Free Breastfeeding Video: “Successful Breastfeeding: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started”
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 video–it’s totally normal for them to see mothers breastfeeding their babies and it’s not even worth a second glance!)
Overall I found the recommendations to be right on. I particularly liked the discussion of how to help your older child feel included, and how colostrum changes into mature milk and mature milk consists of foremilk and hindmilk (see my article on “Amazing Ever-Changing Breast Milk” for more on those concepts). I’m glad the video stresses that a feeding can take up to an hour, although I didn’t like the statement that a woman should nurse for at least 15 minutes on each side in order to make sure the baby gets enough hindmilk. Don’t misinterpret that statement to mean that you should break the latch and switch sides at precisely 15 minutes. As my 4.5-year-old knows, your baby will tell you when he’s finished on one side.
I also didn’t like the statements about how breastfeeding isn’t for everyone and you shouldn’t be surprised if you have trouble with it. If you have trouble with it, get help! Seek support just as the video goes on to recommend.
VideoJug: Successful breastfeeding: a beginner’s guide to getting startedFor more information see Tips for Getting Breastfeeding off to a Good Start and an article on how to get support and help for breastfeeding from family, friends and professionals.
For more free breastfeeding videos, click here.
Tags: breastfeeding basics, how to, preparing to breastfeed, support, videosRelated Stories
POSTED IN: breastfeeding basics, how to, videos
5 opinions for Free Breastfeeding Video: “Successful Breastfeeding: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started”
Natalie
Jan 24, 2007 at 10:06 am
Why is it a bad thing if the video says “you shouldn’t be surprised if you have trouble”? I am a tremendous advocate of breastfeeding, but the fact is that most women do have some sort of trouble, major or minor, and many get discouraged because they think something is wrong with them because they’re having trouble. Maybe if it were more widely acknowledged that yes, it’s going to be hard, but it’s worth getting help and working through the problems, more women would stick with it because they wouldn’t feel so alone or dysfunctional.
Angela
Jan 24, 2007 at 10:24 am
Natalie - I totally agree with you. What I don’t like about it is that the full sentence says, “Breastfeeding isn’t for everyone so don’t be surprised if you have trouble.” To me it implies that if you have trouble, breastfeeding isn’t for you, which is ridiculous! As you said, it’s normal to need help in the early days as both mother and baby are learning how to breastfeed. Every new mother who has trouble should not hesitate at all to ask for help from a breastfeeding counselor, La Leche League leader or a lactation consultant.
Breastfeeding 1-2-3 » Reviews of Breastfeeding Products, Books and Clothing
Mar 4, 2007 at 7:53 pm
[…] Teaching Tools and Videos: Belly Balls (illustrate the size of a newborn’s stomach) (Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog) Free Video: Baby Massage Techniques (Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Free Video: Breast Self-Exam (Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Free Video: Successful Breastfeeding: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started (Breastfeeding 1-2-3) […]
Kat Pirone
Jul 8, 2007 at 5:45 pm
Hi,
I’m interested to see the free breastfeeding video, how do I locate it?
Thank you,
Kat
Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Jul 8, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Hi Kat! You should be able to view the video directly through this post by hitting the “play” or “pause” button below the video screen. If you are having trouble, you can go to directly to the videojug.com website (there should be a link or you can type it in). It’s possible that you need to download a free updated version of FlashPlayer.
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