The art of breastfeeding: complete ABC's

Welcome to the wonderful and sometimes challenging world of breastfeeding. If you think s'is just about hungry babies and available breasts, think again! It's a journey full of nuances, stray drops of milk and unforgettable moments of intimacy between you and your most beautiful (and exhausting) creation.

So make yourself comfortable (don't forget your nursing pillow!) and dive in with Milk Away Mums to l'ABCDaire de l'allaitement, designed especially for you, dear new mom.

A for Breastfeeding: it's easy to start! This is the moment when your breast becomes more than just a part of your anatomy; it becomes a source of nourishment, comfort and an unbreakable bond with your baby. But don't forget, it's also a time of learning for both of you.

B is for Bilirubin: a key indicator in the diagnosis of jaundice and a frequent guest during baby's first days of life. L egular breastfeeding can help reduce bilirubin levels, so don't panic, just keep feeding your little sunshine. And take pictures! Oh yes, it's okay, we know, it's not nice to make fun!

C for Colostrum: ah, the famous liquid gold! These very first drops of milk, rich in antibodies, are like a magic potion for your newborn. It only comes in small quantities, but it's a veritable elixir of health for your little one.

D is for Pain: we don't lie to each other here, so let's tell it like it is. Sometimes, breastfeeding can be painful. Between the cracks and the rush of milk, your breasts can feel like a war zone. But don't worry, there are solutions: creams, breast pads, advice from midwives and/or lactation consultants, and above all the unfailing support of other moms who've been there before you.
The pain can also be moral(baby blues), but remember: you're not alone! And you'll see: "everything passes".

E is for Engorgement: your breasts can become as hard as stone if the milk doesn't s't flow properly. Friendly advice: cabbage leaves or warm compresses before feeding and cold compresses afterwards can be your best allies.

F as in Flight : Ah, leaking milk: the superpower nobody asked for! It's a bit like your breasts deciding to throw a surprise party... without inviting you. But don't panic: armed with nursing pads, moms can fight back and keep control. 

G as in Galactogogues: no, it's not a new alien species. These are foods that can stimulate milk production. Champions in this category include l'water, fenugreek, brewer's yeast, l'nettle and l'anise.

H is for Humor: yes, you'll need your sense of l'humor when you become a mom. Between the impromptu spurts of milk and your baby's comical facial expressions as he feeds, there's plenty to laugh about. And even in hard times, it's always better to laugh rather than cry.

I for Immunity: l ith breastfeeding, you're giving your baby a protective shield. Breast milk is packed with antibodies that help fortify your little one's immune system.

J for Java: this term normally conjures up fond memories of wild, festive nights out, but for new parents, it's synonymous with an entirely different evening (spoiler: a lot less fun). The infamous "Java night" translates into a private concert of interminable crying, where baby, in the midst of discovering his opera lungs and the unknown world that l'surrounds him, gives you an unforgettable performance. But behind this festival of tears lies l'adjustment of the infant's biological rhythms, a necessary passage to enable him to s'adapt to life outside the maternal cocoon. Yes, it's less glamorous, but just as intense as your old disco nights!

K is for Kangaroo: no, we're not asking you to jump around with your baby clinging to your nipple. It s's a skin-to-skin method that strengthens the bond between the two of you and encourages breastfeeding. An unrivalled moment of pure tenderness and connection.

L like Lactation: or how you become someone's favorite dairy without even applying for the job! It's as if your breasts have decided to go into artisanal milk production, with rather... unpredictable opening hours. And while you're juggling this new facet of your daily life, don't forget: in the world of breastfeeding, every drop counts as a small feat! Your body is incredible - be proud of it!

M as in Mastitis: the piquant little surprise of the breastfeeding journey, a bit like if your breast suddenly decided to embark on a painful solo career. Just imagine: one of your mammary glands takes on the role of a fiery rockstar, and the result - it's hot, it's red and it hurts! But don't panic, it's just the body expressing its zeal to produce milk a little too much - the passion of the job, shall we say. With rest, proper care and sometimes l'help from a doctor or lactation expert, your breast will soon return to the l'harmony of breastfeeding.

N for Night: ah, the joys of night feeds. When the rest of the world is asleep, and it's your special time (even if it's sometimes hard, we know) with your baby. For Aurélie, founder of Milk Away, the best way to rest while breastfeeding is to adopt the side-lying position. 

O for Oxytocin: l'hormone of l'love! It plays a key role in breastfeeding, strengthening the bond between you and your baby and facilitating milk production.

P for Position Finding the right breastfeeding position isn't always easy. It's a bit like a yoga class with your baby: you have to test everything until you find your style. Most popular : 

1. The Cradle Position: this is the classic position where you hold baby in your arms, his body resting alongside yours. Baby faces you, his tummy against yours, while you support his head and back with your arm.

2. The Football (or Rugby Ball) Position: here, baby is held on his side, under your arm, as if you were carrying a soccer. This position is particularly popular after a Caesarean section, or for mothers breast-feeding twins.

3. The Lying-Down Position (or Biological Nurturing): in this position, you lie on your side, baby facing you, aligned so that you can suckle. It's a relaxing position, ideal for night feeds or for mothers recovering from childbirth.

Q for Quality: the quality of breast milk is just incredible. Rich in nutrients, perfectly adapted to your baby's needs according to age, changing needs and l'time of day. It's nutritional haute couture!

R for Rest: breastfeeding is exhausting! So when you can, rest. Your body and mind will thank you.

S like Nursing bra Your new favorite fashion accessory. Comfortable, functional, and yes, some models can even be sexy, because you can be a mom and a woman at the same time.

 

U as in Urticaria: sometimes, breastfeeding can cause uncomfortable skin reactions. Nothing serious, but it's always good to know. Make sure your pharmacy is fully stocked with La Roche-Posay's Lipikar AP+ skincare products.

V for Vilipender : the national sport of those who love handing out unsolicited advice on breastfeeding or motherhood in general for that matter. As soon as baby's born, everyone turns into an expert l'university graduate of their own opinion! But the real strategy? Ignore with panache and trust your own instincts. After all, who knows baby better than your own mom? So, the next time Aunt Gertrude starts telling you how to hold baby for the 107th time, smile, nod and get on with it your own way.

W for Wellness: l'breastfeeding is a bit like the biathlon of motherhood: between yoga and meditation, mom transforms herself into a champion of relaxation. And why not try a little home spa? Taking care of yourself and your breasts is as vital as bottles and lullabies. So, while baby is dreaming milky dreams, treat yourself to those well-deserved wellness breaks.

X for Xenophilia: perhaps an unexpected term, but here it symbolizes l'openness and l'acceptance of differences. L Breastfeeding is a universal experience that crosses cultures, offering a wonderful opportunity to celebrate diversity and remember that, despite our cultural differences, feeding our child is a universal act of love.

Y comme Yeux: the look between mother and baby during l'allaitement is a deep exchange, a wordless communication full of love and tenderness. You can combine l'useful with l'pleasant, and enjoy the many physical and psychological benefits of breastfeeding.

Z as in Zen: despite the challenges, breastfeeding can be a moment of rediscovered inner peace and serenity in the whirlwind of the first months with baby. Find your inner bubble, breathe, and enjoy this unique bond with your baby. 

Remember, dear mom, that every breastfeeding journey is unique. There will be days when you feel like the goddess of motherhood, and others when you wonder if you have enough milk to keep your baby alive.

In any case, know that you're doing an incredible job! So hang in there, smile and don't forget to rest when you can. After all, you're your baby's superhero, cape or no cape.

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 Photo credit: Unsplash - Helena Lopes