Another topic women often put in their birth plans is getting started with breastfeeding. Women to Women supports a woman’s right to choose how she wants to feed her baby. That being said,  we do love to help a woman who chooses to breastfeed her baby.

Breastfeeding After Birth

• Many women make a record of the fact that they want to try to feed their baby directly after birth.
• In many instances this is possible, and the first attempt can be made just moments after delivery.
• Some babies take to breastfeeding like a fish to water, while others need some time to catch on to it.
• You can request a lactation consultant, a representative of Le Leche League, for example.
• There are some instances where the medical staff may feel it necessary to give a baby supplemental nourishment in the form of formula or glucose.
• Educate yourself on this issue and then decide what your preferences are.
• Remember to be flexible and that the medical staff wants what is best for your baby too, you may just have differences of opinions on what that is.

Breastfeeding Adjacent Issues

• Akin to the breastfeeding issue, is the use of pacifiers.
• You can specify if you want, or don’t want, a pacifier to be placed in your baby’s mouth to soothe them.
• Some people have very strong opinions on this issue and if you count yourself among that group, be sure to put this item on your birth plan.

If you are in need of a gynecologist or obstetrician, call Women to Women OB GYN Care. We have the added benefit of speaking English, Russian, and Spanish.