13 Tips for breastfeeding your baby
Being a new mom is a wonderful thing, but most people assume it can be a relatively easy time because the baby is so young. The confusion and stress that accompany it can be very difficult. Something as simple as breastfeeding, which seems so simple, can be tricky to do right. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that you and your baby can comfortably embrace the world of breastfeeding.
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- Breastfeed your baby as soon as possible – if you and your baby are fine, it is ideal to have it soon after birth.
- Get help to breastfeed in the right position. If you're having pain it may be a positioning problem. It is normal to experience initial tenderness, but if the pain you feel gets worse, it is not normal. The hospital midwife, or the community midwife who visits your home, can help you improve the positioning of the nursing so that it won't be painful.
- Hold your baby close to you. Skin-to-skin contact (as and when possible) while your baby is clinging to you can be soothing to your baby and help you respond to the cues they make when they are hungry.
- It is normal to drink milk frequently in the initial days as hunger is an active instinct of babies. Don't try to create a routine right now, just go with your baby's needs and reactions. This can happen again and again in the initial days.
- Feed your baby from both breasts every time, even if your baby is drinking from only one.
- Breastfeeding is a process that you and your baby need to learn together and it may take a while for it to feel normal and natural. What happens in the initial days and weeks turns for the better, and you'll feel like the most comfortable thing to do with the passage of time.
- When you are breastfeeding your baby, it is better not to make her a habit of bottle feeding of any kind. Using a bottle and sucker can affect your baby's breastfeeding skills.
- If you are feeling sore after a long period of pain-free breastfeeding, it could be a result of fungal infection on your nipple. Contact your doctor. You and your baby will need medical attention if this condition occurs.
- It is better not to watch the time during breastfeeding. It is irrelevant to success how long your baby is at the breast and does not reflect the amount of milk that is received. Many babies drink as much as they need in a few minutes, while others take longer. Just keep a close eye on your baby's needs.
- Most babies naturally take breaks during breastfeeding that vary in timing. But long breastfeeds (eg, more than an hour on a regular basis) that fail to keep your baby happy and leave them restless is a sign that something might not be right. Check the positioning again to make sure your baby is feeding a satisfactory amount.
- Change your breast pads regularly as dirty breast pads can develop bacteria.
- To stop breastfeeding, gently remove your baby from the nipple by loosening the suction seal created by the baby. To do this, gently slide your finger up to the corner of your baby's mouth and gently pull them away.
- Squeeze some milk on your nipple and massage it. If possible, allow your nipples to air dry for a while. It will help to keep health and cleanliness.
