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Breastfeeding - A New Mom's Guide by Jennifer Sprague
In the world today, new pregnant mom's either hear all horror stories about breastfeeding, or that it's all wonderful and beautiful.
Here is some "real world" advice for those first time mom's with real fears. I will not "sugar coat it", but will tell it like it is, and give you hope that it really CAN become beautiful, even if it does not start out that way!
Breastfeeding can be very confusing for the first time mother who goes to attempt it. Although it is one of the most natural things in the world and many mothers feel like they should be born knowing how to effectively nurse a child, it can be hard to know exactly what to do or how to do it. (This was me, with my first child. I was just "sure" I could breast feed her. My thoughts were, "She is a baby, I have a breast, it just works, Right?" Though this can be the way it works, it is not the "norm".)
Here are some essential breastfeeding tips and tricks:
First you want to put the baby to your breast as soon as possible after birth. - It is "best" to have your first breastfeeding session within an hour after giving birth, if possible. The first hour after your baby is born you will notice she or he is very alert after the activity and work of being born. At this time sucking instinct is strong. You will not be producing what we all think of as "milk" this early however, your breasts contain colostrum. Colostrum is a thin milky fluid that contains important antibodies to disease. Colostrum is often referred to as "liquid gold" because it is, it is the perfect food for your new little bundle.
After the first hour you will want to gently encourage frequent feeds. - It is a good idea to "try" nursing your baby every two to three hours. (I say "try" here because the hours following are spent with a sleepy infant. Most babies pass-out for hours after there initial wakeful period, this is normal and will pass.) This can help keep your breasts soft and aid in the prevention of engorgement. Be sure to pay close attention to your baby for signs of hunger. These signs can be - changes in facial expressions, sucking sounds and/or lip movements (these are typically called "lip smacks") also rooting is another good clue! By keeping a close eye out for these signs you will learn quickly the cues, your baby gives, to help aid you in anticipating your baby's hungry. It is best to avoid a extremely hungry baby if possible, a hungry baby can be too impatient to latch on correctly. Also if your breasts are engorged from waiting too long between feedings you may be VERY sensitive to his touch. (I was this way with my son, but not from not nursing enough but because no matter what some woman do they do become engorged.) Breastfeeding on "demand" (I use this word VERY lightly, as your new bundle is a baby, and cant "demand" anything! They cry because that is the only way they have to communicate with you.) will actually help stimulate your breasts to produce milk - the breasts make milk based on the stimulation received while breastfeeding. Carrying your baby in a baby carrier sling can also help foster more frequent and convenient feeding as well as give a wonderful closeness for both mom and baby.
Always be sure your comfortable when you sit down to nurse, practice good positioning. - Having the right positioning for breastfeeding is one of the *most* important aspects in avoiding nipple soreness, as well as back pain, arm soreness and in the end stress on both you and your new bundle. You will want to use your hand to support your baby's neck. His mouth should be open wide with the lips puckered out, not folded in. Your nipple should go back as far into his or her mouth as possible. (In most books you read they will say to be sure that you get all of your areola into your babies mouth. Well if your like me, and have a big areola/nipple, you will NOT be able to get the whole thing in there. I tried; matter of fact I acted like a mad woman trying to "stuff it in." It is ok, just get as much in as you can, and is comfortable.) Many hospitals also provide lactation consultants to mothers who choose to breast feed. (This really IS something you should try to take advantage of in the hospital.) If you do not take advantage of this in the hospital, or you need a refresher once you get home, you can get help finding proper positioning by asking a nurse, midwife, lactation consultant or other experienced mother for some help breastfeeding. La Leche League is also a great resource they are a nationwide network for breastfeeding support and is in many communities. They offer support groups and there leaders are wonderful. (With my son a leader actually came to my house, sat with me, and helped with every feeding for about 8 hours one day; it was actually one of the main reasons that breastfeeding "worked" for us.)
Avoid Nipple pain and get some relief. - Some women get sore nipples when they first begin breastfeeding and others have no problems at all. Most of the time the discomfort can be remedied by better positioning. If your nipples start to become very sore try this - first, seek help to be sure that your latch is correct, the more you breast feed with an incorrect latch, the more it will hurt you (and correct positioning is much more comfy anyway!). Next, after each time you nurse, rub a small amount of your breast milk on and around each nipple and allow it to air dry. (Breast milk has alot of healing properties with in it to help cure alot of ailments.) Doing this, even when there is no pain can help prevent cracking (which can lead to infection). In cases where your nipples do crack, coat them with breast milk, vitamin E oil, or lanolin to help them heal. Note - The lanolins sold for breastfeeding are fine to leave on with no concerns for the baby at the next feeding - but be some babies don't like the taste/texture of these agents on your nipples so you may need to wash them off before offering the breast.
Please Note: If your nipples do crack, it is not uncommon for them to bleed, it is perfectly safe for your baby to continue to nurse off of this breast, in fact it is essential that you do nurse off this breast. Nursing on this breast will be painful, and you will probably find that nursing on the non cracked side first, is the way to go. The reason for this is because your baby will be very hungry when they first latch on, which is not good for a hurting nipple. So always offer the breast not hurting first, if the other becomes engorged, you can hand express to ease the pain. Also why your nursing on that side, removing your bra and letting the painful side have air is a good way to help too. Another thing to help which will sound weird, is if you can manage it, sit in front of a sunny window, or go outside, exposing your nipple to the sun is very beneficial, and can help heal it! If it gets to bad, if its just not going away or if your baby has white "patches" with in his mouth, please seek medical help, more than likely you have thrush and need medical treatment to get rid of it.
