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Breastfeeding will always be a rewarding yet challenging duties of new mom life, I always found myself questioning, am I doing it right? Is my baby getting enough milk? The breastfeeding journey is not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Those little sleepy smiles after my baby was full and content? Was my reminder that this is one of the most beautiful parts of motherhood.
Why Is Breastfeeding Important?
Breastfeeding fulfils baby’s nutrition requirements, boosts baby’s immunity, strengthens the baby-mama relationship, supports healthy growth, promotes maternal recovery, reduces illness, and offers long-term health benefits for both baby and mama.
Preparing For Breastfeeding:
Learn the basic breastfeeding techniques through books or consult a lactation specialist for in person guidance. Begin skin to skin contact with your baby immediately after the birth, this helps initiate breastfeeding and build a strong bond. Most importantly, get comfortable. Find a comfortable space to nurse your baby, use pillows to support your arms and back
Practical Tips:
- Burp Your Baby: Burp your baby during and after feeding to help release swallowed air.
- Alternate Breasts: Start each feeding on the opposite breast from the last session.
- Use Nursing Bras and Pads: Comfortable nursing bras and pads can make feeding easier and reduce leaks.
- Seek Support: Join breastfeeding support groups or consult a lactation consultant if needed.
Establishing Milk Supply:
- Feed on Demand, nurse whenever your baby shows hunger cues (rooting, sucking on hands, fussiness). In the early weeks, aim for 8-12 feedings per day.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: To maintain a good milk supply, drink plenty of water and consume nutrient rich foods
- Pumping: Use a breast pump to maintain your supply in case you’re returning to work or need to store milk.
All About Latch Techniques:
For a proper latch, make sure your baby’s mouth covers not just the nipple but also part of the areola. This reduces the pain and ensures proper milk transfer to the baby
Positioning Your Baby the right way, below are some common positions:
- Cradle Hold: Baby’s head rests in the crook of your arm.
- Side-Lying: You and the baby lie on your sides facing each other.
- Football Hold: Baby’s body is tucked under your arm.
Signs of a Good Latch are when you feel a gentle tugging, not pain, baby’s cheeks are rounded during feeding and you can hear or see your baby swallowing.
How to Overcome Breastfeeding Challenges?
Overcoming breastfeeding challenges requires patience, knowledge, and sometimes support from healthcare professionals or experienced moms. Here are some common issues and practical solutions:
- Sore Nipples: Ensure proper latch. Use lanolin cream or breast milk to soothe soreness and allow nipples to air-dry after every feed.
- Engorgement: Nurse frequently, use warm compresses, and hand express a small amount of milk for relief.
- Low Milk Supply: Increase skin-to-skin contact and frequency of nursing or pumping. Drink plenty of water and consume nutrient rich foods
- Blocked Ducts or Mastitis: Apply warm compresses and massage the affected area. Continue nursing to clear the blockage.
When to Seek Help?
- Weight Concerns: If your baby isn’t gaining weight as expected or is losing weight after the first two weeks. Fewer than 6 wet diapers per day by the fifth day of life.
- Latch or Feeding Issues: Baby seems unsatisfied or hungry shortly after feeds or has difficulty latching or staying latched during feeding.
- Sleepiness or Weakness: If the baby is too sleepy to feed or appears weak and lethargic.
- Signs of Dehydration: Dark yellow urine, dry mouth, or lack of tears when crying.
Who to Contact?
- Lactation Consultant: A lactation consultant is a trained professional helping mothers overcome breastfeeding challenges and improve nursing success. They can help to resolve issues with latch, milk supply, or positioning.
- Pediatrician: A pediatrician is a medical doctor specializing in the health and development of infants and children. They can help to resolve issues with baby’s weight concerns, dehydration, or feeding difficulties.
- OB-GYN or Primary Care Provider: An OB-GYN specializes in women’s reproductive health, while a primary care provider manages general health concerns. They can help to resolve issues regarding breast infections, severe pain, or emotional challenges like postpartum depression.
