5 breastfeeding tips new moms should know about
Breastfeeding provides all the nutrition that your baby needs for the first six months of life. And it can give your baby most of their nutrition for the first year of their life and beyond. Breast milk also helps to protect your baby against a range of infections, allergies, and other medical conditions.
It is a good idea to start talking about breastfeeding in the early stages of pregnancy. Any concerns that you may have are best addressed early so that you can resolve them before you start breastfeeding.
From the moment your baby is born, there are several things you can do to improve your chances to breastfeed successfully.
5 breastfeeding tips new moms should know about
1. Stay together after the birth
Keeping your baby with you after birth will promote a strong hormonal response that is linked with successful lactation.
2. Get your position and latching right
The first few days after the birth presents the best opportunity for you and your baby to learn to breastfeed. Your breasts are still soft for a few days after the birth, then as breast milk changes from highly nutritious colostrum to mature milk, your breasts can become quite full and firm. Try and use the first few days to get your position and latching right. This may help to avoid potential problems down the track.
3. Be patient with breastfeeding, yourself and the baby
Breastfeeding is a skill that both you and your baby need to learn. For some mothers and babies, it is harder than it is for others. And like anything new, it takes time and patience. Relaxation is important for both you and your baby. If you find you are getting frustrated or angry at yourself while you’re trying to breastfeed, stop and try again in a little while. If your baby is distressed, and if it is possible, ask someone to keep them distracted until you are ready to try again. You could also express for this feed and try feeding from the breast for the next feed.
4. Feed on demand or according to need
While you are establishing your breastfeeding your baby will feed between seven and twelve times in 24 hours. This will change over time. Frequent and effective feeding will help you to make enough milk for your baby.
5. Avoid teats, dummies, and complementary feeds
Because your new baby is still learning to breastfeed, they can become confused if they are offered a teat or a dummy. If your baby has fluids other than breast milk they will breastfeed less, and your breast milk supply will decrease. Frequent, unrestricted suckling at the breast will satisfy your baby and ensure that your milk supply continues to meet your baby’s needs.
When babies are breastfed exclusively, they need no other food or drink until at least six months of age. You can be assured that your baby is receiving enough breast milk in the early weeks if they have six or more heavy, wet nappies and at least one bowel motion a day. It’s also a good sign if your baby settles after most feeds.
