Breastfeeding Tips
Feeling frazzled trying to breastfeed? You're not alone. Review our tips for success.
The first few weeks of breastfeeding can be very challenging for a new mom. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:
- Choose a comfortable place to nurse. Sit back, rest your head and neck, and use a foot rest to enhance your comfort. Comfort is key since you will be in this position for some time.
- Have a glass of water handy and any other item that you may need during this time such as a snack, telephone, or magazine.
- Use a nursing pillow or regular pillow to help position your baby.
- Place your baby in the desired breastfeeding position BEFORE attempting to latch your baby to your breast.
- Make sure that your baby is comfortable in this position.
- When enticing your baby to open his/her mouth, move your nipple from an up-to-down position, stimulating your baby from the nose down to the chin.
- Place some manually expressed breastmilk (or formula if no breastmilk is available) directly onto your nipple to help entice your baby to latch.
- For a sleepy baby, try waking your baby by:
- Rubbing your baby's back along his/her spine.
- Tickling your baby's feet.
- Removing blankets, clothes and hat. Babies love to sleep when they are cozy and warm.
- Wipe your baby's face and chest with a cool, damp cloth.
- Change to a football hold or in an upright position so your baby isn't snuggling into you.
- If all else fails, put your baby near your breasts skin-to-skin with you and give your baby another 30 minutes to an hour to wake up and get hungry. The skin-to-skin contact keeps your baby close to you, smelling your scent and helps to stimulate your milk.
- Breastfeeding may be uncomfortable at the very beginning, but the pain should ease after the first couple of minutes. If it doesn't, your baby may not be latched properly. Take your baby off of the breast, making sure to break his/her seal with your finger first, and then try again.
- A nipple shield may be helpful in assisting your baby to latch in the first week. Once good breastfeeding has been established, stop using the shield.
- Wait to offer a bottle or pacifier until good breastfeeding has been established. Bottles are much easier for babies to remove milk from. This could potentially cause your baby to prefer the easy bottle instead of your breast which is more work.
- Many breastfeeding moms are concerned that their baby is not getting enough milk. It is true that in the first few days, you will only be producing drops of colostrum. Colostrum, although low in quantity, is very high in quality. Colostrum is rich in protein and low in fat and sugar.
- A good guide for assessing adequate intake is if your baby is sleeping 2-3 hours between feeds, is having normal stools, and is having 6-8 wet diapers a day.
- Keep a chart of the time your baby feed, the length of the feeding, the breast you started with, and if your baby had a wet or poopy diaper. This is especially useful if you have more than one baby.
- You may find it helpful to use a bracelet or similar item to place on the arm that corresponds to the breast that you started your feeding session with.
With patience, practice, and time, breastfeeding your baby will become second nature. Don't give up....you can do it!
Breast Feeding With Sore Nipples
The number one reason why a woman has sore nipples is poor positioning and latching, not the lack of preparation. Possibly, the baby is not turned toward the mother or the baby's mouth is not over the nipple but on the tip of it. Some babies go on to the breast with a wide mouth. But, throughout the feed, slides slowly down to the nipple.
Having the right positioning for breastfeeding will play a major role in reducing nipple soreness. Use you hand to support the baby's neck. The baby's mouth should be open wide with the lips puckered out like "fish lips", not folded in. The nipple should go back as far into his or her mouth as possible. If you need help finding the proper positioning, ask a nurse, midwife, or other experienced mother for some help breastfeeding.
If however your nipples are persistently or suddenly sore you might have a thrush infection. Other symptoms of thrush are pink, flaky skin and itchy nipples. Stopping breast-feeding will not help the infection or sore nipples, in fact they are more likely to be helped by frequent nursing.
Thrush is a fungal infection, which begins in the baby's mouth and can spread to the breast, making your nipples feel sore and itchy. Thrush is present in or on everyone's body - it's a normal part of the digestive system and generally bacteria keep it in check. A nursing mother have thrush if she has sore or cracked nipples, have deep, shooting pains after nursing, or have vaginal thrush.
Babies have a natural talent to suckle at the mother's nipples. They do so by pushing the nipples with the palate of their mouths. For some women, especially who are breastfeeding their babies for the first few times, this could be a very painful process. Babies could sometimes clamp the nipples very hard causing the nipples to become sore and cracked.
It's also easy for breastfeeding mothers to be active and go out with their babies knowing that they'll have instant food available whenever their little one is hungry and they don't have to carry an extra bag of bottle feeding paraphernalia. There will be times when you need to go out on an urgent matter and if there is no-one available, you will have to take baby with you."
If your baby is latched on and sucking correctly, you should not feel any pain. Sometimes the baby's initial suck may cause a slight stinging pain which quickly subsides as baby continues sucking. If the pain continues or your baby is not sucking correctly, stop and start over again. Break the suction by putting your finger in the side of the baby's mouth between the gums.
