If this is your first baby and you are planning to breastfeed him/her, you may be perplexed because you do not know what is waiting for you or how to carry yourself. In this article, we bring you tips that have been shared by other mommies who have been there and done that.
Here is what you should know:
- Learn Things About Breastfeeding Before The Baby Comes
Talk to a lactation consultant before the baby comes. You can look for the number of one consultant in the local La Leche League and ask all the questions that you may have in mind. When you start nursing the baby, you might not even remember to look up the numbers of consultants due to the pain.
You may have to pay a small fee to have the lactation consultant come over to your house but you can be sure the session will be worth it. You will look back on it later and say that without the consultation, it would not have been possible.
- It Could Hurt A Little As You Start Breastfeeding
The first breastfeeding session will be nasty but not too much. It could hurt a bit because your nipples are raw and cracked. In the first two weeks, you will have a hard time. Some mommies have said that they stood in a warm shower and could not help wondering whether the pain would continue for the rest of their nursing life. Thankfully, it is only two weeks and then the pain will start subsiding. However, close to a year later, you may experience slight pain from time to time.
- Get Support And Nurse The Baby Everyday
When nursing, you will be happy to get the support of other mommies who are nursing online. So join support groups and forums where you can exchange experiences and share ideas with other moms.
- Moisturize The Nipples
Lanolin cream will work wonders for moisturizing those breasts. You need to give them tender loving care and if you do not want to buy nipple cream, you can also try using olive oil or even your breast milk to anoint the cracked nipples. Click Here to learn about safe skincare while breastfeed
- Remember To Stay Hydrated
If you do not drink a lot of water every day, you could lose your milk. So remember to stay hydrated all the time to help increase your milk supply.
- Get The Right Nursing Bras
The right nursing bras are going to help you access your breasts easily without pulling up your blouse. This is the 21st century.
- Try Nipple Shields
Many people wrongly judge nipple shields but they are good. Just try them and you will see. You should try them to make it easier for your newborn baby to latch on to your breasts.
- Create A Good Space For Breastfeeding
You need to set a space that is entirely for your breastfeeding activity and spruce it up because you are going to spend a good amount of time there. Sometimes you could end up spending more than ten hours a day in that space. So keep some items like water, iPod, a radio, and most importantly, a notebook to keep track of your feeding times and sessions. You also need to place diapers, body pillows, breast pads and any other thing that you may need in your nursing space. You may even have to get a better chair so you can see your TV when you are in the feeding station.
- Wait For Sometime Before You Can Pump
Make sure your milk supply is well-established before you start pumping. Wait for some time at least lest you have an oversupply of milk.
- Breastfeed Your Baby In Public Without Fear
You can breastfeed your baby in public if you wish, and once you start, there will be no stopping it. You will be confident enough to feed your baby anywhere.
There is no standard way to breastfeed your baby in public. Do it in the most comfortable way for you. If you feel like covering up with a big shawl, do it even when you are among people. That way, you do not have to keep shifting places or moving to an isolated place because that could make you tired.
Feeding your baby is a noble act and you should never shy from doing it even in the public. There is nothing embarrassing about it. At the same time, squeezing yourself into the bathroom to breastfeed the baby could be a bit of a task for you.
- Eat Good, Nutritious Food
When you do not eat enough when you are lactating, you might feel weakened. You need the calories as breastfeeding transfers nutrients to baby while mom is left without much. However, choose your food carefully and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.
In the beginning, you will be lost in the baby’s welfare – it is only natural. However, pull yourself together; drink and eat to increase your milk supply. Always keep water and snacks at hand to eat when you nurse the baby or express milk.
The idea is do it right so that your kid gets enough to get right from the time of his or her birth. If you see your breasts are not producing enough milk for your baby, you can try the formula closest to breast milk. But get back to breastfeeding as soon as your body produce enough milk for the baby because there is no alternative to breastfeeding in the first few months for the baby.
Other than breastfeeding, you need to ensure you create a baby-friendly environment and having the best humidifier for baby can play an important role in keeping him or her safe and feel comfortable.
