Women's Health Information

Pregnancy

As A Mother and A Lover

Happy Mother's Day!

A healthy cry rings through the room; it is music to your ears. Before you know it a tiny person is placed on your tummy and you realize, perhaps for the first time, that you are a mother. This is a moment you will never forget.

Your most immediate responsibility will be to nourish your baby. No doubt you have heard throughout your pregnancy that breastfeeding is the best way to feed your newborn. It is one of the best gifts you can give your baby, both nutritionally and emotionally. And as the days and first few months pass, you will be amazed at how beautifully your baby will grow on milk provided by you alone. Your body is a remarkable thing!

• MOTHER NATURE'S PERFECT FOOD
• LET'S GET ACQUAINTED
• GETTING COMFY
• LATCHING ON
• WHAT'S YOUR FREQUENCY
• OUCH! THAT SMARTS!
• WHAT, ME WORRY?
• HELP IS CLOSE AT HAND!
• A BOND LIKE NO OTHER
• WHO'S THE BOSS?
• BREASTFEEDING IS NOT A BIRTH CONTROL METHOD
• THE BIRTH CONTROL PILL
• THE FOUR-TIMES-A-YEAR INJECTABLE CONTRACEPTIVE
• GOING THE DISTANCE: THE IUD
• THE FINAL CUT: SURGICAL METHODS
• THE DOUBLE AGENTS: BARRIER METHODS
• PLAY SAFE!
• A FINAL WORD

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MOTHER NATURE'S PERFECT FOOD

It's very simple really. Human babies need human milk. Cow's milk is too difficult to digest until the baby is around one year old. Formula comes close but it's still not as perfect for your baby as your own milk is. Your baby knows it too. Even though you may not have the confidence to breastfeed, your baby will most likely lead the way. If your baby is placed on you within an hour or two after being born, your baby will instinctively seek your breast.

Let's take a closer look at why breast milk is best. The first "milk" your baby will have is called colostrum. It is the clear sticky fluid your breasts prepare before your breast milk comes in. It's important because it is loaded with proteins, vitamins and minerals. It also provides antibodies that protect your baby from disease and boosts the immune system. Colostrum also helps to quickly clean your baby's bowel. And just like the regular milk that comes in two to four days after giving birth, it's all your baby needs. In fact your baby will do very well on breast milk alone for up to the first six months of life.

LET'S GET ACQUAINTED

Okay, your baby is hungry. How do you know? In time you'll get to know her/his body language, the little signals that say, "Mom, I'm hungry!" Your newborn may make sucking motions or bring her/his hands to her/his face. Eventually you'll be able to tell the difference between a hungry cry and a cry that may mean s/he’s tired or uncomfortable. In the days and weeks to come, you will become the expert of your baby.

GETTING COMFY

Before starting to nurse, try to get comfortable. There are many positions to choose from and you may like different ones for different times of the day. For example, you may prefer to breastfeed lying in bed in the middle of the night because it's less disruptive. You can cradle the baby in your arms, perhaps in a rocking chair, or you can try the "football" position which has your baby's legs tucked under your arm so her/his feet point toward your back. This position is great if you've had a c-section because it puts less pressure on your abdomen.

LATCHING ON

Explaining how to nurse your baby sounds a lot more complicated than actually doing it. Hold your baby so that s/he is facing your breast. You can encourage the baby by brushing her/his lips with your nipple. The smell of milk alone will whet her/his appetite! The moment your baby opens her/his mouth wide, as though to yawn, is the moment to pop her/him on your breast. Make sure that the baby has as much of the areola (the dark pigmented skin around your nipple) in her/his mouth as possible. This is called having a good "latch." This is quite important because you will become very sore if your baby sucks on the nipple alone.

Now that your baby is properly latched on, let her/him drink to her/his heart's content. Don't worry about watching the clock; let your baby be your guide. If s/he seems to be getting sleepy, then you can break the latch by gently putting your finger in the corner of her/his mouth to release your nipple. You can then burp her/him and offer her/him the other breast.

WHAT'S YOUR FREQUENCY

How long does all this take? That depends on your baby. S/he may nurse on one breast anywhere from five to 20 minutes. Some babies nurse from both breasts in one session, and some are content with just one. A breast should be drained completely before switching. That increases the supply of milk. The baby should nurse on one breast first, if still hungry, start on the other breast. The next feeding you should offer the breast the baby finished with last time. That way both breasts will be drained alternately. In the beginning, your newborn may nurse every two to three hours and progressively go for longer stretches as s/he gets older. Feeding on demand is the best policy rather than trying to follow a rigid schedule. Take your cue from your baby - s/he's a smart kid!

