Yet for some new moms, breast feeding can be difficult and even frustrating. Many factors can influence a mother's success rate when it comes to breast feeding, but with the right set of tools and support she can set her child up with a lifetime of physical and emotional advantages.
Nurse Soon After Birth
Newborn babies are most alert in the first hour or two after birth. It is an exciting and tiring adventure to be born into this world, so many babies fall into a deep sleep in the hours proceeding their journey. There is no need for concern if the infant has not eaten much in these first few hours, but studies have shown that infants who nursed soon after birth had a longer duration of breastfeeding than infants who were first put to breast 3 to 6 hours after (
Taylor, 1986 ).Establish a Proper Latch
Some women make it look so easy, but a proper latch can be one of the most challenging parts of breast feeding---for new moms especially. It may seem strange, but there is a right and wrong way to position your baby while nursing, and knowing the difference will promote ease and comfort for both you and your little one. One of the best ways to learn proper latching technique is by meeting with a lactation counselor. Many hospitals have one on staff for post-partum moms. Finding a local chapter of La Leche League is another way to get support from experts and other nursing moms.
Avoid Artificial Nipples
While some babies switch back and forth from breast to bottle easily from the first day, introducing a bottle before a nursing routine is established can cause nipple confusion (yes its a real thing!) Dr. Sears says, "Baby tries to use the bottle-feeding technique on the breast and has difficulty latching-on and sucking. Baby gets very frustrated, and so does mother."
Nurse On Demand
It may seem like your new baby will spend most of the first few weeks nursing---and that's OK. Newborn babies need to nurse about 10-12 times a day. The more they nurse, the sooner your milk will come in and continue producing more. Don't be afraid of over-feeding your baby. If he or she is scared, lonely, sick, hungry, or just bored they may want to latch on, so let them. Your breasts are nature's best pacifier. Pay attention to feeding cues such as wriggling around, rapid eye movements, or gumming their hands. Avoid waiting until the baby is crying to be fed.
Set Up a Nursing Station
It may seem like you can barely get a shower in while you are breastfeeding a newborn. You can make your time more productive by anticipating things you might need while sitting down for a feeding. This can include everything from a pillow for comfort, cloth diapers for spit-up, a book to read, or your laptop to catch up on emails. Also have a drink handy, this will ensure you are getting enough fluids.
Stay Calm
Some women panic if they feel like their baby is not getting enough to eat before their milk comes in. But, you can breathe easy knowing that nature has created nutrient and antibody rich colostrum to provide all your baby needs those first few days. A newborn's kidneys can also only process a few teaspoons full of liquid, so don't be afraid that your baby isn't getting enough. Colostrum's laxative quality produces just the right amount to flush out meconium and prevent jaundice.
Get Some Rest
Having a newborn is exhausting. Luckily you have a built in napping partner. When your baby sleeps so should you--the laundry can wait.
Ask For Help If:
- Your baby is not latching on well, or nursing just doesn’t “feel right’.
- Your breasts are engorged, or you are having breast or nipple pain, especially after the first couple of weeks. Breastfeeding is not supposed to hurt!
- Your baby is several days old and is not having 6-8 wet diapers and several bowel movements in each 24 hour period.
- Your baby is sleepy and hard to wake up for feedings. He is nursing less than 8 times in 24 hours.
- There are special circumstances such as jaundice, prematurity, low weight gain, cleft lip/palate, or neurological problems.
- You develop a breast infection (mastitis) or plugged ducts.
- You intend to return to work or school, or to be separated from your baby due to travel or hospitalization.
- You have any questions or problems related to breastfeeding.
What breastfeeding tips do you have? Share in the comments section!
Breastfeeding for 17 months in Granolaville,
