While more than 57% of American women breastfeed but only 20% percent continue it after six months or longer. You have made your decision, and you want to breastfeed. Here are some breastfeeding tips for successfully breastfeeding your little one to the end.
Prepare your breastfeeding well
Your body prepares itself for breastfeeding during pregnancy. From the start of pregnancy, the breasts prepare for this natural action. Don't be surprised, at the end of your pregnancy you may sometimes notice some colostrum discharge; it means that your body is preparing to breastfeed.
During your pregnancy, check with your midwife, talk to those around you, get closer to women who have breastfed. You can follow childbirth preparation sessions or participate in breastfeeding support meetings. A discussion with your spouse is essential because the more he will know about breastfeeding, the more he will support you in accomplishing this beautiful journey.
Breast from birth
After birth, the healthy newborn takes approximately two hours for alert awakening, conducive to learning, and memorization. This is when the first breastfeeding is essential. This process facilitates the bond between mother and baby and promotes the development of the infant.
Adopt a correct position
The cause of sore nipples is most often a bad position of the baby at the breast. To obtain an effective and painless feeding, the baby must adopt a good position facing the mother, mouth wide open to take the nipple and areola as far as possible.
Breastfeed day and night and on baby's request
To start feedings well and to increase their duration, the mother must stay close to her baby. In addition, you must feed him whenever the infant calls for milk. It is also good for babies to sleep in their mother's room from the first night in order to find their rhythm in sleep and breastfeeding.
Do not use pacifiers or milk supplements
Do not give in to the temptation of artificial pacifiers and artificial milk supplements. This can interfere with the initiation of breastfeeding. Your baby may prefer the easier flow of the bottle over the breast. Have confidence and let him find his rhythm.
Do not stop breastfeeding if you are sick
Sometimes a mother stops breastfeeding because of illness, mastitis, or because she finds that her baby's stools are too watery. All of these reasons do not justify stopping breastfeeding.
Take Foods that promote lactation
During breastfeeding, the key is to keep a varied and balanced diet. Sometimes your baby may be bothered by something you eat, but this is rare. To promote the flow of milk, follow these tips: drink plenty of water, breastfeeding herbal tea made from fennel, spirulina cure, and of course, rest. Successful breastfeeding also means offering the breast when you think your baby is hungry. The closer your baby is to the breast, the better it will be for milk production.
Pass the three-week peak
Baby sometimes goes through difficult times; this is the case when he arrives for the first time at home, for example, and then around the age of 3 weeks. He then becomes very agitated and claims the breast more often. Don't worry, if the baby is breastfeeding more, it's not that you are low on milk; it is that it is working to take it up a notch.
Continue breastfeeding when you return to work
To complete your breastfeeding plan and not upset baby, feedings can continue even after returning to work. Get organized; learn to express your milk. Momcozy’s pumping bra is the best hands-free pumping bra that you can use for expressing the milk. Or introduce the bottles very slowly for mixed breastfeeding but breastfeed the baby as soon as you are with him, before or after work. Gradually, the breasts will get used to this new rhythm and baby too. The breastfeeding will then be a real moment of shared happiness!
Use Breastfeeding accessories and breast pump
To make breastfeeding more pleasant, you can use a breastfeeding cushion, silicone shells to prevent stains on your t-shirts, silicone nipples, or breastfeeding bras, breast pump bra, etc. Be careful, do not buy these accessories in advance, but rather invest when you feel the need, and you realize that it will really make your life easier.
Are you going to return to work? Don't panic; you will be able to express your milk. You have two choices: manual or electric breast pump. For your information, the electric breast pump can be rented from your pharmacist with a prescription from your midwife, pediatrician or gynecologist. It is also more powerful than the manual version.
Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet:
To ensure good milk production, a balanced, rich, and varied diet is recommended. Choose dairy products (cheese and yogurt), fruits and vegetables, cereal bread, foods rich in vitamin B12, and iron.
Take care of your breasts:
It is advisable to allow your nipples to air dry after breastfeeding to reduce the risk of the appearance of cracks. Breast milk is also said to have lubricating and anti-infective properties. If your breasts are engorged, apply cold compresses and massage using hot towels or a shower with warm water. Also, increase the frequency of feedings and make sure your breasts are empty right after.
Bottom Line:
To conclude, breastfeeding is an adventure that requires a lot of patience, availability, but what a joy to be able to breastfeed your baby. It is such a natural gesture and a real wealth for your child. All women who wish can breastfeed their babies and whatever the size or shape of their breasts. Obviously, the decision to breastfeed belongs to you, it is a personal choice and in agreement with your spouse. The most important is the well-being of your baby, not to mention yours. If you decide to stop breastfeeding your baby, don't beat yourself up. Bottle feeding with confidence is better than breastfeeding if you are completely exhausted and stressed.