OUCH! THAT SMARTS!

If this is your first pregnancy you and your baby both need to learn about breastfeeding. Ever hear the saying, “no pain, no gain”? Unfortunately this sometimes applies to breastfeeding. As wonderful as breastfeeding is, it can cause some discomfort, especially in the beginning. But if you can stick with it and get through the initial rough patch it will be well worth it for you and your little one. Let’s take a brief look at some common breastfeeding problems and concerns.

Sore nipples: The most common complaint amongst new mothers is having sore nipples. Who knew one tiny being could inflict such pain? The key is in the latch! Start nursing with the breast that is less sore and try to make sure your baby latches on properly. To help heal the nipple you can ask your pharmacist to recommend an over-the-counter cream or lotion. Another approach is to place a few drops of breast milk on the nipple after nursing and let it air dry.

Engorgement:

You are producing more milk than your baby demands and your breasts are very full of milk. Squeeze some milk out of your breast to relieve pressure before nursing. This will make it easier for your baby to latch on.

Blocked milk ducts:

You may notice a lump on your breast or an area that feels tender and swollen. Apply warm compresses to the breast and nurse often to facilitate milk flow.

Mastitis:

This is an infection of one or more milk glands in part of the breast. Though it may be painful, mastitis is not dangerous for you or your baby and you should continue breastfeeding. However, you should still contact your doctor right away.

WHAT, ME WORRY?

Aside from any physical problems you may encounter, you probably have other questions or concerns.

Do I produce enough milk?

You may wonder if you will be able to provide enough milk for your baby. Breastfeeding operates on a supply and demand basis. The more your baby drinks, the more milk you will produce. Almost every woman can produce enough milk.

Will my breasts look different?

You may worry about the appearance of your breasts after your baby is weaned. Yes, they may look a bit different afterward but some changes may simply be attributed to the aging process. A well-fitted bra with good support can be helpful.

Are there certain things I shouldn't eat?

Small amounts of anything you ingest will pass through to your milk so use common sense. A healthy, balanced diet is best. Having a small amount of alcohol once in a while is not harmful, but smoking and other drugs should be avoided. You can breastfeed if you are a smoker but you should smoke outside or in places where your baby cannot inhale the smoke.

What about medication?

It is always best to consult your doctor or pharmacist, even for over-the-counter products such as cough syrup or suppositories. It is not recommended to take the birth control pill if you are breastfeeding - it may affect the quality and quantity of your breast milk. You may want to consider other birth control options outlined later in this brochure.

Can I store my breast milk?

You may ask yourself, "Will I ever go out alone again?" Breast milk may be pumped and stored in the fridge for four to five days or in the freezer for up to three months for those times when you're off duty.

HELP IS CLOSE AT HAND!

You may never encounter any problems with breastfeeding but if you do you’ll be happy to learn that most breastfeeding problems can be rectified. You can contact your doctor, your hospital nursery, the local public health unit, or find out if there is a breastfeeding support group in your area. You may even find talking to a friend who has breastfed to be very informative and comforting. At the end of this brochure you’ll find some helpful resources listed.

A BOND LIKE NO OTHER

The decision to breastfeed requires a pretty big commitment on your part because you are the only one who can nurse your baby. Many women cannot or choose not to breastfeed for a variety of reasons and thankfully there are healthy options available. However, there is still no prefect substitute for breast milk. It’s always ready; always the right temperature. There are no bottles or nipples to sterilize, and it’s completely free! More importantly, your child will reap the benefits throughout her/his lifetime. And you will benefit, too. In fact, the Journal of the American Medical Association has recently published a study that links breastfeeding with the intelligence of the baby. The lancet published a study that shows the longer women breastfeed the more they are protected against breast cancer. But all medical benefits aside, one of the most wonderful aspects of breastfeeding is special time you’ll spend bonding with your baby, creating memories you’ll cherish always.

WHO'S THE BOSS?

Your baby, of course! As a new parent you'll quickly learn that your little miracle rules your life. This won't last forever and before you know it you'll be taking charge of your life again - even your sex life! Remember your partner? Even though your new relationship with your baby is pretty overwhelming, it's important to remember that your relationship with your partner still needs tender loving care. Perhaps you're a single parent and not currently involved with anyone. But you were a lover before becoming a mother and you will find that there's room in your life for both roles.

