Labor & Delivery

Midwife. It almost sounds medieval but midwives are truly present-day and they are becoming even more in demand currently. Many women are opting for a home birth and the numbers keep going up. Although this sounds strange to many of us in the U.S., the majority of babies in other parts of the world, including Europe, are delivered at home by a midwife.

Although there are dangers involved, it is important to remember that the mortality rate for infants is much lower in other parts of the world.

This is information all women should know whether they are planning to breastfeed or not. Even if you're not having a baby it would be good to know to pass on to someone who might never have heard this about drying up your breast milk. Amazingly, I breastfed 5 babies, have daughters who breastfed and, to my knowledge, none of us has ever heard about this.

So, during the early days after a baby is born, whether you had planned to nurse and it didn't go well or you just weren't planning to breastfeed, here is what you need to know.

Tips for drying up your Breast Milk

Much activity will happen within the first hour or two of your Newborn's life. It is good to know what tests and observations will be done during this time.

Some hospitals allow new parents to spend the first hour with their newborn, after initial assessment of the baby. Find out before your baby is born if this is an option as it is a wonderful first bonding opportunity. Babies that are going to be breastfed can also be put to the breast at this time.