“Are you intending to breastfeed?” is one of the first things women are asked after announcing their pregnancy. While nursing may appear to be a natural activity for women, it is not always so for mom and baby.
We at Moreland OB-GYN know that each mother and baby is unique. We are here to assist you to make the greatest decision for you and your kid. Here are our top 10 suggestions for breastfeeding success, whether you’re just starting out or already have a kid.
Keep an open mind
You don’t have to look far to realize how simple breastfeeding is for mothers. Rarely seen are the plethora of elements that influence breastfeeding decisions. Am I happy with it? Is it time to go back to work? Is my partner on board? Does my health condition or medicine preclude me from nursing? Can I produce enough milk to feed my baby?
It’s not always easy to decide whether or not breastfeeding is best for you. So, go into nursing with an open mind, the support of loved ones, and a sense of humor.
Do Homework
It’s a good idea to conduct some research before you start nursing. Ask for guidance from friends and family, read online articles and blogs, join online or in-person breastfeeding support groups, and consult your doctor. Not only can research help you learn from other women’s experiences, but talking to friends and family may help you gain the support and encouragement you need to succeed.
Proper Position
Proper placement when breastfeeding helps your baby latch properly, preventing nipple discomfort and other frequent concerns for nursing mothers.
Here are the top five breastfeeding holds recommended by lactation professionals and nursing mothers:
Hold Cradle: A baby is cradled in your arms, with their head resting in the crook of your elbow on the side you’ll be nursing.
Crossover Hold: Place your infant on your lap and cradle his/her head with the hand opposite the feeding breast.
Football: Place your infant at your side, tucking their legs under your arm like a receiver clutching a football. For women who underwent a C-section and don’t want their baby against their belly, huge breasts, a tiny or preterm baby, or twins.
Lie-back: Place your infant tummy-to-tummy on a bed, sofa, or comfy chair. Gravity should keep your baby close. This means that baby may lie in any position and still access your breast. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and gastric reflux are all helped by this posture.
Position yourself and your baby on your sides, tummy-to-tummy, so your baby can reach your breast. (This posture is wonderful for night feedings, but remove additional blankets surrounding your baby to avoid suffocating.)
Keep hydrated and eat well.
Healthy eating and drinking are crucial for everyone’s health, but it’s critical for pregnant and nursing mothers. Milk production consumes roughly 500 calories each day, but it doesn’t imply you should eat more. Women who started their pregnancy at a normal weight and maintained within their doctor’s suggested weight range may need to increase their daily calorie intake. Nursing mothers should aim for eight glasses of water each day.
It not only prevents dehydration but also aids in postnatal recovery. Breastfeeding mothers should eat a range of nutrient-dense meals, including protein, calcium, and iron. Breastfeeding mothers should consume leafy greens, yellow fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, complex carbs, and Omega 3 meals. Take your prenatal vitamin every day.
Set the Mood
Get comfy and reduce the amount of activity and tension around you before you start nursing. In a quiet environment, sit on a sofa, chair, glider, or bed, and use cushions to lift and support your baby while you nurse.
Wear Nursing Bra
Breastfeeding success requires nursing bras. Also, they guarantee that blood circulates freely throughout soft breast tissue, lowering the risk of clogged milk ducts. Blocked milk ducts are uncomfortable and usually restrict your breasts’ milk production.
There are thousands of kinds and types of nursing bras available, but most parents use a nursing bra frequently, especially in the first few weeks of breastfeeding.
Buy a Good Breast Pump
Investing in a reliable breast pump is an excellent option if you expect to return to work after your baby is born, or if you have twins. If your baby is born early, it may take them a little longer to become used to breastfeeding, so pumping will help your milk come in and allow you to feed your baby the nutrient-rich early milk. Having multiples might make feeding difficult, so pumping can assist. Electric pumps allow working women to keep up their milk production when away from their babies.
Involve Your Partner
The importance of including your spouse in the nursing process is vital, even if they can’t contribute as much as you can. They can assist by bringing the baby to you, assisting with latching, offering you a refreshing drink of water, juice, or milk, or burping the baby afterward. This kind of support is not only crucial for nursing mothers but also helps your spouse bond with the child.
Take care of you
Breastfeeding is a tremendous commitment to both you and your baby, and it’s sometimes a rollercoaster ride. As a result, it’s critical to schedule daily self-care. Enlist your partner, relatives, or friends to care for the infant while you enjoy “normal” activities. Take a bath, relax in your garden, go on a stroll, do yoga or just rest.
Be Kind to Yourself
Even with information, a partner’s support, and an open mind, things don’t always go as planned. We all have challenges from time to time, whether it be with feeding, complications, or trying nursing and deciding it isn’t for you. You’re a terrific parent if you focus on choosing the greatest option for you, your kid, and your lifestyle.
How Often to Breastfeed a Baby
Not hungry at birth, their hunger develops on the third day. As a result, you will need to launch or push the procedure at first.
During the first several weeks, breastfeed every two to three hours. This implies you’d need to nurse 8-12 times each day. Many feel that newborn nursing should be done solely when your baby is hungry, not on a schedule. Consult your doctor and a lactation professional and follow their advice.
The baby’s stomach expands. Her feeding will get longer and less frequent over time. Follow the following advice and trust your intuition for a fulfilling nursing career. Good luck!
References
www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/hw130283
/breastfeed-complete-visual-guide/