Breastfeeding is a great source of nutrition for your baby but there may be alot of questions you may have during the breastfeeding stage. Below are some tips and hints in regards to breastfeeding your baby.
-When to Breastfeed- Breastfeed when your baby seems hungry. You will be able to tell when your baby is hungry when he or she starts making sucking noises, the hands are moving toward the mouth or the baby is turning your breast.
-Patience is the key- Babies will usually feed 10-20 minutes on each breasts so patience will be necessary.
-Comfort- For your comfort make sure to prop up your feet and support your arms and legs with pillows while breastfeeding.
-Soothing Your Nipples- You may experience slight pain and tender breast at the beginning stages of breastfeeding. Don't worry as this doesn't last throughout the whole process especially once you and your baby find comfortable positions for breastfeeding. To soothe your nipples use warm moist compresses and also dab on lanolin made for breastfeeding. If soreness does last longer then usual make sure to speak to your doctor in regards to other methods that can be taken.
-Avoid Nipple Confusion- If you begin breastfeeding but then want to introduce a bottle later on make sure you do so when the baby is 2-4 weeks old. If this step is not taken your baby may become confused and only want to latch on to your nipple and nothing else.
- How Often to Nurse- According to the American Association of Pediatrics newborns should nurse every 2-3 hours which equals to 8-12 times in 24hrs. After the first month feedings may start decreasing to 7-9 times a day. You will know your baby is full when the sucking on your nipple starts to slow or when baby turns away.
-Waking Your Baby- Although your baby is sleeping like a little angel when it is time for feeding you will have to wake your baby, gently of course. Within the first few weeks newborns need to nurse about 8 times a day with no more then 4 hours in between feedings.
-Use Both Breasts- This step is also very necessary as there are two types of milk during each feeding. The first type of milk is the thinner thirst quenching milk and the second is the creamier fat rich hind milk. Your baby will need both nutritious milks so you will want to let baby drain one breast during feeding and switch to the other breast during the next feeding. You will want to keep doing this throughout the feedings.
-Your Milk is Enough- If your baby is nursing every 2-3 hours, has about 6-8 wet diapers a day and is gaining about a pound a day then rest assured that your milk is more then enough for your baby's nutrition.
- Baby & Growth Spurt- Your baby's growth spurt will usually occur around the baby's second week then again during months 2,4 and 6. During this time you may feel like your nursing overtime but don't freight as your body will support you in producing more milk and these spurts will last for only a short time.
- Your Diet- Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet will keep baby healthy as well. Try to stay away from gas producing food as well as spicy foods while breastfeeding. You must also pay attention to your food intake and if your baby shows any allergy symptoms. If allergy symptoms do occur you will want to eliminate the food that caused it until you stop breastfeeding.
-The End- Babies can start eating more solid foods when they are 4-6 months old so at this time breastfeeding may slowly start to diminish.
Ladies I hope the above breastfeeding hints and tips will lead you in the right direction and help you to bond comfortably with your baby.
Stay Fab!
