Breastfeeding Tips For The New Mom

Breastfeeding can be very beneficial to the baby and mom as well as a bonding experience that will help both too. A new mom often needs some extra care and tips on breastfeeding may help...

Breastfeeding can be very beneficial to the baby and mom as well as a bonding experience that will help both too. A new mom often needs some extra care and tips on breastfeeding may help support her and give her the encouragement she needs to continue on this wonderful breastfeeding journey. Being a new mom can be overwhelming especially if this is your first baby. Even 2nd and 3rd time moms may need a little refresher course when it comes to breastfeeding. Here are a few helpful tips to get your started successfully on your breastfeeding journey.

To start off with, make sure that you offer your breast to your newborn just as soon as possible after birth. After being born baby is in need of breastfeeding for comfort and it is optimum time for you and baby to bond. Speak softly to your baby, he/she will remember your voice from inside the womb and have an instant connection with you. Granted during medical emergencies this is not always possible. The skin-to-skin contact between mom and baby keeps the baby warm. It is ideal to have the baby in the room with you if you gave birth at a hospital or birthing center.

Ask visitors to limit the number of visitors or the time they are in your room as mom, baby and new dad need alone time to bond.

Encourage mom and baby to have the same sleeping rhythm. When the sleeping/waking rhythm is in sync the mom will be able to be in tuned to the early signs of baby being ready to nurse such as a quickened breathing pattern, a body stretch etc., so that mom can nurse a calm baby that will nurse easier than a crying, irritated baby that has been kept waiting and is now painfully hungry.

Breastfeeding should be a relaxed, pleasant experience not a rushed, event that tires you out. A baby that has been crying for a while will be so stressed that even though the baby may indeed be overly hungry he/she will not nurse. Sleeping side by side (safely) is best if possible because the mom is more likely to get longer and better quality sleep.

Avoid using artificial nipples. Using pacifiers and bottles to supplement or give water by, will only serve to confuse the baby. Artificial nipple sucking is a different type of sucking from breastfeeding. The baby uses more muscles and must work at drawing milk from mom’s breast. Artificial nipples have a flow that is typically too fast for the baby and a baby used to breastfeeding may choke.

Breastfeeding, especially in the beginning should be “on demand nursing”. There should be ideally twelve on demand feeding each day. This serves to increase your milk supply and it keeps the baby full and content.

Timing of nursing is not necessary it is better to let the baby nurse as long as the baby wants to. Typically newborns require any where from ten minutes to forty-five minutes to complete a feeding. Each baby is unique just like all children and adults are unique. Your baby will be successful nursing if you allow him/her to set the pace, timing and length of each nursing session. You do need to control how the baby latches on to insure proper positioning of the baby and to be sure that the baby is taking in adequate amount of breast tissue to avoid nipple soreness.

Proper Positioning and attachment:

* Mom should be comfortable with back support, pillows for arms or lap and feet supported on a footrest or similar rest.

* Baby should be close to your body, with the baby’s hips flexed and head turned to reach for your breast. The mouth and nose should be facing the nipple.

* Your breast should not be pressing into your baby’s chin, but the baby’s chin should be pushed against your breast.

* Encourage a wide, open mouth from your baby by pulling him close and supporting his back. The baby’s chin and nose should be touching your breast.

* If you feel any breast or nipple pain at all gentle release the suction of the baby’s mouth by breaking the seal gentle with your finger and detach baby from breast. Re-position and try again.

* There are many breastfeeding positions have your lactation specialist or hospital Obstetrics nurse show you a few positions so that you can try several and find some that work out best for you and your baby.

* Never lean over your baby to nurse but always bring the baby to the nipple at the nipple height to avoid backaches, neck and shoulder stress and to avoid sore nipples.

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