Interview with Latch Baby’s Author, Tracey Jedrzejek

Interview with Latch Baby’s Author, Tracey Jedrzejek

We recently sat down with Tracey Jedrzejek, the author of the new book, Latch Baby – Illustrated Guide to Breastfeeding Success, to get some advice on how new and expectant moms can reach their personal breastfeeding goals.

Q: What is the most important thing a mom can do before baby arrives?

A: I recommend contacting your health insurance company to find out what their coverage is for lactation consultation visits as well as pump purchases. Insurance companies often have a list of approved “in-network” lactation consultants, as well as a list of pumps you can order for no out-of-pocket cost. Ordering your pump while you are still pregnant ensures that you will have it ready to go in case you need it in the early weeks. I also recommend getting in touch with a lactation consultant ahead of time so that they can set aside some time for you once baby arrives.

Q: What is the biggest misconception about breastfeeding?

A: I think the biggest misconception is that breastfeeding is extremely hard, painful and time consuming. Initially, the feedings may take a while and can be somewhat painful, as you and your baby learn to breastfeed with a deep latch.

However, once baby gets a little older, feedings are typically completely comfortable and a lot quicker. I can’t tell you how many moms I’ve helped who were struggling in the beginning, wondering if they could make it through the first week who went on to breastfeeding for over a year because it was so “easy”.

Q: What advice would you give a new mom about her diet while nursing?

A: I would suggest continuing to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, just as you did during pregnancy. Although some new moms worry that they will have to limit their diet while breastfeeding, so as not to upset baby’s tummy, most new moms can eat whatever they like without causing any discomfort for their baby. Babies all over the world breastfeed while their moms eat everything from curry and chili

to broccoli and beans. If baby displays unusual fussiness about 4-6 hours after you eat, your baby may be sensitive to that food, at least temporarily. Try eating that food again a few days later to see if baby has a similar reaction.

Q: What can a new mom do to ease her transition back to work?

A: I recommend talking with your employer ahead of time to plan for break times and a suitable pumping location. Returning midweek can help you ease your transition into balancing your new working and pumping schedule. There are many products that make pumping at work easier and more efficient, such as hands-free pumping bras, microwave steam-clean bags and/or quick-clean wipes for pump parts. Seek out the advice of other moms who have pumped at work before you, to find out what worked best for them. Look at photos and videos of your baby while pumping to access the bonding hormones that will encourage your milk “let-down” to maximize the amount of milk pumped. If you are struggling with a decreasing milk supply once you return to work, look into supplementing your diet with galactagogues; herbs and foods that may help to increase your milk supply.

Q: How do you know when it is the right time to wean a baby off of breast milk?

A: Breastfeeding should continue as long as it is mutually desired by BOTH mom and baby. A mom’s decision to wean is extremely personal and should be based on her individual desires and not on the expectations of her family, friends, or society. Babies do not typically wean on their own before their first birthday.

Therefore, the weaning approach is often “parent-led”, when mom feels ready to wean. However, some babies decide that they are ready to wean (“baby-led”) before mom is ready for them to! It can go both ways. Regardless of who initiates weaning, it can be an emotional process for both mom and baby and therefore should ideally occur gradually.

Q: What should a new mom do if her baby is having trouble latching or if breastfeeding is too painful?

A: I encourage moms to seek out lactation support as soon as possible. In the meantime, it will be important to feed your baby and protect your milk supply

using an electric breast pump. It’s natural to feel discouraged if your baby isn’t latching, but lactation consultants have all sorts of tools and tricks to help your baby to breastfeed. Sometimes it takes a simple tweak in positioning. Other times it takes a bit more intervention and perseverance. Either way, most moms and babies can overcome any breastfeeding challenges with proper support.

Tracey Jedrzejek is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant in Silicon Valley. After teaching preschool and doing product development in the toy industry and successfully breastfeeding her own two children she found her true passion as a Lactation Consultant. She has worked with hundreds of moms and babies in the hospital setting, running support groups, teaching prenatal breastfeeding, and mostly through her private practice, Tracey Lactation. She wrote Latch Baby as a concise, practical, non-judgmental and illustrated guide to breastfeeding. She hopes that the colorful, easy-to-read format will help support and empower sleep-deprived moms throughout their personal breastfeeding experience. When Tracey isn’t helping new moms and babies, she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family, including her two fur babies.

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