Are you utterly disturbed because you don’t just get it?
You are a new mom so, you know you need to master a few skills – before you can get on top of things.
You have even researched and learned a lot about breastfeeding far in advance.
But for some reason, you aren’t seeing success. You are blatantly struggling to take it all in.
That’s okay. Every mom has a share of her “bad” nursing experiences.
That is why I have found five breastfeeding tips to help you pull through your challenges as a new mother.
Your first milk
In the beginning, you are going to produce no ‘real’ milk.
But a thick yellow substance known as colostrum.
This may seem extremely disturbing. Especially for moms deep in the trenches of new motherhood.
But guess what?
Though inadequate, colostrum milk is very nutritious.
Plus, it provides your baby with protection from diseases and helps with its bowel movements.
For that reason, let your baby suckle on the breast. This way, the breast is also triggered to start producing milk.
In a few days, your ideal milk will start to trickle in – in abundance.
As such, it is not always necessary to supplement since breast milk is an absolute goldmine to your child.
Anticipate breast engorgement
Many moms know just how relaxing and fulfilling breastfeeding can get. Let alone the kind of bond it creates between you and your little one.
However, a few days after birth this gradually becomes elusive.
You start producing way too much milk.
Your breasts get large, tight and firm.
Not to mention, the never-ending milk leakages and stains on your dress. Not so what you expected!
Want to know the worst part?
At this point, your newborn baby does not need that much milk.
But even if he or she did, your rock-hard nipples make it an uphill battle as far as finding the correct latch goes.
The good news is, it all goes away in a matter of a few days.
In the meantime, here’s what you can do to smoothen things out:
– Before you put your baby to the breast, remove excess milk. Preferably, hand express
– Breastfeed more frequently and efficiently. Both day and night.
– Empty one breast before offering the other
– Apply warm or cold compresses on your breasts to relieve tightness
If done well, you can be sure of a consistent milk supply.
Avoid painful breastfeeding
Do you have painful, swollen, and sore breasts?
Well, that was me – two and a half years back.
I must have broken a sweat or two, trying to find the right nursing position for my daughter.
So, you know what I ended up having? Painful breastfeeding – four weeks straight after childbirth.
But, you don’t have to do that. Since it’s not rocket science.
Here’s what I mean:
For your baby to remove enough milk from the breast, he or she needs to properly attach onto it.
Now for that to happen, you need to see that the darkest area of the breast – is entirely inside your baby’s mouth. Also, the baby’s lips should readily remain curved with its chin resting on your breast.
Avoid painful breastfeeding with these further tips
Meet your baby’s needs
Here’s the thing:
Many moms find it hard trying to understand their baby’s cues – or rooting behaviors, in that case.
A handful cannot even tell whether the baby is hungry or just upset.
That’s fine. Your baby is also trying to make good of her “SENSES” – so that mom can understand better.
Along with breastfeeding, embracing your baby immediately after birth is an incredible way – to jump-start his or her senses of smell, touch, sound, and sight.
It hands them the natural ability to find and latch on the breast on their own.
Secondly, while some babies tend to cry a lot, others are surprisingly calm.
If your baby is a settled one – you are safe.
But if your baby is the direct contrast – maintaining skin-to-skin contact may just do the trick.
Chances are, he or she will calm down and want to feed again.
Last but not least, pay attention to your baby’s ‘advances.’
As a new mom, I could not understand a number of my daughter’s cues, myself. Even now, I still have no clue about some of the things she says to me.
But I have to admit; at that time, some cues were pretty obvious.
For instance, when baby wants to stay close to mom. Or is beginning to get hungry. She or he will probably:
– Bring his or her hands to her little face
– Munch on her hands
– Turn head from one side to another
– Or make familiar mouth movements
Also, do not leave your baby on a crib or a stroller for long periods of time.
Instead, hold her more to help build trust and emotional bond between you two.
So, if you do not want to upset your baby any longer, respond to his or her needs right away.
Accept help from others
New motherhood hormones tend to keep moms focused towards baby’s well-being.
And the exhaustion that comes with it is insanely unthinkable.
For that, it’s okay to accept help from the people around yo
Take advantage of this rare chance to rest or sleep.
Especially once you have established a solid nursing relationship with your child.
Additionally, learn how to express or pump a bottle(s) for use when you are resting, or not around.
As you get ready to return to work – make sure everyone involved is brought up to speed – as far as bottle preparation and feeding goes.
Make sure you keep at it even after you return to work.
However, it is important that you inform your boss about your plan to continue breastfeeding. This way, you can continue pumping during work breaks.
In Conclusion.
To many moms, breastfeeding is a joyous experience.
But for others, it is such a hard nut to crack. Particularly, for moms who are knee-deep in their new motherhood.
The above tips are incredibly practical. And will give you a breakthrough in your breastfeeding challenges.
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