You just gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby. Your only thought is to make sure that she stays that way. You have decided to breastfeed but are worried about doing it right. Don't worry, you aren't alone, even experienced mothers have those concerns when a new baby arrives. Here are a few simple and easy tips that can help you and your baby get the best out of breastfeeding.
1. Do not be Afraid to Ask for Help if You Have Problems Breastfeeding
Don't be afraid to ask for help. You can learn all about something from reading all of the books but real life rarely conforms to the perfect world that exists in books. If you are having problems breastfeeding your baby, or just aren't sure of something do not be afraid to seek help. You can seek advice from your doctor, a nurse, or a lactation specialist.
2. Eat Healthy Diet for You and Your Baby
All of the nutrients that your baby will be getting will be coming from you. Make sure that you eat properly to keep both you and your baby healthy.
3. Alternate Breasts to Control Milk Supply and Avoid Engorgement
If your baby does not consume enough of your milk to need both breasts during a single feeding then make sure that you start the next feeding with the opposite breast. This will make sure that your baby gets the proper nutrition and that your breasts get utilized equally so one doesn't become engorged.
4. Let Baby Decide When to Feed if possible
If possible, let your baby decide when she has had enough. Your baby should decide the feeding schedule and decide when she has had enough to eat. There is no need to follow a strict schedule or wake her from sleep just to feed.
5. Ensure You Get Enough Rest
Childbirth and now breastfeeding have taken their toll on your body. Take every opportunity to get as much sleep as you can to keep yourself well rested and allow your body to recuperate.
6. Get Enough Fluid to Maintain Your Breast Milk Supply
Breast milk is mostly made up of water and fluid. You need to drink enough to produce as much milk as your baby needs and to keep yourself well hydrated. Allowing yourself to get dehydrated is bad for your health and bad for your milk production. Avoid Alcohol and gassy drink especially if your baby is colicky.
7. Be Brave to Breastfeed in Public
Don't be afraid to breastfeed in public. If you are out with your baby and it is time for her feeding do not make her wait because you are afraid of what other people will think and the looks, they give you. Breastfeeding is a very natural thing and you should never be embarrassed about it. You are not the one doing anything wrong, it is the person who makes a rude comment or stares at you that has the problem. Just ignore them, your baby is what you should be concerned with.
8. Wait to Introduce Pacifier
Wait before giving a pacifier. A pacifier can introduce problems with breastfeeding if it is introduced to the baby too soon. Most experts say to wait at least a month before you start offering your baby a pacifier if you are breastfeeding.
These are just a few tips that you can use to help you with breastfeeding your baby. Following them will lead to a much more pleasant breastfeeding experience for both of you.
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