Topping the list of the most beautiful worldly pleasures happens to be motherhood, and the journey through it. However, it’s one thing to be a mother and another to sail through it successfully. First in this nurturing assignment is breastfeeding which can be both beautiful and challenging in equal measure, it may look natural, but in actual sense is down rightly difficult. Amongst a mother’s worry through the breastfeeding journey is if she would be in a position to provide the right nutrients for the baby. Study shows that 87 percent of new mothers get into breastfeeding immediately after childbirth but only 57 percent proceed through the 6 months exclusive breastfeeding mark. These calls to show how tremendously difficult keeping up with breastfeeding is. Active and successful nursing requires adequate planning, patience and a firm resolution, at times all it needs is trial without seizing, and somehow you will find your perfect routine. You know what they say, if symptoms persist seek medical advice or do I say if better gets to worse find a reliable help. Reliable help could as well be good advice on how to ace this, and that’s exactly what I have for you. Here is a list of reliable breastfeeding tips for you as a new mother:
- Master the baby’s feeding routine
Every baby has a feeding routine and by being observant you will be able to tell when it is time for the next feed. Anticipating the baby helps you avoid the alert cry and feed them just in time. A hungry baby may show you signs such as opening and closing of the mouth (not necessarily yawning), vigorous sucking of the pacifier or fingers, turning or trying to raise the head up and sticking out the tongue as if to lick something. Be keen to notice these moves and breastfeed, a baby breastfeeds well when peaceful.
- Allow the baby ample feeding time
The same way you take your sweet time through your meals so does your baby need enough time to consume to the fill. You should neither be in a hurry nor dictate how many times your baby breastfeeds in a day. Lactating moments and intake is always different, the baby may consume more after a nap than before it all depends on the duration taken before the next feed and the amount consumed prior. In your quest to monitoring their feeding pattern it’s also advisable not to wake up a sleeping baby to feed when you can do that after they wake up. Meaning you shouldn’t set predetermined feeding intervals for your baby, take it easy over a 10 minutes nursing moment , and also do not panic over a 30 minutes nursing moment. Just live in the moment be it long or short.
- Be comfortable throughout your nursing moment
Nursing is not something you do in haste; it takes a while to have your baby well-fed. All through the nursing process you will have to hold your baby close to your breast for an easy and comfortable feed. This means a little off balance, and both you and the baby may get uncomfortable. Find a reliable and well-supported sitting position to enable you breast feed properly and without interruption. Also note that a wrong sitting position may not just throw you off balance, but also cause you severe shoulder, back and neck pain. Not to forget, constant squirming will disrupt the baby’s feeding which due to irritation may make the baby stop breastfeeding and that would be compiled hunger on the baby. For a comfortable feeding position you may want to either lie down on your side and put the baby close to you or Sit down in a reclined position holding the baby on your arms. Whatever you decide, make sure it is comfortable enough.
- Understand your baby’s desired position
Babies may be different, but there are a few common factors about them. One being the breastfeeding position, every baby strives to find their best feeding position. It helps if you as a nursing mother would be keen enough to identify your baby’s favorite position, and make it easier by always directing them to it. You know it is a desire position when:
- The baby’s mouth is completely leveled with the nipple and can reach it without any struggle
- The baby does not swing, move or turn much during breastfeeding.
- The baby’s head is slightly tilted back, just enough to allow neck support while feeding.
- The baby latches on the entire areola.
- The baby’s chin is raised to your breast hence easy breathing.
Do not force a position on the baby but rather lead then to the right one, also be open to their choice it will come naturally. Remember it is easier breastfeeding at comfort.
- Do not fret over leaking
Leaking during breastfeeding is a natural phenomenal and shouldn’t get you panicking. This mostly happens either when you run into a crying baby or if your baby hasn’t nursed for many hours. It will definitely lessen as time goes by and is absolutely nothing to worry about. Simply have a nursing bra on to help absorb the leaking milk.
- Take care of your skin
The skin around the areola is the most delicate part of your breast; it can easily become cracked, dry, irritated or chapped during nursing making breastfeeding excruciating and uncomfortable. It is advisable to always take precautions such as:
- Wash the breast unlimited number of times and gently, two showers a day with a cleanser may be too many.
- Pat the breast dry after every feed with a soft, clean and dry cloth.
- Allow the breast air out periodically to limit irritation from the cover garments.
- Apply a soothing moisturizer after every feeding session.
Always have the skin healing products recommended for breastfeeding and be sure to use them in between feeding sessions for less irritation and comfort.
- Do not panic over less milk production
Your milk production depends entirely on your baby’s needs, as the baby sucks , so does the milk making hormones (Oxycontin and prolactin) get stimulated into producing and releasing more milk. However, this is never the case from the first suckle but rather develops through the numerous suckles. In addition to that do not be worried over the yellowish fluids experienced during the first day of breastfeeding, that is colostrum (a nutritious antibody that boost the immune system) and probably what your baby needs at the moment.
- Relax for easy latching
It is easier to either panic or worry over very many things during breastfeeding. Unknown to you your nerves tighten anytime you are nervous, and that makes it easier for the baby to sense tensed nerves during breastfeeding. No baby latches correctly over tensed nerves, stay away from stressing environments or anything that puts you in a panic mode right before nursing. Take a slow and deep breath to help you relax before breastfeeding your baby.
- Stay hydrated
As simple as it sounds water is life, work on your intake for a replenished body. The rules of breastfeeding states that you should take at least a glass of water after every breastfeeding session to enable you continue producing enough milk, and also stay hydrated.
- Do not fear asking for help
Ever heard of the saying ‘No man is an Island’ it is okay not to have the know-how, ask for help anytime you feel under exposed or nerve-wracked. There is always a lactating consultant awaiting your call, she will be able to take you through the breastfeeding steps one after another and also offer guidance on positioning your baby during breastfeeding. Also know that breastfeeding is a comfortable exercise, so when it begins to hurt hard enough to think otherwise then it is time for professional help. Do not shy away. Breastfeeding can be overwhelming, but with the right tips you’ll sail through just fine. Live in the moment; be comfortable, observant, relaxed and make the most out of it. Talk you us! Let’s know how the breastfeeding journey is taking you.