Be on the lookout for breast infections. - If you experience a fever or painful lumps and redness in your breasts, you should seek medical attention immediately. Abscesses can develop quickly and need medical treatment. Why mastitis does need medical treatment there are things you can do, if you catch it early. The first being HOT showers, and compresses on the area that is sore, or has a lump. Light massage can help as well, circular motions right over where the lump is, will help to break it up and make your body release it. Another vital thing is nursing, ALOT, on this side, will help draw it out as well. Some people find that hot compresses or a hot shower right before nursing helps the most. The last helpful thing is to place your babies jaw in the same direction as the lump. In other words having there chin point to the same direction as the lump. (Depending on where it is, this can lead to some interesting feeding positions.)
You will want to postpone the use of artificial nipples. - It is recommend that if you are going to be breastfeeding your baby you should avoid introducing pacifiers or other artificial nipples too early. Artificial nipples require the baby to use a different sucking action than that of your nipple and will (if started to early) hinder breastfeeding efforts. This is often referred to as "nipple confusion." It is usually best to wait at least four to six weeks, usually by then you have created a good foundation for your breastfeeding relationship. However, you will need to be sure that everything is running smoothly before introducing any pacifier or bottles.
Formula or water supplements are not needed. - There is usually no need to supplement why breastfeeding with sugar water or formula. Breast milk is made especially for babies and is a perfect source of nutrition - it is also full of helpful antibodies. While there have been many advances in recent years in formulas, they do not have nearly the same nutritional complexity of your breast milk and may interfere with your baby's appetite for breastfeeding and lead to a diminished milk supply. If you worry that you are not making enough milk, breastfeeding your baby more often will cause you to produce more milk. Another good "test" to see if your baby is getting enough, is to place a tissue with in a disposable diaper (or use cloth diapers). Doing this you can really tell how many diapers your baby is wetting. As long as your baby is having 6-8 wet diapers a day, she or he is fine. (Also, breast feed babies can go days between bowel movements, so don't be worried if you don't see one of those every day!) If you think your baby is not getting enough to eat or is losing weight, consult your doctor for advice on whether supplementation is necessary and to ensure that there are no other problems.
Please Note: If your baby has jaundice, they still do not need supplements. Breast milk is the fastest processed food for a baby, and will push though the billy-rubin with in there systems faster than formula or sugar water. Breast feed ALOT, and expose your baby to as much sun light as possible!
You will want to try to avoid engorgement. - When your milk first comes in you will be producing a lot of milk. This can make your breasts large, swollen, hard and painful. You can help to ease this engorgement by breastfeeding frequently or expressing some milk with a hand pump or electric pump until your body adjusts to produce only as much as your baby needs. (Only pump as much as you need to, to become comfortable, remember your body produces milk because it thinks your baby is eating ALL that it's producing, so even if your pumping, your body will not know the difference between the pump and your baby. Though this is a great method to help relieve pain, only "top off" and take as much as you need to to be comfortable.) You can also help relieve the pain by applying warm, wet compresses or taking warm baths or showers. Also, some over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but consult your doctor before taking any sort of drug, since it may be passed through your milk to the baby.
Please Note: If your very engorged (as I was) cabbage leafs will also help, take a leaf off and place it right over your breast/nipple area. It helps to release pain and to decrease milk, be careful when doing this because it can stop milk production all together, only do it for short stretches of time.
Its important to stay healthy and drink LOTS of water. - A breastfeeding mom needs to eat a healthy diet, and drink at alot of water in order to produce nutritional milk. Ask your doctor about how much to increase your calorie intake to ensure that both you and baby get all of the nutrition you need. Most likely you will need an extra 500 calories a day. PLEASE do not diet right after having your baby, you will actually burn WAY more calories and loose weigh faster by eating healthy! It is also very important to drink enough water and clear fluids while your breastfeeding as well so you do not get dehydrated. You will want to try to avoid drugs, alcohol, caffeine and smoke why your breastfeeding (and for your babies sake).
Please note: Most Lactation Consultants will tell you to "prepare" your nursing area, with a healthy snack and a full 8 OZ glass of water! You should be drinking something every time you nurse to avoid dehydration!
With a good support network, persistence and knowledge, breastfeeding can be an extremely simple and VERY pleasurable way to feed your baby and your child. Do not be afraid to ask for assistance from your doctor, nurse, lactation consultant, midwife or the La Leche Leage - successful breastfeeding depends heavily on education, persistence, support and practice.
So grab a glass of water, a comfy pillow, a yummy snack, and your baby. Sit down and get comfy and nurse away! They grow up way to fast, I have learned to my sorrow...so treasure every moment, and relax!
Jennifer Sprague, co-owner of High Top Baby Designs. She has several years of teaching experience, working with infants through adults and has a passion for helping children live happy, healthy and secure lives. Jennifer has been a nanny, daycare provider, teacher, and is currently studying to become a Doula and a Lactation Consultant.
Article Source: www.ladypens.com
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