Breastfeeding strengthens the mother-child bond in the best way. Breast milk is the best immunity booster for babies. It is a good source of all nutrients and minerals, and protects kids against allergies, sickness, and obesity too!
Breastfeeding can get painful at times. Don’t worry this is your first experience and it can be less than perfect. In my case, it took a month for me to actually understand the process. So, if you do choose to breastfeed, here are some great tips to help you get settled easily.
Learning the basic ABC of Breastfeeding:
Awareness about breastfeeding: Milk supply often takes time to get stabilized, so don’t fret out, it’s not in your hands. Take this time to build a bond with your child. Watch for the hunger signs like baby turning towards your breast, they are moving their hands towards their mouths and feed whenever you see these hunger signs.
BE PATIENT: You might feel why your baby is taking so long to feed. They should generally feed for about 10-20 minutes on each breast.
Take care of your comfort: It takes time to get comfortable with breastfeeding, and to help yourself feel better, use a breastfeeding pillow. Layering is an important thing to do while breastfeeding in public. Try wearing a tank top underneath a loose top or keep a scarf with you while stepping outside.
How to sooth sore nipples:
You may have sore nipples for first few days and it can be painful. My doctor recommended to dab Lanolin nipple cream and it was indeed a lifesaver! You can also try warm compress which helps in soothing the pain. This usually goes away once you find a good position to breastfeed and your baby latches on comfortably. Try pumping breasts while feeding. Use both the breasts regularly for feeding Instead of using anyone particularly.
How to judge if your baby is getting enough milk:
We often tend to worry about that we are not producing enough milk for our baby. So just notice for few signs, like if your baby is gaining adequate weight of approx. one pound a month and has six to eight wet diapers a day, your baby is on the right track. If you feel that baby is showing hunger cues very frequently you can consult a doctor.
Diet during breastfeeding:
Though there is no specific diet as such but make sure not to load empty calories. You can consume lactation cookies like whole oats, wheat gram and flaxseed meal. They are really very good. Try and add garlic, ginger, fenugreek, feral and other herbs, since all of these stimulates milk production. Make sure you eat a balanced diet of protein, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. It is important to keep yourself hydrated. Do take enough water whole day. This will help you produce sufficient milk and keep you energetic enough to breastfeed the way you want.
How to Wean Off:
At some point the baby has to be introduced to solid foods who were till fully reliant on milk. This is called Weaning. The solids must be introduced only after breastfeeding exclusively for first six months. Actually, many a times, babies themselves give you a lead and begin drinking cow’s milk, juice, or other beverages. Just follow their lead and help hem wean. Start by skipping one or two daytime feeds.
Your milk is very rewarding for you as well as your baby in terms of bonding, nourishment, increased immunity, etc.Breastfeeding is a personal decision and is just one way to provide proper nutrition to your baby in those important first few months of their life.
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I needed this post 36 years ago 🙂 I had such a painful time with my son. I had inverted nipples and they would be so sore with the extra suckling nipple. You girls are lucky u know everything when u become a mom these days 🙂
Well articulated all the details regarding breastfeeding. Taking a good protein diet like lentils, milk stimulates the milk production in new mothers, as my elders told me to my days. I, too, believe that Weaning off is an equally challenging phase of breastfeeding for me, which required tremendous patience and determination.
Very helpful post for new moms and expecting mothers to keep these things and tips handy. Thank you for sharing, I wish had known this around 8 years ago 😉
Nice to read your post in A2Z challenge, Happy Blogging.
Great tips dear. breastfeeding offers great benefits for new born and also help in creating a bond between mother-child. your tips are so useful to deal with these common challenges that mothers face during lactation period.
Such a detailed post. I don’t think you left anything out, right from importance of breast milk to weaning off. Kudos to you
Deepika Sharma
This is a very detailed article and every single aspect has been highlighted. I am sure new moms will definitely benefit from it. I loved your ending lines how you wrote about personal choice .
Well researched and more importantly, explained in simple terms which will be helpful for new moms
A very detailed post Taht would be beneficial to new mothers.
Oh thanks for sharing… One of my neighbors here is expecting and was very confused on breast feeding… Will share this article of yours with her right away.
A very detailed, informative, and helpful post. Hope it reaches its audience.
This is an incredibly worthy series for new moms. Sharing it with my friends too
Wow this is such a great post for new be mommies..I am so glad that I am over it long time back.
Such a beautiful insightful post on breastfeeding! This will come in quite handy for expectant or new moms! Highly detailed and well explained!
Yes as you mentioned, diet during breastfeed, I tried garlic and that proved to be very effective! Good post