A Comprehensive Breastfeeding Guide for New Moms

Welcome to Motherhood beautiful Mothers. Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish and bond with your newborn baby. While it may seem overwhelming at first, with the right knowledge and support, breastfeeding can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for both you and your little one.

Breastfeeding Tips for New Parents

Prepare for Breastfeeding before the delivery:

Attend breastfeeding classes, consult with lactation experts, and gather the necessary breastfeeding supplies such as nursing bras, breast pads, and a comfortable nursing pillow. Consider meeting with a lactation consultant or another nursing expert before you have the baby. Know About breastfeeding positions you can choose from.

Breastfeed soon after your baby is born: UNICEF and WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, starting within an hour of birth. The first hour or 2 is an important time for babies to nurse and be with their mothers. Colostrum is the first milk you produce when starting breastfeeding and is the ideal nourishment for a newborn. It’s highly concentrated, full of protein, and nutrient-dense  It provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that promote your baby's growth, development, and immune system. 

Maintain comfortable breasfteeding position and environment:

One of the most comfortable breastfeeding positions is known as the cradle hold. In this position, you can sit upright with a straight back and bring your baby to your breast, resting their head in the crook of your arm. Support your baby's neck, shoulders, and back with your hand, while ensuring their body is facing you. This position allows for a comfortable and secure latch, promoting effective breastfeeding while maintaining a relaxed posture. Remember to use pillows or cushions as needed to provide extra support and comfort for both you and your baby during breastfeeding.

Establish a Good Latch:

Good attachment is crucial for getting breastfeeding off to a good start,6 as your baby’s latch affects how well he drinks the milk and consequently how he grows and develops. A poor latch can cause sore or damaged nipples,

Position your baby in a way that allows its mouth to open wide, covering both the nipple and a significant portion of the areola. This ensures a deep latch, preventing nipple soreness and allowing your baby to effectively extract milk.

Build a Breastfeeding Routine:

It is important to nurse your baby frequently, especially during the early weeks when your milk supply is being established. Newborns typically feed every 2-3 hours, or on-demand as per their cues to signal your body to produce more milk. By the end of one month, your breast milk supply will be established, and your baby should be stronger and more effective at feeding. Any issues with your baby's latch are likely to be sorted, and your body will be more efficient at making milk, so any soreness or leaking should start to subside.

Keep your nipples healthy

Wear a clean bra with proper support each day. wash them normally with water and avoid using soap or shampoo on your nipples. After each feeding, put a few drops of breastmilk on your nipples to prevent them from cracking. The milk moisturises the nipple and provides a protective barrier against infection. Change your nursing pads if they become wet through. If your nipples are tender, sore or damaged, it is important to seek assistance.

Feed from both breasts alternatively

Try nursing on only one breast at each feeding, if possible. If you can breastfeed from both breasts, alternate the breast you start each feeding with. For example, if your first feeding of the day is on the right breast, the second feeding should begin on the left. This will allow both breasts produce milk.  Longer feeding on single breast at time  allows your baby to get to the creamier, higher-fat hindmilk at the end of the feeding. Hindmilk helps to fill your child up and keep them satisfied longer between feedings.

Position you and your baby nose to nipple, belly to belly

Make sure that your baby's stomach is touching yours, so they do not have to turn their head to latch. And point your nipple at their nose, not at their mouth, so they'll lift their head up, open their mouth wide, and latch on deeply.Try different feeding position, choose whatever works for you.

Try Milk Pumping 

If you plan to return to work or need to be away from your baby for extended periods, learning to use a breast pump can be beneficial. Introduce pumping gradually, building up a supply of expressed breast milk.  Start by pumping once a day to begin storing milk. Most women find that they are able to pump more milk in the morning because the supply tends to be more abundant at that time of day. 

Nourish yourself with healthy meals:

Remember to prioritize self-care during your breastfeeding journey. Continue to take your prenatal vitamin.Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Take in about 500 extra calories a day.

Proper nutrition and rest are vital for maintaining your energy levels and ensuring an adequate milk supply. Add fenugreek seeds, garlic, fennel seeds for increased milk supply along with high-nutritious food. 

Recommneded Reading: Newborn Feeding FAQs: Essential Information for New Parents

LOVE AND SUPPORT ALWAYS...!!