Feeding your infant will probably be one of your first motherly actions. This will likely entail breastfeeding for many women. Even though breastfeeding is natural, you could still fret and stress about giving your infant the right nourishment. And you probably have a ton of inquiries about how everything operates and how to do it properly.
Our best piece of advice is to relax; you and your baby will ultimately figure it out. We've compiled a list of the top 8 breastfeeding advice for new mothers to allay your concerns.
Benefits of Breastfeeding For Babies
- Provides ideal nutrients for infants
- Easier for infants to digest
- Breast milk has important antibodies
- Reduces the risk of diseases
- Promotes a healthy weight for babies and lowers risks of obesity
Benefits of Breastfeeding For Mothers
- Helps you lose pregnancy weight quicker
- Helps you connect with your infant
- Reduces the risk of postpartum depression
- Reduces disease risk
- Saves time and money
Health Care For Children encourages a positive breastfeeding relationship between mother and child. Lactation and breastfeeding can be unfamiliar, especially for new mothers or mothers breastfeeding for the first time, which is why many mothers resort to bottle feeding early on.
1: Breastfeeding: The Best Tips for New Moms!
It's no secret that breastfeeding is the best way to provide your newborn with essential nutrients in the early days. However, getting started can be tricky for new moms. Some find it easy; others struggle to find their rhythm. If you're in the latter group, don’t panic! Here are some tips on how you can start breastfeeding properly from the get-go and make it easier for yourself later on.
Start by reading our article about where to nurse your baby first. It will give you some helpful insight into what may lie ahead—and help you understand why it might hurt in the beginning. Once you've read that (and take a few deep breaths), keep reading for more great advice on how to get started breastfeeding your newborn confidently and effectively.
2: Know why you're breastfeeding before you start
Breastfeeding is one of the greatest gifts you can give your baby. It's a natural and inexpensive way to provide your newborn with everything he or she needs in the first few months of life. Studies have shown that breastfeeding has many benefits, including:
- Improved immune system.
- Reduced risk of allergies.
- Better weight gain.
- Protection against infections.
- Reduced risk of childhood obesity.
- Establishment of a stronger mother-child bond.
- Improved brain development.
- Lower risk of childhood obesity.
There are a ton of benefits to breastfeeding your newborn, but it's important to know why you're doing it before you start. Knowing why you're breastfeeding can help you stay confident and calm when it hurts or gets tough. It can help you know what to expect and be better prepared for the road ahead. Knowing why you're breastfeeding can also help you manage your expectations about how it may go for you.
If you have a clear idea of what to expect, you can feel less stressed and more prepared to take action if something goes wrong. Knowing why you're breastfeeding can also help you find support if you need it. If you need help or advice, you can ask those around you why they are breastfeeding—and they can help you find exactly what you need!
3: Check your positioning
Positioning is key to successful breastfeeding. If you're not positioned correctly, you'll have a much harder time starting breastfeeding. Make sure to use proper positioning from the moment you start. The best way to do this is to place your newborn on a flat surface that's close to your breast. You can try a bed, couch, or even a soft blanket on the floor. Get into a comfortable position and keep these things in mind:
- Make sure your newborn's mouth is at your nipple and not the other way around.
- Make sure your newborn's head and back are supported, as well as his or her bottom.
- Check to see if your newborn's mouth is open wide enough.
- Your newborn's nose should be clear of your breast.
If your newborn is positioned wrong, you'll likely experience a lot of pain and bleeding. Make sure to correct this as soon as possible and you'll be on the right track to successful breastfeeding.
4: Understand how your newborn eats
Newborns usually nurse 8-12 times a day, often for no more than 10-20 minutes. Newborns tend to nurse very quickly at first, so you may want to hold your newborn in the position they need to nurse while they gain control over the sucking process. Newborns need to be very close to their mothers when they're breastfeeding. This makes breastfeeding a very intimate experience. Keep these things in mind while you're breastfeeding your newborn:
- Premature babies may not have the strength to latch on and feed. If this is the case, you can use a lactation aid.
- You may have a bloody nipple. If your nipple is very bloody, you may have an infection. You may need medical attention if this is the case.
- You may feel discomfort or even pain when your newborn latches on. If this is the case, you can try changing positions to see if it eases your pain. If it doesn't, you may have an infection or your newborn may be latching incorrectly. You'll need to see a lactation consultant for help.
- Your newborn may have trouble feeding at first. This is normal, as it may take them some time to get used to feeding. Be patient and try to stay calm; your anxiety won't help.
5: Stay at home for the first few weeks
Breastfeeding is very important in the first few weeks after giving birth. You can get your baby started on breastfeeding right away, but you'll need to take it slow. You can take as much time as you need to get your newborn latched on and eat properly. Try to stay home for the first few weeks after giving birth so you can rest and be as relaxed as possible. It'll make it easier for you to start breastfeeding and it'll give you more time to get your newborn latched on and eating properly.
You'll also have a few extra hands around to help out with whatever you need. If you need to leave your home for any reason, make sure to have your partner or another trusted person help you get your baby latched on and eating properly before you go. You'll have more confidence knowing you can do it without anyone else around and you'll be able to start breastfeeding your newborn confidently.
6: Use a lactation aid if necessary
If you're having trouble breastfeeding, use a lactation aid. A lactation aid is a device that's placed on the breast to help your newborn latch on and feed properly. There are many types of lactation aids, so speak to your doctor or a lactation consultant to see what would be best for you. Using a lactation aid will help you get your baby latched on and feeding properly.
It can also make your nipple more comfortable and heal faster if it's been injured or is bloody. Using a lactation aid may sound like a sign that you can't breastfeed, but it's actually completely normal. In fact, if you're breastfeeding a premature baby, you'll probably need to use a lactation aid. Many mothers use a lactation aid and successfully breastfeed their babies.
7: Know that it will get easier with time (and it may still hurt)
Breastfeeding may feel very uncomfortable and even painful in the beginning. It can be very frustrating to know you're doing everything right and still feel pain when breastfeeding. It may take some time for breastfeeding to feel easy and comfortable. Things will get easier with time as your nipples heal and your baby gains control over the sucking process. You may even want to consider purchasing some nipple shields if you're experiencing a lot of pain.
Nipple shields can help ease your discomfort and make it easier for you to breastfeed. Keep these things in mind as your breastfeeding journey continues:
- Breastfeeding may feel very uncomfortable or even painful for a few days, or even longer.
- You may have some blood or other fluid leaking from your nipples. This is completely normal and nothing to be worried about.
- You may want to use a nipple cream or have your doctor or lactation consultant prescribe you a special nipple ointment to make breastfeeding more comfortable.
- You may have to use a nipple shield or an ointment to help heal any cuts on your nipples.
8: Stick with it!
Breastfeeding can be difficult, especially in the beginning. You may want to switch to formula once you've given it a fair chance—or maybe you'll want to keep going. Either way, it's important to not give up. If you find yourself struggling with breastfeeding in the beginning, don't worry. Many new moms struggle in the early days and end up coming out on top.
Keep in mind that breastfeeding isn't easy for anyone; it takes a lot of patience, determination, and persistence. It's a big commitment, and it takes time to see the benefits. If you want to breastfeed, you will get there and you'll be glad you did. If you're having any problems breastfeeding, ask for help. Most people want to help and would love to answer your questions and offer their support. Remember that breastfeeding may not be as easy as formula feeding, but it's definitely worth it.
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Child Care