Breastfeeding a baby is quite a difficult task, and it takes some time to get accustomed to the whole process. Nursing is probably the first thing that mothers do when it comes to nurturing their newborns, and as natural as the process is, there are times when stress takes a toll, followed by doubt and insecurity. But not to worry! Take a breastfeeding pillow, relax and read on to learn the best tips for making the best of one’s first and future nursing experience.
Breastfeeding And Its Importance
According to a study that was conducted in 2017, around 93 per cent of Australia’s toddlers up to age 3 had received breast milk as they grew up. These are good numbers as several studies indicate the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies. Mothers are recommended to carry on this practice for at least six months before switching to bottled milk or solids.
Tips For Expecting Mothers
- First of all, understand how nursing is done and expecting moms can ask advice from their friends or anyone who’s had a baby recently. Learning how to do the thing beforehand will prepare moms for when the time comes. For those who want to dive in deep, Australia holds hundreds of support groups for moms to discuss such issues.
- The next step would actually be to set aside a nursing area like a comfy chair or a sofa with napkins, snacks, a breastfeeding pillow and other tools to help pass the time. This is the space where new moms will spend most of their days nursing their growing babies, so it’s important to tailor it to one’s convenience.
- Consider fixing up an appointment with a doctor or an expert regarding any help for nursing and breastfeeding. Moreover, it’ll benefit a lot to have a reliable medical consultant to call in if a problem pops up.
Tips For New Mothers
- Doctors recommend nursing the baby within the first hour of the delivery and cutting down as much formula as possible.
- The next problem would be to find the right position for oneself as well as the baby. During the nursing process, the total time for a nursing session and the comfortability of the mother will all depend on the baby. If the baby is secure and relaxed, then there won’t be much of a problem. If they are uncomfortable with the way they’re fed, they’ll keep on tossing about. Lying on one’s side is usually a good beginning position as it helps keep the nipple level with the baby’s head. Moreover, the mouth should “latch” properly around the entire nipple during breastfeeding.
- Don’t fix a schedule or a time limit, and always be prepared to wake up at random times.
- It’s better not to use a pump unless the milk produced is insufficient to feed the baby. However, do keep an eye on the overall diet and take rest as often as possible.
- Have a proper skin routine to prevent the delicate skin of the nipples from getting chapped or dry. Use a cloth to dry out the area and air out from time to time. Use skin-friendly creams to moisturise and reduce any discomfort.
- Learn to pick up on the body cues babies put out when they’re hungry. The most common signs include sticking out their tongues or moving their heads repeatedly. Hungry babies grab whatever they can find and start sucking on them, or they open and close their mouths. If these signs appear, start feeding them immediately, as this will develop actions necessary for positive reinforcement.
Author: Alison Lurie