Guest Post
If you’ve just become a mother, there are probably a lot of things on your mind, from diaper changes, to baby clothes, to the sheer amazement at how little sleep you can actually survive on.
One potentially difficult aspect that few women fully prepare for is breastfeeding. Unless you’re one of the lucky ones, there is a good chance that breastfeeding will take a bit of practice before you feel comfortable. Here are five tips to help you get off to a good start:
1. Create A Relaxing Environment
If you can get yourself to relax, chances are that you will have a much easier time breastfeeding. When you get home from the hospital, create a special spot in your house for you and your baby with a rocking chair, calm lighting and your favorite blankets and pillows.
2. Invest In The Essentials
Having the right tools can make breastfeeding a lot easier. If you plan on returning to work or doing any other activities that may require you to be away from your baby, you will need to purchase a good breast pump. Pumped milk can be put away in the freezer for later, enabling your husband or another loved one to feed your baby while you aren’t around. Another important tool for breastfeeding is a nursing pillow, which aids you in holding your baby in the most optimal feeding position. Not only can this help your baby latch onto your nipple, but it will also help relax your body and keep you from becoming uncomfortable.
3. Eat Well And Stay Hydrated
Creating breast milk is a powerful process, and many different nutrients are required by the body to make it happen. It’s very important that you eat plenty of calories during this time, focusing on healthy, nutrient-dense foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats. Drinking a lot of water is also crucial, as your body requires extra fluid to make milk.
4. Sleep When The Baby Sleeps
This advice has been passed down from woman to woman for many generations, so you probably already know that laying down as soon as your baby is asleep may be your only chance to get some much-needed rest. However, you may not have known that this can actually encourage healthy breast milk production. When your body is exhausted, it can’t do anything as efficiently, and a quick nap can prepare both you and the baby for a better feeding. As an added benefit, being well rested has been shown to reduce your chances of developing postpartum depression.
5. Nurse as Often As Possible
The more often you nurse, the easier it will be to stimulate breast milk production. It is recommended that a new mother nurse at least once every three hours, especially during your baby’s first few days. This will help you get into a routine and learn what works and what doesn’t work for you and your baby.
Being a mother will be the most amazing journey that you will ever experience. By choosing to breast feed, you are giving your baby the best start that he or she could possibly have, strengthening the bond between you, and preparing for a long and beautiful future together.
Nadine Swayne presents these tips to all new mothers. Breastfeeding can sometimes be daunting and a mom can use all the help possible. Whether it’s drinking plenty of water or getting help from using nursing pillows, finding the right method to care for your new baby is an essential.
I had a hard time with my first son but with the second it was much easier
I had such a hard time napping with the Little when he was born but the times I did, I felt so much better afterwards. I have never been a napper so this is why it was so tough.
I’m definitely one of the lucky ones. I didn’t have any serious issues except from the occasional plugged duct and a couple bouts with mastitis. My boys were good nursers until the end, and by the end, I mean YEARS!
Breastfeeding is something that every new mom and baby have to learn. It is time consuming but it is well worth every moment that you spend with your baby. After all you get to hold and snuggle that precious baby while feeding. My favorite memory of breastfeeding my three children would staring at them while they nursed.
It didn’t work out so well for us. We had plenty of consultants and such… just wasn’t happening
Very good tips!
I’m so lucky to now have had any issues with breastfeeding aside from poor latch.
I had difficulties breastfeeding my first and my supply quickly dwindled when I became pregnant with my second baby when my first was only 4 months.
My first son would not breastfeed but my daughter wanted nothing else. It’s amazing how kids work.
I was unsuccessful at breastfeeding both my sons. I used a breast pump but my milk dwindled after 4 weeks.
These are fantastic tips. I wasn’t successful in breastfeeding but I was able to use a pump, thankfully.
sleep when baby sleeps is probably the best advice ever
One of the hardest and most rewarding things I have done.
My sister had troubles with breastfeeding. Some think it’s easy and natural but many of us have a hard time. Glad the tips were useful!
I never could sleep when my babies were sleeping because there was always so much I had to get done.