Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week With GITMom's Eirene Heidelberger! by Nicole DeAvilla

We’re celebrating World Breastfeeding Week! Do you know the pros and cons of breastfeeding? How to support a breastfeeding mom? How to avoid mom shaming when a mom makes her choice? We were thrilled to have our very own 30Seconds contributor, Eirene Heidelberger, founder of GITMom, share breastfeeding tips for nursing moms and all of us who are in a position to support them at our #30Seconds Twitter chat. Read on for Eirene's breastfeeding tips...

Q: What is World Breastfeeding Week?

World Breastfeeding Week is August 1-7, 2017. The goal of World Breastfeeding Week is to bring awareness to importance of breastfeeding to improve health of babies around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for the first six months because breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition. Breast milk provides invaluable goodness promoting physical development and protects the immune system. Breastfeeding also benefits mom. Studies show it helps reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

A1 a week to help bring awareness and stop shaming for breastfeeding #30seconds

— 💖Susan T💖🐶🐱 (@coralrae21) August 3, 2017

Q: What can parents, family and friends be doing to support moms in breastfeeding or otherwise?

It all begins with mom's health! Make sure she's supported physically and emotionally and not stressed out. Support mom in other ways while she is breastfeeding – burp and diaper baby, do laundry, clean dishes! Educate yourself on breastfeeding. Have the embarrassing conversations about engorgement, supply and nipples. Break the ice! Don’t judge mom if she finds breastfeeding a challenge!

I did too! Right after I spent 24 hours crying about not being able to feed my baby. #30seconds

— THYG (@HappinessUGive) August 3, 2017

Q: Can you speak a little to problems with "mom shaming" surrounding breastfeeding?

Mom shaming is everywhere. It’s hard to avoid! Ignore the haters and follow your own path. Everyone has their reasons for choosing how to feed their newborn. There is no shame in bottlefeeding if that is the best option for you.

Ugh! This drives me crazy! Why would you shame a mom for taking care of her baby and herself? #30seconds https://t.co/bG2jshDB97

— THYG (@HappinessUGive) August 3, 2017

Q: Why is your own personal philosophy on breastfeeding?

At GITMom, our breastfeeding stance is "Fed Is Best." If mom is happy and Baby is thriving and growing, who cares what the source is. A confident and happy woman will be a much better mom if she isn't chained to her child all the time. Every woman’s feeding journey with their child is unique. It’s nobody else’s business!

They were a wonderful roller coaster ride! Having a coach like @GIT_mom would have been amazing! #30Seconds

— Elisa All Schmitz (@elisatalk) August 3, 2017

Q: What would you say to a new mom just starting breastfeeding? Words of encouragement or advice?

Get educated on the benefits of breastfeeding and get comfortable with how to be successful at it. Take a class to get one-on-one advice and to learn what to expect after baby is born. Everybody produces milk differently, every baby feeds differently. Knowledge is power for Mom. As soon as you give birth, contact a specialist to make a stop at your hospital room for guidance.

Even after all the books I read. She turned him sideways & felt like she threw him on my like a football to get him latched on! #30Seconds

— Meredith Schneider (@Merber38) August 3, 2017

Q: What challenges do women often experience with breastfeeding?

Many women find breastfeeding very stressful. It’s OK to accept it’s not for everyone. Some babies have trouble latching, or moms have problems with their milk supply. It’s important for women to know they are not alone. There is help available. Returning to work is a challenge. Often they don’t get the time needed to pump to maintain their supply.

Moms have to realize that it's not them. Everyone is different including the babies. #30seconds

— Nicole DeAvilla (@NicoleDeAvilla) August 3, 2017

Oh yes nobody should feel alone! Especially with this incredible #30Seconds tribe! 😊

— Meredith Schneider (@Merber38) August 3, 2017

Q: Any additional tips for new moms?

Breastfeeding is magical, but remember FED IS BEST! Take a break if it gets too stressful. Get your partner involved and get some mommy me-time in. At GITMom I say, "Even though you feel overwhelmed, you know more than you think and you can do this."

Be sure to follow @GitMom, visit GITMom.com, like her on Facebook and check out Eirene’s 30Seconds page!