Breastfeeding is a special experience for every mum that allows her to nourish her baby and also bond with them. But the truth is that this natural process doesn’t always come easy, especially in the beginning. In fact, nursing has its own share of ups and downs, and while the happy side of it is the snuggles and cuddles with your little one, the not-so-flower side of it (issues like breast engorgement, cracked nipples) can make it a tough experience for new mums.
The good news is that there are many strategies you can follow to make breastfeeding an easier and smoother experience for you. To make things a whole lot easier for you, we have listed essential tips that you can follow while nursing your newborn. These tips will help put your mind at ease and also answer any queries that you might have about this new experience.
9 Helpful Breastfeeding Tips For New Mums
Anticipate Your Baby’s Hunger
Rather than waiting for your baby to cry and fuss about food, anticipate their needs beforehand with a few cues. When your baby is hungry, they will:
- Open and close their mouth
- Turn or raise their head repeatedly
- Suck on whatever is near
- Stick their tongue out
Identifying these baby cues will help you feed your little one right away, and your munchkin will be happy that they don’t have to struggle to get your attention. It will also help build a level of intimacy to deepen your bond with your little one and make breastfeeding a smoother experience.
Get Comfortable While Nursing Your Little One
You are going to spend a significant amount of time holding your munchkin to your chest while breastfeeding. Doing this in an uncomfortable sitting position can cause back and shoulder aches, and promote a bad posture. Additionally, an uncomforting sitting position won’t give your baby the support they need and they may continue to squirm and move, thus disrupting the feeding session.
Hence, it is essential for you to choose a suitable sitting position that offers the right support and comfort to your little one. We recommend these two feeding positions:
- Sit in a reclined position with your baby lying in your arms
- Lie on your side with your baby facing you
You can also sit on your bed or a large couch and have plenty of pillows to support your back and arms. Find the one that’s right for you, and don’t be afraid to alter your position based on your needs. The more focus you pay on your own comfort during breastfeeding, the more easier and pleasant it gets for you and your baby.
Take Care Of Your Skin
The skin around your breast is very delicate and regular nursing can make it even more sensitive, irritated, and cracked. This can make breastfeeding an extremely painful experience for you. But don’t fret, as you can take a few precautions to alleviate this concern.
To keep your breasts soft, and relax soreness, you can consider using the natural nipple butter from The Moms Co. It contains a nourishing blend of kokum butter, calendula, wheat germ, and rice bran oil that moisturise and heals your skin, and soothes cracked nipples. Since the nipple butter is formulated with all-natural ingredients, you don’t have to worry about washing your breasts before feeding your child. Ensure to reapply after every feed to prevent any dryness or pain.
Relax
In addition to making sure that you and your little one are comfortable during breastfeeding, try your best to relax. Staying relaxed can help your baby latch onto you correctly without causing any pain in your breast.
You should also pay a little attention to your environment as well. Avoid all kinds of distractions and noise to keep yourself relaxed and calm. A quiet surrounding will also let your little one feed properly and avoid any fussiness during breastfeeding.
Help Your Baby Find The Right Position To Latch
It may take some time for your baby to latch onto you correctly and find the right position for feeding. Make sure to pay attention to their latching positions and help them with it, so that you can quickly feed them whenever they are hungry.
There are also certain guidelines that you must follow while determining the nursing position that works best for you and your baby. These guidelines include:
- Position your baby in a certain manner so that their mouth is at level with your nipples
- Make sure that your little one doesn’t have to turn their head
- Keep your baby’s head slightly tilted backwards
- If possible, make sure your baby latches onto the entire areola, and not just your nipple
- Position your baby’s chin right up against your breast so that their nose is clear.
Leaking Is Natural So Don’t Be Alarmed
It’s common for milk to leak from your breasts in the first few weeks of breastfeeding. So don’t be alarmed because it is a completely natural process. In fact, your breasts can get leaky when you hear another baby cry, or if you haven’t fed your little one for a long time. The leaking eventually lessens or disappears completely as your baby continues to nurse. In the meantime, you can simply place nursing pads in your bra to absorb the leaks and keep your breasts dry and comfortable.
Avoid Engorgement
Engorgement is a painful condition that causes swelling in your breasts and occurs when you are producing more milk than your baby consumes. It usually occurs when the first time your milk comes in after your baby’s birth. As engorgement can make it difficult for you to feed your little one, try your best to avoid it.
One way to prevent this condition is by nursing your baby as often as possible. But if the condition still persists, use a breast pump to express your breast milk for relief.
A Well-fed Mama Means A Well-fed Baby
Following a healthy postpartum diet and staying hydrated is key to breastfeeding success. Additionally, they help ensure your baby is getting adequate nutrients and also keep you energised during these exhausting times.
Drink at least 6-10 glasses of water regularly and consume plenty of fruits, veggies, and protein. Also, don’t skip your prenatal vitamins as they are crucial for supplementing your health during this time.
Don’t Hesitate To Seek Help
Lastly, don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it. If your baby is having trouble latching, then visit a lactation expert, who can guide you with tips to ensure your little one is feeding properly. They can also offer advice on how to position your baby and your body to ensure a peaceful nursing session.
Breastfeeding can be an emotional rollercoaster in the beginning, but with a little support, time, and patience, you and your little one will get a hang of it. So have faith, and try the different methods that we have mentioned above to make this experience a lot more loving and a little less painful for you. Also, when needed seek an expert’s advice to guide you through this journey.
Also read:
Painful nipples during breastfeeding: Check out this ultimate guide to soothing painful nipples during breastfeeding.
Foods to increase breast milk supply: Boost your breast milk supply naturally with some of the best lactogenic foods.
Healthy and easy breastfeeding snacks: These super-healthy breastfeeding snacks help boost your nutritional intake and also keep you full while nursing.
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