Breast feeding advice is readily available on cyberspace and there really is no need for anyone to buy a book. All mothers should understand that breast-feeding has many benefits. Breast milk is composed of precisely the correct balance of nutrients that a newborn requires.
Some of the other advantages of breast milk include 1) it is a lot easier for newborns to digest than any formula product 2) Breast milk contains a variety of antibodies that can help enhance the baby’s immune system 3) breast feeding also helps the mother lose weight and 4) it creates a strong bond between the baby and the mother. However, breast-feeding is not for all mothers and it does require a lot of patience. For mums to be, here is some breast feeding advice that will hopefully make you better prepared for the task.
Always ask for advice if you are struggling with breast-feeding. While you can read all about breast feeding, speaking to someone with experience is the best way to solve problems. Speak to a nurse in the maternity ward or consult with your doctor. Better still; speak to a family member or friend. Breast-feeding is time consuming and thus the first task is to be comfortable. Get yourself in a comfortable position and then cradle the baby to your breast. Other details that may help make breast-feeding easier is resting the baby on the bed and resting its head with your hand. Learn how to tickle the baby’s lips with your nipple and ensure that the baby has a good grip on the areola surface. To remove the baby, gently insert your finger into the corner of the baby‘s mouth and discontinue the suction.
During the first several weeks, newborns like to be fed every 2-3 hours around the clock and this can be exhausting for the mother. Breast-feeding should not be hurried and the baby should pace the feedings. Allow the baby to feed on one breast for 20-30 minutes and then burp the baby before you start feeding on the other breast. If your baby is not hungry after the first breast-feeding, pump the other breast to relieve engorgement/discomfort and save the milk. While pacifiers are a great invention in calming the baby, breast-feeding mothers should wait at least 4-6 weeks before introducing this device. The reason is that babies may get attached to the pacifier and breast feeding may be become erratic.
Breast-feeding should not be painful. If you feel pain than there is something not right. When breast-feeding is successful, you should only feel a pulling-sensation on the breast. If you are doing things well, then your breast may feel soft and empty after each feeding. In addition, the baby will be gaining weight. Moreover, a successfully breast fed baby will also require at least 6-8 diaper changes a day. The stools will be soft; yellowish will not smell a lot (as compared to formula fed babies).
After each feeding, take care of your nipples. Change your bra pads often and keep the nipples dry. If the nipple show signs of cracking, apply a moisturizing ointment after each feeding. If you breast feed, then you also need to eat healthy. Drink lots of fluids and limit intake of caffeine and cola beverages. If you do imbibe a wee bit of alcohol, avoid breast-feeding for a few hours.
Finally, breast-feeding can be tiring, so rest whenever time permits. Moreover, do not smoke and get an okay from your doctor before you take any medications while breast-feeding.
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