When I first found the video on how to perform a breast self-exam, I was disappointed not to find a VideoJug video on how to breastfeed. Fortunately the website has a place to submit requests for future video topics and my request was granted! The following is a very helpful five-minute video on how to breastfeed a newborn. Keep in mind that the video shows the naked breast and nipple and may not be appropriate for viewing at work or in front of children (although I have to giggle to myself because my kids would not think anything of this …read more

1. Admire your baby. Talk and sing to your baby. Look your baby in the eyes. Of course interacting with your child is number 1!
2. Lie down in bed. If you have not yet mastered the side-lying position, I highly recommend that you do so ASAP! This is one of the best ways for a mother to get some rest. (Of course, make sure that the bed conditions are safe for the baby in case you both happen to fall asleep while nursing–a beautiful thing!)
3. Drink water and eat a healthful snack. It’s a good idea to keep water handy …read more

My husband was integral in supporting breastfeeding after the births of each of my daughters. I am so fortunate that he watched his younger brother nurse well into toddlerhood. He got an excellent and lasting lesson in the importance of breastfeeding!
My husband was instrumental in helping me establish a successful nursing relationship with my first-born. He helped position her at the breast, and he “oohed and aahed” over the sight of her nursing. He even took pictures of those first nursing sessions! He praised both me and the baby and delighted in our success. At home, he supported us by …read more

I look back at the moments when each of my newborn babies were laid on my chest as some of the most powerful and satisfying moments in my life. My first baby knew instinctively where “the good stuff” was and she wiggled and rooted around until she settled contentedly on the breast (with a little help latching on!) I could hardly wait to experience the same moments of bonding with my second child.
During that short window after the birth where the baby is alert and awake, it is so wonderful for mother and baby to have the time together to …read more

Just a few administrative notes about the blog. Sorry if you’ve had trouble emailing me in the past. You can click here to email me, or use the “Email me!” link in the side bar, or type my address in your email directly (inserting the appropriate symbols): angela “at” b5media “dot” com.
Speaking of emailing me, click the links below read how to:
Submit your breastfeeding story
Submit a question for the Mom-to-Mom series
If you’re not participating in the NaBloPoMo challenge as a blogger, please consider participating as a reader! Your challenge is to comment on at least one blog (pick me! pick …read more

Share your story! If you have a positive, humorous, touching or otherwise inspiring story related to breastfeeding, email me! In a regular series, I’ll feature readers’ experiences. Submissions may be edited for clarity and length. Consider writing about:

While at first it appears that the breastfeeding mother and baby only need each other, there is a whole cast of people in supporting roles–people who help mother and baby have a positive nursing experience. When my daughter was a newborn, I joked that it took four people to nurse: me, my baby, my husband to help adjust pillows and latch the baby on, and my mother to bring me water and snacks. With that vital support, the nursing relationship quickly blossomed.
1. Husband/partner. If the breastfeeding mother is in a relationship, it’s important that her partner supports breastfeeding. A husband …read more

When my first daughter was just four months old, I moved to a new town. With the stress of moving and some trouble breastfeeding, I was completely overwhelmed. I needed breastfeeding help and had heard of La Leche League. I looked up the contact phone number for a local leader on-line and screwed up the courage to call her, even though I wasn’t sure how to pronounce “La Leche” League. I needn’t have worried. The volunteer mother immediately knew why I was calling and was happy to help me. I soon started attending meetings and got to know some other mothers in the area. Thank goodness …read more

Welcome to the first question in the “Mom to Mom” series! I’ll do the asking this first time, but if you have a question you’d like to pose or a thought you’d like to discuss, find out how to submit a topic.
Q: What should I do to prepare to get breastfeeding off to a good start? Do you have any advice for establishing a good nursing relationship once the baby arrives?
A: I’ll always be grateful to the mother who wrote in to a parenting magazine with the advice to commit to breastfeeding for eight weeks. Those early weeks are a …read more