Breast milk is the ideal milk for infants. Breast milk adapts perfectly to the physiological needs of the toddler. Its unique composition meets the needs of your child and the maturation of his immune system. If breastfeeding is a natural gesture, it is essential that this choice results from an intimate decision and not from an obligation. In addition, in order to get breastfeeding off to a good start, some important recommendations are necessary. Let’s have a look at how a mom should start nursing the right way!
Moms Should Start Nursing the Right WayDeciding to breastfeed is a choice that should not be taken lightly. This very personal decision is very often one of the first questions that the future mother asks herself. To start breastfeeding well and to be successful, it is essential to ensure that certain practical recommendations are respected:
Get informed before birth
Pregnancy is the ideal time to get informed and ask questions about the benefits and advice essential for successful breastfeeding. After birth, the mother is often less receptive to rational information. By getting information from general practitioners, midwives, or even from your pharmacy, getting started will be easier at the maternity ward.
Breastfeed the baby as soon as possible
When the delivery is going well, and there are no complications for mom or baby, there is absolutely no reason for you to be separated for a single second during the two hours of statutory monitoring in the labor room. And always, if there is no health problem for you or your baby, there is no reason to delay your very first feeding and start breastfeeding. The earlier this first meeting, the more available you are, and the more alert your baby is and able to suckle well. Do not hesitate to tell the team to postpone the clinical examination and take the measurements to favor this very special moment!
Ensure that the newborn baby takes the breast without difficulty
It is an essential factor for successful breastfeeding from the first days. While breastfeeding is easy for some children, others need to be guided to take the milk they need. A good latch allows effective sucking and a correct transfer of milk and thus avoids pain, cracks, or even bleeding from the nipples. Therefore, it is essential to take a good position to breastfeed (the infant's nose must be well in front of the nipple).
Encourage breastfeeding on demand
Frequent breastfeeding, without restriction, is to be encouraged, including at night. The suction triggering the production of milk, the milk stimulation is thus reinforced. It is, therefore, preferable to adapt to the demands of the infant, both in terms of the rate and duration of feeding. Very quickly, he emits signs of awakening, indicating that he is ready to be breastfed. He makes small movements of the mouth, sticks out his tongue, tries to suck, or even waves his arms and legs. You can use a breast pump bra to express milk and give it to your baby at night.
Favor a calm environment
Stress, tiredness, annoyances can disrupt the smooth progress of breastfeeding because these factors may slow down lactation. It is essential to prioritize rest and well-being for the mother. Likewise, a healthy diet is essential (taking three balanced meals a day or not starting a diet without medical advice).
Small Inconveniences: actFor a few days, sucking the baby can be uncomfortable for a very young mother. If this is the case, check the baby's correct position: belly against the belly, it is turned towards you, and his mouth covers the entire nipple, including the areola. His lips are upturned, and his tongue placed under the nipple. You are not leaning on your baby; you are comfortably installed. If sucking hurts, apply a drop of milk on the nipple just after feeding: very effective! You can also apply a cream like Mother Love, which is no problem for baby feedings and will allow you to heal. But again, it is the correct position of baby within the breast that will allow you to avoid these inconveniences as much as possible. Against small milk leaks, you can provide small pads to slip into your nursing bra. Be sure to wear lingerie that gives you good support. To choose your bra well, plan one more hat than the one you wear at the end of pregnancy. Also prefer special clothes, which allow breastfeeding without undressing too much, for more comfort.
A surge of milk can be painful as your breasts are swollen, hot, heavy, tense, and sensitive too! Indeed, the influx of milk can cause waterlogging. Put your baby on the breast when you feel this surge of milk. You can also perform small massages to relieve yourself: in a hot shower, massage your chest by making circles. Start at the base of the chest and massage gradually to the center, gently. This will allow you to express excess milk. During breastfeeding, engorgement can occur. The same advice remains valid; you can also massage your breasts during the feeding so that the milk flows better. A breast pump or hands-free nursing bra can also help.
Trust yourselfAn entourage who accompanies you, a husband who supports you, that's what to help you. For your part, having confidence in your ability to breastfeed is important; stress does not mix well with breastfeeding. The more relaxed you are, the better it will be. Also, trust your baby.
Surround yourselfTo help you in case of need, do not hesitate to ask the medical staff or the lactation advisers who will provide the answers to any questions you may have. Do not hesitate to seek advice from your PMI. Consultations are possible, and you can have your baby weighed to reassure him of his good weight gain or ask questions that can tease you during breastfeeding.
Bottom Line:
Breastfeeding, beyond its many benefits is a moment of exchange, intense and privileged complicity which allows prolonging the bond woven during pregnancy between the toddler and his mother. If some women encounter some difficulties at the start of their breastfeeding, it is essential always to maintain self-confidence and be guided by your maternal instinct. In case of problems, you can contact a healthcare professional who will be able to answer your questions and support you.