Purified Lanolin causes an allergic reaction although it gets rid of the soreness and as such it should not be used by mothers who are sensitive. Vitamin E oil is also effective but it can get deposited in the baby's liver as it is a fat-soluble vitamin. Salves based on Petroleum can clog your skin pores and products containing alcohol can make your skin very dry. Generally, it is advisable to avoid application of ointments on the breast.
Choosing to breastfeed your baby can be a rewarding and healthy experience for both you and your baby, but knowing what to expect and weighing the benefits against the inconveniences will help you decide if breastfeeding your baby is the right choice for you.
10 Steps For Successful Breastfeeding
Here are a collection of tips from breastfeeding gurus, moms, health care practitioners, and others who care about breastfeeding moms and babies.
1) An uncomplicated birth makes breastfeeding less complicated because mom and baby are more alert and awake, getting breastfeeding off to the best start. If at all possible plan for a natural birth.
2) Insist on no unnatural nipples. Alert infirmary staff in writing and verbally that you are going to be breastfeeding and tell them you don't want your child to receive any kind of artificial nipple.
3) Find a Pediatrician and OB or Midwife who supports breastfeeding. Some give lip service to the "breast is best" mantra, but suggest weaning to formula at the first sign of difficulty. Find a real breastfeeding advocate who will help you overcome challenges if they come up.
4) hear the baby. Babies nurse for a wide selection of reasons, some of which have nothing to do with hunger. Nursing frequently ensures you'll bring in a healthy milk supply to meet your infant's wants. It's also soothing to him and eases his transition into the world .
5) Wear your baby. Wearing baby in a sling makes nursing simpler because baby is close to you. Wearing him helps to organize his movements and help him target nursing. It also makes nursing in public much more content. Dr. William seals said about this : "Probably one of the most fantastic aspects of a sling or carrier is that it allows breastfeeding on the go. Busy mums can nurture their babies with the best nutrition, yet still continue their active lifestyles."
6) Talk to your child's father and your folks. Be sure to communicate to your family how strongly you feel about nursing. Sell them on the advantages so they will support you.
7) Learn to nurse in public. Breastfeeding author Amy Spangler announces : "I inspire younger girls, if they've a comfort level doing so to delight breastfeed their babies wherever they are because till we get that critical size of ladies doing just that, we're not going to switch the attitudes of the general public." Practice latching baby on in front of a mirror so you can learn how to do so discreetly.
8) Don't compare your baby with others. Healthy, well fed breastfed babies come in all shapes and sizes. Your baby will grow in a particular pattern generally because of genetics.
9) Get your latch right. Learning how to latch your baby onto the breast is one of the most, if not the most vital thing you can do to avoid discomfort and guarantee adequate draining of the breast ( that will lead to an abounding milk supply ). Get help if you and your baby are having difficulty.
10) Try cosleeping. Sharing sleep with baby makes breastfeeding simpler. Babies who sleep with their mummies take in more milk and excite mom's breastfeeding hormones. And everybody generally gets more sleep.
1) An uncomplicated birth makes breastfeeding less complicated because mom and baby are more alert and awake, getting breastfeeding off to the best start. If at all possible plan for a natural birth.
2) Insist on no unnatural nipples. Alert infirmary staff in writing and verbally that you are going to be breastfeeding and tell them you don't want your child to receive any kind of artificial nipple.
3) Find a Pediatrician and OB or Midwife who supports breastfeeding. Some give lip service to the "breast is best" mantra, but suggest weaning to formula at the first sign of difficulty. Find a real breastfeeding advocate who will help you overcome challenges if they come up.
4) hear the baby. Babies nurse for a wide selection of reasons, some of which have nothing to do with hunger. Nursing frequently ensures you'll bring in a healthy milk supply to meet your infant's wants. It's also soothing to him and eases his transition into the world .
5) Wear your baby. Wearing baby in a sling makes nursing simpler because baby is close to you. Wearing him helps to organize his movements and help him target nursing. It also makes nursing in public much more content. Dr. William seals said about this : "Probably one of the most fantastic aspects of a sling or carrier is that it allows breastfeeding on the go. Busy mums can nurture their babies with the best nutrition, yet still continue their active lifestyles."
6) Talk to your child's father and your folks. Be sure to communicate to your family how strongly you feel about nursing. Sell them on the advantages so they will support you.
7) Learn to nurse in public. Breastfeeding author Amy Spangler announces : "I inspire younger girls, if they've a comfort level doing so to delight breastfeed their babies wherever they are because till we get that critical size of ladies doing just that, we're not going to switch the attitudes of the general public." Practice latching baby on in front of a mirror so you can learn how to do so discreetly.
