Parenting is not an easy task. Moms go through a lot! That is why one mom started a blog named themamazone.com to share her experience and wisdom on parenting. Being a mom begins during pregnancy when you have to deal with sleepless nights, endless fatigue, morning sickness, and many symptoms. Now your little champ has finally arrived, and other challenges that revolve around breastfeeding are coming to fruition. These problems include difficulty in latching, engorged breasts, and not knowing how to hold the baby. If you are a new mom and looking for breastfeeding basics, you have come to the right place. Continue reading this article to get breastfeeding guidance.
Breastfeeding Positions
There are different types of breastfeeding positions, including the football hold, crossover hold, cradle hold, side-lying position, and laid back positions. The position chosen depends on personal preference and other factors. Keep in mind that a good breastfeeding position encourages a good latch. It is also essential to change positions to drain the breast completely.
Latching
The way a baby latches on the breast is crucial. A perfect latch means that breastmilk is efficiently drained from the breast; hence, the baby can get a sufficient breast milk supply. A poor latch means poor feeding and can result in low growth and development. You will know if your baby has a good latch when the tip of his nose and the chin are touching the breast.
How To Tell When The Baby Is Hungry?
Babies should be fed on demand. A schedule is not the best way to feed your baby, but you will need one during the first two days. There is a high chance of low demand, so you will have to push. After the third day, you should give your baby milk when they are hungry. But how will you tell? Look out for these signs;
- Suckling on their hand.
- The baby turns the head to the side with her mouth open, searching for food (Rooting reflex).
- Low-pitched cry.
How To Tell If The Baby Is Getting Enough Milk?
New moms worry that their baby is not getting adequate milk, mostly because they cannot keep track of milk production. Few indicators can let you know if your baby is getting full;
- Disposition: If the baby is content and happy after feeding, she is full. If she is crying and suckling on her fingers, it indicates otherwise. It could also be a sign of colic so, consult your doctor.
- Weight: After the second week, your baby should steadily gain weight from 4 to 7 ounces in a week, although it can differ among babies.
- Dirty diapers: After the fourth day, the baby should have three to four bowel movements and six to twelve wet diapers within 24 hours.
You Are Eating For Two!
You should take enough food to sustain both you and the baby. You require additional nutrients from different food groups. Your pediatrician will guide you on the types and amount of food to eat daily. However, it would be best if you also were careful about the food you ingest. Some foods eaten can affect your baby. If your baby has stomach upsets and discomfort, think about what you ate earlier. If you notice that a specific food results in your baby’s distress, eliminate it from your diet.
Avoid Alcohol and Certain Types Of Medication.
During pregnancy, you are not allowed to sip any alcohol. There is an exception while breastfeeding. You can drink a glass of wine hours before breastfeeding. If you drink more than this, pump the milk and dump. Excessive drinking can impair your baby’s growth and development. It can also affect milk letdown, which is the reflex that allows breastmilk to move to the nipples.
When it comes to taking medication, always ask your doctor first. Some drugs, such as ibuprofen, antibiotics, and acetaminophen, are considered safe. Psoriasis, migraine, and cancer medication can harm the baby. Make sure to consult your practitioner before taking any drugs.
Pumping Essentials
If you want to go back to work, you must learn to pump ahead of time. It needs a lot of patience and practice. You can buy a manual pump where you use your hand to pump. But, if you want to save on time and energy, it is better to add extra cash and buy an electric pump that does the work for you. The milk should be stored in clean, separate containers then placed in the fridge to avoid contamination.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding has a lot of benefits for both the baby and the mother. It is a convenient way of feeding since you do not need to wash bottles and mix formula. You are always ready to feed the baby. Also, moms say that it helped them lose weight. Additionally, research says that it helps reduce the risk of ovarian and breast cancer.