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AlaskaParent.com winter 2025/26 alaska parent 35watery, mustard-colored bowel movements are normal and are not considered diarrhea. Consult an expert for reassurance if something doesn%u2019t feel right.5. Listen to Your Body%u2019s Cues of Hunger, Thirst and Fatigue: Although your body has to work hard to produce milk, eating when hungry and drinking when thirsty will likely provide your body with enough fuel. Rest while your baby rests whenever possible.6. Accept Help: Although many new moms are uncomfortable asking for or receiving help, Lucille urges parents to overcome these reservations. Don%u2019t be shy about addressing specific needs with requests like, %u201cIt would be wonderful if you could fold laundry.%u201d Involving partners and family members in your baby%u2019s care makes them feel included. When loved ones rock, bathe and sing to your baby, this teaches him that love and comfort do not always come from food.7. Seek Out Reassurance from Supportive Experts: If you ever have doubts, seek advice from those knowledgeable about (and supportive of) breastfeeding. Advisors who assure you they %u201ccouldn%u2019t breastfeed either%u201d or that formula-fed babies are %u201ceasier%u201d are not helpful when it%u2019s likely you%u2019re doing just fine.8. Don%u2019t Compare Your Experiences to Others: Keep in mind that babies, like adults, are all different. If a friend%u2019s baby is emptying the breast very quickly and sleeping through the night, this doesn%u2019t mean there is anything wrong with you or your baby if your experience is different.9. Know That You Can Continue Nursing When You Return to Work: Many moms avoid breastfeeding because they assume that they must stop once maternity leave ends. However, with planning and a hospitalgrade breast pump, there is no need to stop. It helps to delay the introduction of artificial nipples until after your milk supply and nursing relationship are well-established. Lucille says moms can introduce a bottle with breast milk to established nursers between one and three months of age, which is when babies are more adaptive to a bottle. By using a breast pump BREASTFEEDINGSUPPORT & RESOURCES* KELLY MOM: A go-to for evidence-based information on a wide range of topics, including maintaining milk supply, breastfeeding techniques, and answers to common questions. kellymom.com* LA LECHE ALASKA: Offers ongoing virtual meetings, a hotline for assistance, and information to support breastfeeding families. llli.org/lll-alaska* DHHS OFFICE ON WOMEN%u2019S HEALTH: Find facts about breastfeeding, get practical tips on how to make breastfeeding work for you, and learn about support resources available to you. womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding* ALASKA WIC PROGRAM: Provides free breastfeeding education, assessment, and support, in addition to nutrition services. To find a clinic near you, visit signupwic.com/find-a-clinic* RESOURCE CENTER FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN: Provides breastfeeding and peer counseling support groups. rcpcfairbanks.org* ALASKA NATIVE BIRTHWORKERS: Provides breastfeeding and postpartum support for Native birthing families. nativebirthworkers.organd nursing outside of business hours, you can still maintain a healthy nursing relationship.10. Relax and Enjoy Your Baby: Lucille is fond of telling moms, %u201cThe days are long, but the years are short.%u201d It may be hard to believe that the infant whose favorite place is your breast will soon be a squirming toddler with less interest in cuddling. Babies become children and adults before you know it. Enjoy this unhurried one-onone time while it lasts.