We all know that mother’s milk is best for baby. However, many mothers are surprised by seemingly small, but actually tricky, unanticipated issues during breastfeeding sessions that leave them helpless. Most assume that all babies are happy to take on the teat whenever they are hungry and that’s that. But some babies can be really fussy and need to feel comfortable before they can be fed.
In this article, we will discuss the fine points of successful breastfeeding.
Are you thinking that you do breastfeeding or not?
After childbirth, you may think that which one is better: breastfeeding or formula feeding. It is said that breastfed infants have less difficulty with digestion than do formula-fed infants.
When you decide which one you do, consider your life-style and your body condition.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding ensures the healthiest start to an infant’s life and provides important benefits for both mother and baby. Nursing your child not only strengths the quality of your relationship with your baby but also improves his health, enhances brain development, and provides him with precisely the type of nourishment he or she needs at each critical stage of his/her development.
The Benefits of human milk so greatly exceed that of any alternative method of infant feeding
In fact, health organizations around the globe have united to promote this natural source of nutritional and emotional sustenance for babies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), women should breastfeed exclusively for six months and continue to breastfeed for at least two years in order to take advantage of the ability of human milk to provide the best nutrition and protection against infection.
The more you breastfeed, the stronger your baby will be.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, and the American Dietetic Association all echo this emphasis on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for six months. It also recommended to have it in combination with complementary solid foods for at least twelve months and continued breastfeeding as long as mutually desired by mother and baby.
8 Ways to Properly Breastfeed your Baby
In this section, we provide you with several tips, practices, and secrets to become successful in breastfeeding your baby with ease and comfort based on several books and references.
Relax at all times
Most feeding sessions last anywhere from five minutes to over half an hour. Any problems that might come up are likely to pass. Give yourself ample time to adjust to any problems.
You need to proper latching on of your baby to the breast.
Guide your nipple to your baby’s mouth, then gently brush your finger or nipple in a downward movement until the baby’s mouth opens making sure their tongue and chin touch the breast first. Make sure to aim their bottom lip as far as possible toward bottom of your nipple area.
Have a comfortable position
This is important in getting the process right. Try to sit in a position that won’t hurt your back. One of the most successful positions for helping your baby latch on for breastfeeding is the classic crossover position. To perform this, place your baby on a comfortable pillow or a breastfeeding pillow.
What if you feel pain…
If you’re feeling pain during breastfeeding, this means that your baby hasn’t latched on properly. To avoid this, start the process again. Once the baby is feeding correctly, you will notice their sucking motion moves from short sucks to a deeper, slower sucking motion.
When your milk flows fast…
If your milk flows very fast, allowing your baby to stop their feeding for a few minutes is necessary in order to bring up any trapped gas.
When your nipples feel sore…
Your nipples may feel sore and cracked during the first few weeks of nursing. Make sure to have a soothing ointment such as lanolin on hand to ease any chafing or discomfort.
Breast leakage
Remember that while nursing you might experience some breast leakage. Keeping a supply of nursing pads available in your purse or baby bag can help avoid any mishaps.
Attend a breastfeeding class
Try attending a breastfeeding class at your local hospital or with a private lactation counselor who can help during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding courses have great up-to-date tips on easing into the experience of breastfeeding and can provide much needed emotional support for any issues that might arise.
SUMMARY
Be sure to talk to your physician to know more about breastfeeding. The aforementioned tips and practices mentioned above will help you have an easy and comfortable breastfeeding, which is also an important bonding time for you and your little one.
