How To BreastfeedBreastfeeding help on how to breastfeed successfully Congratulations on deciding to breastfeed! Breastfeeding is natural, but it doesn’t always come naturally to mom, it is a learnt skill…so don’t think you are alone if you are struggling to breastfeed. You need determination and breastfeeding info…here is the breastfeeding information…You will have to provide the determination. Preparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy Breastfeeding guide on how to breastfeed Important breast feeding tips and basics of breastfeeding. 1. Sit in a relaxed atmosphere. If you have older children get them something to keep themselves busy with. Relaxing will help your milk flow better. Read more on how to relax while breastfeeding 2. Positioning yourself and baby. ~ Pillows can be used for comfort no matter which position you are breastfeeding in. They can be put behind your back, under your elbows, on your lap and put anywhere needed for the comfort of the two of you.
When trying different breastfeeding positions it always helps if mom is relaxed and supported well, with no muscles that are straining. Details on the different breastfeeding positions. 3. When learning how to breastfeed, hold your fingers around your breast for support, forming a U shape (as in picture on right), but make sure you are not touching the areola (dark part around your nipple). Some moms like to massage the milk out from their breasts while they are breastfeeding with breast compressions. 4. Entice baby onto the breast ~ By rubbing your nipple gently over baby’s cheek, lips. Some moms hand express a bit of milk and rub this on their nipples, as the smell of the breast milk will encourage baby to nurse too. Baby’s mouth should be open wide. 5. Latching on “attaching baby to your breast” ~ Bring baby in so that he takes in a large part of the areola at the bottom of his mouth. Slightly flatten the end of your breast with your hands and gently, but firmly place your breast and part of the areola into baby’s mouth. Your nipple should be where baby’s soft palate is (further back in baby’s mouth), if your nipple is at the hard palate you will experience discomfort.
Continue to hold your breast while baby is breastfeeding especially if your breasts are engorged , which is normal in the beginning. Read a more detailed description on latching on here Read more on breastfeeding with large breasts and nipples How to breastfeed with flat or inverted nipples 6. A bit of sensitivity in the beginning is normal, moms can avoid sore nipples with a good latch. If the pain is too much you should unlatch baby and try again. 7. Is there milk coming out? In the first few days mom's should not worry whether there is milk being produced, the little bit of colostrum is enough for baby, but as mom continues to breastfeed the breast milk becomes more and after a while mom will be able to look for signs on if baby is sucking effectively. Baby’s jaw and ears will be moving if he is sucking efficiently…and you should be able to see him swallow. Read more here on sucking problems. 8. Always let baby finish one breast before offering the other one, this way baby is receiving the fatty hind milk as well as the foremilk, ensuring that baby will put on weight well and will also decrease his chances of becoming colicky and having watery stools. 9. Burping ~ This can be done every 5 to 10 minutes during a breastfeeding session. More on burping a breastfed baby here. Breastfeeding basics to remember - Mom should try breastfeeding her baby as soon as possible after birth…this will kick start the release of hormones which help for milk production. - When breastfeeding for the first time baby’s body should be facing moms and it is best if there is skin on skin contact. - Mom should keep baby at the level of her breast and should not be stretching downward. - Mom must try getting all of her nipple and as much of the areola into baby’s mouth as possible, if baby only latches onto the nipple, mom may develop some serious nipple pain. - If mom feels discouraged and baby continues to cry, put baby down and take a five minute break before trying again. Read tips on calming baby for breastfeeding. - Mom needs to breastfeed baby in the beginning at least every three hours (some babies do breastfeed every hour) This is so that your breasts are stimulated enough for increased milk production. - Try not letting baby fall asleep while he is breastfeeding (unless he continues to suck) This will prevent sore sensitive nipples. - Getting baby off the breast ~ Just put your finger between the corner of his mouth and your breast to break the suction. - Breast feeding help ~ Getting involved in a group where other mothers are also breastfeeding will be a great help and source of motivation for mom. - Alternate breasts by giving baby the opposite breast every time he feeds. Tips for continued breastfeeding - Use a breastfeeding necklace if baby is very distractible - Let baby breastfeed on demand …tips for cluster feeding and comfort nursing - Moms should remember that they do not need to wean baby when he starts to teethe. Here are tips on how to breastfeed a biting baby - Extended breastfeeding ~ Breastfeeding a toddler If you are worried about the quality or quantity of your breast milk, here are some tips… - Eat well, drink well and rest well - Don’t supplement with formula or any other liquid, not even water…this will keep your own milk supply up. - Breastfeed on demand. - Don’t give up, it gets easier as baby becomes older.
Read more on the advantages of breastfeeding (benefits for mom and baby) If there are other breastfeeding problems that you are struggling with you can read other informative breast feeding information pages here. Other pages on “breastfeeding problems” in connection with breastfeeding facts on how to breastfeed. - First time breastfeeding moms Share your own experiences and advice or ask a question on how to breastfeed... Leave a commentWant to share your stories? Ask a question or just say hello... What Other Moms Have SaidClick below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
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