8) Don't compare your baby with others. Healthy, well fed breastfed babies come in all shapes and sizes. Your baby will grow in a particular pattern generally because of genetics.
9) Get your latch right. Learning how to latch your baby onto the breast is one of the most, if not the most vital thing you can do to avoid discomfort and guarantee adequate draining of the breast ( that will lead to an abounding milk supply ). Get help if you and your baby are having difficulty.
10) Try cosleeping. Sharing sleep with baby makes breastfeeding simpler. Babies who sleep with their mummies take in more milk and excite mom's breastfeeding hormones. And everybody generally gets more sleep.
Using a Nursing Pillow When Breast Feeding
A breastfeeding pillow can be a perfect solution to ease the strain of sitting up and holding the baby soon after birth and during the entire period of nursing. Many mothers are exhausted physically after childbirth, after having gone through the various stages of pregnancy. Many mothers-to-be take the time and shop for a breastfeeding pillow as it ensures a healthy posture while feeding as well as eases the strain on them while nursing the baby.
Design Of A Breastfeeding Pillow
It is shaped like the alphabet U and consists of an arched portion and two bolsters. It is usually easy to dismantle and the pillow and its cover are machine washable. It usually fits snugly around the waist of a lactating mother and maintains a correct height to ensure a good posture as well as to ensure correct latching. The best breast feeding pillows therefore are made of a soft and comfortable material, yet not too soft as to be uncomfortable with the baby sinking too deep into the pillow. It has to be washable and should not get lumpy on washing as it may then not be very useful. Some pillows have a waterproof inner cover to ensure that only the case needs washing and that the pillow remains free from dust and mites keeping it safe and clean for your baby.
It is a fairly common complaint that the back, neck and arms of a nursing mother are most strained while nursing a baby, but with a proper breastfeeding pillow such complaints may be a thing of the past. Many of these pillows are ergonomically designed to ensure that they protect the nursing mother from the most common complaint, back pain.
Uses Of A Breastfeeding Pillow
A breastfeeding pillow is not very expensive and is extremely useful. Many mothers-to-be use it even during pregnancy to rest their limbs, it even has uses after the nursing period! While the baby is trying to sit up the pillow offers it a cushion to sit in and play with. It is also great for mothers who bottlefeed the baby, ensuring the baby is held in the right position reducing the chances of choking etc.
It can be a perfect gift to give to your loved ones who are expecting and one that will be much appreciated. There are so many designs and brands available that expectant mothers enjoy shopping around for the perfect pillow that will be extremely useful to them.
It is recommended as a must have necessity of a nursing mother as it helps protect her from the after effects of maintaining bad posture while the body is recovering from the ordeal of childbirth. As the pillow takes away most of the strain the mother can enjoy breastfeeding her child and strengthen her bond with the baby. Relatively inexpensive and extremely useful, a breastfeeding pillow is indeed a must have accessory for a nursing mother.
Design Of A Breastfeeding Pillow
It is shaped like the alphabet U and consists of an arched portion and two bolsters. It is usually easy to dismantle and the pillow and its cover are machine washable. It usually fits snugly around the waist of a lactating mother and maintains a correct height to ensure a good posture as well as to ensure correct latching. The best breast feeding pillows therefore are made of a soft and comfortable material, yet not too soft as to be uncomfortable with the baby sinking too deep into the pillow. It has to be washable and should not get lumpy on washing as it may then not be very useful. Some pillows have a waterproof inner cover to ensure that only the case needs washing and that the pillow remains free from dust and mites keeping it safe and clean for your baby.
It is a fairly common complaint that the back, neck and arms of a nursing mother are most strained while nursing a baby, but with a proper breastfeeding pillow such complaints may be a thing of the past. Many of these pillows are ergonomically designed to ensure that they protect the nursing mother from the most common complaint, back pain.
Uses Of A Breastfeeding Pillow
A breastfeeding pillow is not very expensive and is extremely useful. Many mothers-to-be use it even during pregnancy to rest their limbs, it even has uses after the nursing period! While the baby is trying to sit up the pillow offers it a cushion to sit in and play with. It is also great for mothers who bottlefeed the baby, ensuring the baby is held in the right position reducing the chances of choking etc.
It can be a perfect gift to give to your loved ones who are expecting and one that will be much appreciated. There are so many designs and brands available that expectant mothers enjoy shopping around for the perfect pillow that will be extremely useful to them.
It is recommended as a must have necessity of a nursing mother as it helps protect her from the after effects of maintaining bad posture while the body is recovering from the ordeal of childbirth. As the pillow takes away most of the strain the mother can enjoy breastfeeding her child and strengthen her bond with the baby. Relatively inexpensive and extremely useful, a breastfeeding pillow is indeed a must have accessory for a nursing mother.
