BREASTFEEDING TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME MOMS

INTRODUCTION

Breastfeeding tips are something every new mom is looking for. Breastfeeding is a difficult job. It takes a toll on both the physical and mental health of the mothers. Feeding and growing a tiny human being all upon yourself is not easy. From sore nipples to milk blockage and fatigue you have to go through a lot.

This blog addresses the breastfeeding challenges. It gives breastfeeding tips to breastfeeding mothers. The basic purpose of this information is to make the breastfeeding journey easy especially for first-time moms.

BREASTFEEDING TIPS FOR LATCHING’

For newborns and especially first-time moms latching is a big issue. I have been very lucky all three times that my boys latched really well. Later I knew that it’s truly a blessing if your baby latches properly.

What is latching?

It means how well your baby attaches to your breast for feeding.

Isn’t latching a natural process? No its not. Especially if you are a first-time mom kits going to be a new experience for you and your baby both. Both of you will learn with time and experience.

Let’s have a look at some latching tips to help you and your baby out:

Adjust the Baby’s Posture:

Baby posture is important. It’s natural when the baby is hungry he will open it’s mouth or cry. So when the baby’s mouth is open bring it closer to your nipple as soon as the tongue touches the bottom gum.

Also, the head, spine and neck of the baby should be aligned straight. The posture should be such that the baby’s chin should touch your breast.

 Cradle Hold Your Baby:

I believe this is a natural posture that is internally programmed in all mothers. Nobody taught me this posture. However, when I was researching and I read this posture it came to my mind that I used to breastfeed my sons the same way.

Well, there is no rocket science behind it. All you have to do is : 

•  bring your baby close to the breast you want to feed him or her from.
• Put the other arm around the baby in a U-shaped or C-shaped position.
• Your baby’s head should be positioned in the bend of your elbow and not in your hand.
• The Baby’s head should be free to move around otherwise the baby will become uncomfortable.

You have to guide the baby’s mouth to come close to your breast. Cradle holding is the most common breastfeeding position.

Consider this as an exercise for you and your baby both. As I mentioned earlier you are both in the learning phase. Do not rush and try again. After some time both you and your baby will be able to discover the most comfortable breastfeeding position for each other.

BREASTFEEDING TIPS FIRST WEEK

Finding the right tips for breastfeeding is crucial, especially for the first week. The first week is challenging for both the baby and the mother. The baby is new to this world and the mother is recovering. Especially if you are a first-time mom. That is why understanding the first-time mom’s breastfeeding tips is important.

If you are just one week postpartum then these breastfeeding tips are for you:

Attend the Atenatal Classes:

My sister lives in Australia. Before delivery, she was given special lectures classes and reading material to make her postpartum journey easier. Unfortunately, we do not have any such awareness facilities in Pakistan. Your dynamic is all you have to ask for anything.

However, if you live in any European country then you have the option of attending antenatal classes,

You can also ask for advice from your experienced friends and midwife.

If your baby is not latching and breasts are becoming full then you have the option of pumping milk. You can use either a manual pump or an electric one. There are plenty of options available in the market depending on your budget.

You can pump the milk and store it, You can use it later by putting it in the feeder.

The first milk that comes out just after giving birth is known as colostrum. I remember once my sister told me that her midwife had said that colostrum is even more expensive in worth than diamonds. That is the nutritional significance of this milk.

Colostrum is usually yellow in colour and thick in texture, Even if your baby intakes a small quantity of it, it is enough.

Colostrum intake is amongst the most important breastfeeding tips. A lot of first-time moms have no idea about it.

TIPS FOR CRACKED NIPPLES WHEN BREASTFEEDING

As you start breastfeeding the first and foremost issue after latching is cracked nipples. Believe me, they are super painful. I remember at the time of my first delivery my nipples got cracked. I literally used to cry when my baby would latch. Then after some time the old skin got shed and new skin came on the nipple’s tip. 

Later they got healed.

Here are some tips to heal your cracked nipples fast:

• Keep your nipples dry as much as you can. After feeding dry them with a cloth. Use light touches as they might hurt.
• If you use breast pads then change them often. Don’t use them for a long time otherwise, they might smell bad and make your nipples damp.
• Another new mom’s advice is to use a warm and moist cloth on your nipples before breastfeeding. This is a kind of massage that makes the breastfeeding process less painful.
• Several creams are available in the market for the treatment of cracked nipples. You can use them. Make sure to choose a reputable brand and consult a doctor before purchasing.

BREASTFEEDING TIPS ON HOW TO PRODUCE MORE MILK?

Considering the breastfeeding tips another thing a lot of mothers are concerned about is how to increase the milk supply. My experience with all three babies is that it’s quite natural. I personally had a high mil supply the first few months and then it gradually decreased.

I was honestly not very regular and good at taking my multivitamins. I now realize that my does wasn’t very healthy and good as well.

However, all my kids were and are very healthy and active.

As part of breastfeeding tips here are a few things that can help you increase your milk supply:

The first breastfeeding tip for increasing your milk supply is to feed your baby as often as you can. The more you will feed the more milk your breasts will produce.

With my second born, I was suspicious that my breasts weren’t producing much milk. Therefore I browsed through Google and found fenuf=greek seeds can increase milk supply. So I used to have them twice a day just a teaspoon. I personally believe they did help me increase the milk supply. Unfortunately, I couldn’t continue for long.

Carrot juice and barley water are also believed to increase milk supply.

Increase your liquid intake. You can take a variety of liquids in the form of meat broth, milk, green tea and course water. The more liquid you drink the more the supply of milk.

CONCLUSION

Breastfeeding tips in this blog are all well-researched and based on my personal experience as a mom of three. I can completely relate to breastfeeding mothers because I have faced similar challenges in my journey of motherhood. 

I can understand that being a mom us not easy. Breastfeeding is a physically and emotionally draining process for the mother. I wish all the mothers the sincere best of luck in their motherhood journey. Remember:

WE LOVE YOU MOMMY!