Breastfeeding is important for both baby and mother. Breast milk is considered to be the best option for feeding a newborn, and mother nature made sure that women would be able to handle and meet the needs of the baby. As most mothers have experienced, however, some days are harder than others, and breastfeeding can be hard work. Only you know what is best for you and your family and it is up to you to decide how to nourish your child. Here are the basics of breast milk and production.

A few things to remember

Breast milk begins forming in the first three months, or the first trimester, you are pregnant. At first, however, it’s not considered “milk,” it is called colostrum. It is a yellowish liquid and it still has all the nutrients your baby will require. Once the colostrum has been produced the actual milk will be created.

Next, you will have to deal with what is commonly referred to as “milk let down.” This is when your milk will come out of your nipples even when your baby is not feeding. This is something your body does to ensure the baby has access to your milk, in case it has a hard time latching on to you. There are common triggers, like your baby (or any baby for that matter) crying, so make sure you carry plenty of breast pads for your bra during the first couple of months after you give birth to avoid accidents and embarrassing scenes.

Can I really lose weight by just breastfeeding?

Yes, you can. Breastfeeding, believe it or not, can help you lose weight after you give birth. You do need to make sure that you consume plenty of calories (around 1800 to 2000 per day) in order to maintain the proper breast milk production rate. Breast milk is important for the baby, so make sure that you do everything you can to keep it up. Bear in mind that the healthier you are, the better your milk will be for the baby. Make sure to take the appropriate vitamins and to pump frequently to keep your milk production up.

More questions?

With this basic breast milk production information, you should have a good idea of how your body and breast milk production will work to naturally provide for your baby. The more you know, the better off you will be. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor questions and doing research online can help quite a bit. Also, consider reading new mom forums where other women are sharing their own personal experiences.