Breastfeeding Mom

D8C Books: Hi Holly, welcome to D8C Books Interviews. We're excited to talk about your latest book, “Breastfeeding: A Comprehensive Guide for Nursing Mothers.” First off, how many kids do you have?

Holly*: Thanks for having me! I have two kids, ages 6 and 3.

D8C Books: Did both your kids get breastfed? How long did you nurse them?

Holly: Yes, both were breastfed. I nursed my first for two and a half years and my second for two years.

D8C Books: That’s a pretty long time. Why the extra half year for your first child?

Holly: Well, each of my kids had different needs, and my first was what you’d call a high-needs baby—he just required more comfort and attention. Also, there was this one time, right around his second birthday, when I had to leave him with his dad for a week because of a work trip. We thought that might help with weaning, but it ended up being really tough on him. When I got back, he was so upset and obviously still wanted to nurse. I couldn’t bear to cut him off suddenly, considering how hard the separation was for him, so I decided to keep nursing him for another six months.

D8C Books: Holly, is breastfeeding straightforward for all moms? How was your experience?

Holly: It varies a lot from one mom to another. Some women start producing plenty of milk right after giving birth, which makes things smoother for them. For others, like myself, who've had cesareans, it’s a bit tougher because your body reacts differently than it does after a vaginal birth. Though it started out challenging for me—I even worried I might not succeed because I wasn't producing enough milk—it eventually got a lot easier and more practical. I hardly had to prepare any bottles, which means no sterilizing bottles and nipples, no fussing with getting the milk temperature right, and no endless cleaning. Once I got the hang of breastfeeding, it felt like a huge privilege not to deal with all that.

D8C Books: Did you face any of the issues you discuss in your ebook, like milk overproduction or blocked ducts?

Holly: Yes, I ran into a few issues, but knowing how to handle them makes all the difference. In the beginning, I dealt with nipple cracks—embarrassing, I know, but it's all part of breastfeeding. My baby wasn’t getting enough and would suck continuously, which is painful when you're not used to it and your skin isn't tough enough yet. Happily, this was quickly resolved at the clinic with a laser treatment. Sure, ointments are an option, but nothing beats using your own breast milk. Isn't it amazing how it can heal both the mother's and the baby’s skin? That’s something I delve into more in the ebook.

D8C Books: That's really interesting. I've never heard before that breast milk can heal baby's skin. Can you give an example?

Holly: Absolutely, one great example is using it for diaper rash. I learned this tip at the clinic, and it saved me a fortune since I didn't have to buy any rash creams or talcum powder. I never needed anything else—breast milk did the job perfectly!

D8C Books: Well, Holly, I know you need to run, but before you go, I want to encourage everyone to pick up your ebook. It covers common issues with breastfeeding and offers solutions validated by Austria's neonatology department. Anything else you'd like to add?

Holly: Yes, I want to stress that there's no such thing as a mother who can't produce milk. I've heard some moms avoid breastfeeding because they think they don’t have enough milk, but that’s just not the case. They might need to try some techniques like massage or using a breast pump, whether it’s electric or manual. I really urge them to keep trying because it’s so worth it—not just for the cost savings and convenience but for the baby’s well-being too. With perseverance, they’ll see their baby grow up healthier, more vibrant, empathetic, and even more beautiful. The longer you can continue breastfeeding, the better it is for both mom and baby. One last thing I want to emphasize is just how crucial a good chair is. Before I got my nursing chair, I was dealing with back pain during breastfeeding and pretty much all day long. Thankfully, I managed to find one for free online, and my mother-in-law helped me reupholster it. I can honestly say it’s the most essential accessory for breastfeeding. At a minimum, I recommend every mom get a comfortable chair with armrests where you can rest your elbows. It makes a world of difference.

D8C Books: Your ebook breaks down each aspect of practical breastfeeding, including the diet that nursing mothers should follow.

Holly: Absolutely. It's best to avoid alcohol, acidic foods, and semi-raw items like smoked salmon. Try to keep it to just one cup of coffee a day. It's also crucial to watch how different foods affect your baby. But generally, babies handle foods well through breast milk, especially those you regularly ate during pregnancy.

D8C Books: Thanks so much for joining us, Holly!

Note:

The name of the author marked with an asterisk (*) is a pseudonym. This is used for privacy and creative purposes.

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