(however, do not attempt to depend on this for contraception without taking specific advice).
  • Breast-feeding is also a wonderful parenting tool, as you cannot overfeed a breast-fed baby, so you can use it as a way of soothing a fractious, hurt, or upset baby.
  • And finally, breast milk is free, and is always available at the right temperature in a sterile container!
    • There are two organisations: La Leche League which is dedicated to helping women to breast-feed, and the ICT (Irish Childbirth Trust) which has a broader brief but which is still very interested in promoting breast-feeding. We would strongly recommend that you attend a couple of meetings of one of these organisations towards the end of your pregnancy (the phone numbers of your local branches will be in the telephone directory). Such is the way of our society that few women have ever seen a baby being breast-fed, and seeing other women breast-feeding happily and successfully will give you a great boost.

    You can also get information from these organisations on how to breast-feed, and you have the security of knowing that this information is correct (with the best will in the world, medical personnel sometimes do not have the correct information, and different staff shifts can often bring downright conflicting information). Also, if you need help with establishing breast-feeding it's nicer to contact someone you have already met, although both organisations have breast-feeding councellors who will be only too happy to help you, even if they haven't met you before.

    Speaking of needing help, don't be fooled into thinking that just because breast-feeding is natural it will come easily straightaway. It may, but it may take a little while to get right. It's a skill, and like any other skill it may take time to achieve it - especially since, if it's your first baby, there are two novices involved trying to pick up this new skill. Usually, after four to six weeks you will be breast-feeding successfully. If this sounds like a long time please be assured that it passes quickly, and the rewards are worth it. We say this not to put you off, but so that you won't be shocked or discouraged if all doesn't go well straightaway. We don't intend to give details of how to breast-feed on this site - LLL and ICT have excellent publications on this, and it's something that's far easier to show than to describe.
    (published with permission in writing from:http://www.vegetarian.ie)




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