public. Positive self-talk is also helpful
-remind yourself how important your breastmilk and being close to you
is to your baby. Also, see yourself as setting an example for all the
kids and teenagers and other moms that pass you by - great work!!
5.
Finally, even though you might feel like a shining beacon, most people
that pass you won't even know what you're up to. Everyone is pretty
self-absorbed with their own tasks and thoughts as they rush around the
mall - you may not even get a passing glance. Sit back, relax, and take
this time to start enjoying people-watching yourself while providing
the best start in life for your baby.