BREASTFEEDING IS NOT A BIRTH CONTROL METHOD

You may think that as a breastfeeding mom you can't possibly get pregnant. Breastfeeding does offer some protection but it is not a 100% foolproof method of contraception. You can also become pregnant even if your period has not resumed yet. The hormonal changes in your body may also cause a dry vagina. Some breastfeeding women complain about vaginal dryness. You may want to consider using lubricants or moisturizers. Forewarned is forearmed, so let’s look at the various methods of contraception.

THE BIRTH CONTROL PILL

Many women depend on the oral contraceptive pill for birth control. It contains a progestin and an estrogen. If you've just had a baby and if you are not breastfeeding your baby you can begin taking the pill 3-4 weeks after delivery. If you are breastfeeding you should know that the pill has been associated with decreased infant weight gain because it can affect your milk supply.

The progestin-only pill (POP) is another option. It contains only one hormone: progestin. The POP can be taken right after the delivery of a baby and will not have any effect on the quality or quantity of your breast milk.

Unlike the oral contraceptive pill, the POP in 40% of cases does not always prevent ovulation. It is therefore very important that the POP be taken every day at the same time for maximum effectiveness.

THE FOUR-TIMES-A-YEAR INJECTABLE CONTRACEPTIVE

Remembering to take a pill every day can be hard. Remembering to take a pill every day at exactly the same time can be even harder. If you're looking for a birth control method that's a little more forgiving with your busy life, and one that you can feel comfortable using if you are breastfeeding, then the injectable contraceptive, might be for you!

It contains one hormone, a progestin. You only have to take it four times a year and it is one of the most effective birth control methods available. A breastfeeding mother can have the injection and it will have no effect on the quantity or quality of her breast milk.

It's an option to consider not only if you are breastfeeding but for anyone who likes the idea of only having to think about birth control four times a year.

GOING THE DISTANCE: THE IUD

IUD stands for intrauterine device. Intrauterine means inside the uterus. There are two options: a copper IUD and a progestin-releasing IUD. An IUD must be placed in the uterus by a physician. If you've just given birth you must wait at least six weeks before an IUD can be inserted.

IUDs are very effective long-term contraceptives because they can stay in the uterus for up to five years. Both types of IUDs do not appear to have an effect on breast milk and are a good alternative to sterilization.

THE FINAL CUT: SURGICAL METHODS

If you know with absolute certainty that your family is complete, then sterilization will provide you with a permanent method of contraception.

His… Vasectomy is also referred to as male sterilization. This out-patient procedure is performed by a urologist, and requires use of a local anaesthetic. The vas deferens, which is the tube that carries sperm from the testicles, is cut. It is the most effective method of contraception controlled by the male partner. It is a simple procedure with very few side effects and is a good alternative if the female partner cannot use hormonal methods or the IUD. The reversal of a vasectomy is very difficult and you and your partner should be absolutely sure that you do not want to have any more children.

And Hers… Tubal ligation is a form of sterilization for women that interrupts the journey of the female egg to the uterus. It is ideal for women who have completed their families and do not want any other form of contraception. A reversal of the surgery is difficult and not always successful. When considering tubal ligation please keep in mind that a vasectomy is a much easier procedure that involves fewer health risks.

THE DOUBLE AGENTS: BARRIER METHODS

Barrier methods of contraception not only protect against pregnancy, they play a major role in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Use one of the following barrier methods in combination with another method of contraception and you will be well on your way to practicing safe sex:

• Condom
• Female condom
• Contraceptive sponge
• Diaphragm
• Cervical cap
• Spermicides

PLAY SAFE!

Hopefully we have provided you with an overview of the various methods of contraception. Bear in mind that every method has its own benefits and disadvantages. For example, many of the methods discussed do not protect against sexually transmitted infections and HIV. For protection against these be sure to use a condom and a spermicide. Talk it over with your doctor to make a choice that's right for you at this time in your life. And always: practice safe sex!

A FINAL WORD

As women we assume many roles during the course of our lives; being a mother and a lover are two of the most important. But no matter how much love and caring you put into these relationships, don't forget to look after yourself too. Take care!

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Healthy Beginnings - Third Edition From preconception to postnatal care, Healthy Beginnings is the ultimate guide to pregnancy and childbirth for Canada's mothers-to-be. read an excerpt

Last Updated November 20, 2007