Breastfeeding is my whole job right now, so it’s on my mind a lot. Here are some interesting facts (how interesting they are depends on your level of interest, I am sure):

• While pregnant, you need from 250-500 calories a day more than usual to support your growing baby (it depends on your starting weight). While breastfeeding, however, you need about 600 calories more per day. 
• You should drink an ounce of water for every pound you weigh, every day, while breastfeeding (this one from my friend Liz).
• Breastfeeding causes your uterus to contract – which you need it to do after birth. 
• Breast milk can help clear up conjunctivitis and other eye ailments. A dab will do you. It’s full of magic. 
• Breast milk poops aren’t smelly – they have a sweetish odor.
• Boob size doesn’t matter – any size breast can breastfeed.
• Breast type can matter – tubular breasts (Google it) will struggle to produce enough milk. 
• The milk you first produce – colostrum actually – is nutritionally dense for newborns, and, if you have a newborn and an older child you are breastfeeding, your body switches what type of milk to produce depending on who you are feeding (this from the midwives at the OB/GYN practice).
• Your partner is really important to your success – if your partner isn’t supportive, you’re not likely to be very successful. If your partner takes on other tasks (household, big kids, or other tasks for the baby -bathing, diapers, etc), you stand a much greater chance of being successful. 
• You can drink while breastfeeding, but don’t make it a habit. If you can drive, you can breastfeed but drinking frequently can lead to lower milk production – talk with your midwife or doctor if you have questions about this.