Surround Yourself With Support

Try to find at least one contact person who is supportive of your efforts to breastfeed. The isolation of being in the hospital with a sick baby is very stressful. Trying to nurse your baby without anyone to encourage you during this time is doubly difficult. The hospital staff are often so caught up with calories and “ins” (milliliters taken in each day), not to mention the dreaded daily weight check, that breastfeeding may be viewed as an inconvenience. It is much more difficult to measure. Someone who can pat you on the back when you're discouraged and celebrate with you when you've made progress, no matter how little, can be invaluable. If you have no close friends who would fit the bill, contact a local La Leche League Leader.