Breastfeeding Tips

Breastfeeding is a boon for the women given by nature. After the nine month pregnancy, baby comes in the world. This is crucial to feed the baby. The feeding of the infant is by the mother herself not buy the bottle. The women have the natural power to feed their baby. Both mother and baby are pre-prepared for the breastfeeding.

Here are some tips which will help a breastfeeding mum especially the first time like me!

1. Read up about breastfeeding, join support groups ( online forum/community), attending a breastfeeding class while you are pregnant will better prepare you on what to expect.
2. Start breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, this may be before your baby is weighed, bathed and dressed.
3. Ask fro help from nurses or lactation staff in the hospital to help you position the baby and make sure he or she is latching on correctly.
4. Room in with your baby and breastfeed on demand. For the first few weeks, mots newborns breastfeed every two to three hours around-the-clock.
5. Your baby needs only colostrum during his/her first few days in life nad to be continued with only breast milk in his/her first  6 months in life. No water or any artificial milk is required.
6. Getting comfortable while breastfeeding is important. Cradle your baby close to your breast, do not bend to get to your baby. Sit in a chair that offers good arm and back support, a nursing pillow will be great as it helps to elevate baby effortlessly. 
7. Let your baby nurse from the first breast thoroughly until the breast feels soft-often 15 minutes. Then, try burping the baby. Always start the next breastfeeding session with the second breast.
8. You would know if your baby had gotten enough milk by monitoring id he/she has been gaining weight steadily, producing 6 to 8 wet nappies a day.
9. Remember that you are the food supply, continue to drink plenty, eat enough, rest well and stay relax. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Continue taking prenatal vitamins and calcium.
10. Some other essentials items which you need for breastfeeding are a few pieces of nursing bras, a nursing cover, some nursing blouse will be a bonus to have, bra pads, nursing cream and nursing pillow. You may consider having breast pump and milk storage bottles ready in case you need to express for a short outing or when you are back to work.

Breastfeeding may sound like a really tough thing to do but it could be learned . Both mummy and baby will feel definitely contented once it is mastered successfully.  I know I must be able to persevere to make it comes true! :) 


Reference:
Babybook Second Edition 2011