As a teen mom-to-be, ask your healthcare provider for advice about breast-feeding. Why? Because the American Academy of Pediatrics says that for the first six months after birth, being fed nothing but breast milk saves babies' lives. Even so, most babies who aren't breast-fed are fine. If you plan to breast-feed, KellyMom.com recommends that a close teen friend attend breast-feeding classes with you to stay a part of your new life as your baby's godmother or special auntie. Ideally, your baby's dad will attend these classes, too.
Benefits
Planned Parenthood explains that if you feed your newborn to six-month-old nothing but breast milk and feed her often and whenever she's hungry, breast-feeding can keep you from getting pregnant. Breast-feeding saves you money and time with no formula to buy or bottles to prepare and carry says KellyMom.com. Breast-feeding teens gain confidence because their babies' food only comes from them. Breast-feeding burns extra calories now, and the National Cancer Institute and researcher K.N. Danforth's report in the July 2007 issue of "Cancer Causes Control" state that it lessens your risk of getting breast and ovarian cancers later.
Challenges
In 2006, the "International Breastfeeding Journal" printed the results of a study by researcher Siranda Torvaldsen that found that if a mother receives an epidural pain medication during childbirth her baby might not be able to breast-feed at first. But after the medication wears off, babies should breast-feed just fine. Your nipples might be tender to start, but this normally eases up. If your breasts stay sore, tell your healthcare provider. You might have a breast infection called mastitis. Signs of mastisis can include fever and flu-like aches and pains.
Considerations
If your baby is not correctly latched on to your breasts, feeding can hurt you. When your baby is properly latched on, her mouth is wide open, covers the areola, the dark part of your breast that surrounds the nipple, and your nipple is as far back in her mouth as possible. Adjust the way your baby is latched on to your breast by gently running your finger along his gums to break the suction; then guide him so that he latches on well.
Continuation
Drink lots of water throughout the day to build your milk supply and keep it full. Also, stay relaxed while breast-feeding to help your milk easily flow. While you're away from your baby, your breasts will fill with milk. To maintain your milk supply, extract your milk with a pump or squeeze it out by hand. You can save several frozen bottles of milk for later. This way others, like your baby's father, can help with feedings.
Supplies and Planning
Get a breast pump at a discount store, drug store or online, or ask your healthcare provider and the breast-feeding counselor at the hospital where you have your baby where to find one. After childbirth, before returning to school or work, talk to your school principal, nurse, guidance counselor or your boss to arrange for a clean, safe, quiet place to pump and refrigerate your milk.
Warning
AAP warns that If you have certain illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS or herpes sores on your breasts, or if you're taking medication or abusing drugs, breast-feeding could harm your baby. Also, breast-feeding is not okay if your baby is born with a rare illness called galactosemia that prevents her from digesting the sugar in breast milk. If you're worried about the safety of breast-feeding, tell your healthcare provider.
