Breastfeeding: The Right Start

In this pregnancy class, Sonali Shivlani helps you start your breastfeeding journey on a positive note, and urges you not to give up on your dreams of giving your baby the breast possible start.

- Sonali Shivlani

Breastfeeding is one of the most important aspects of the postpartum period, but at times the most neglected. More often than not, mothers come to me to join classes to prepare for labour; they don’t seem to be concerned with the ‘what after labour’ bit. The fact remains, labour will be done with in a few hours; the doctor will be there to help manage the same. When she’s done, it’s you and your baby facing the world together. On the other hand, breastfeeding can last for beyond one year and you are going to be doing it on your own. In my opinion, understand what to expect when it comes to breastfeeding, is one of the most important sessions in any prenatal series.

The Benefits of Breastmilk

There is no denying that breast milk is the best food for your baby. Breast milk is completely digestible, builds immunity, prevents allergies, improves IQ, reduces the risk of obesity, promotes bonding, and much more. There are many benefits for the mother as well. It helps you to lose weight, helps the uterus to shrink, provides protection against hormone related cancers, especially breast cancer, is convenient, and of, course economical. There is no other food available in this world which is available at the right time, the right place, the right quantity and at the right temperature. So what better reasons than these to give breastfeeding our best shot, right?

During pregnancy: There really is no preparation needed during pregnancy when it comes to breastfeeding. However, you may want to do a little reading, maybe take a breastfeeding class so that you are aware of the right way to get started. Ask your doctor to check for flat and inverted nipples as this can give a lot of grief while getting started, once the baby is born.