Do you feel tired, overwhelmed, and inadequate due to low milk supply or having problems in breastfeeding? Do not feel alone or left out! As a new mother, you will feel pressured to breastfeed, and not having a piece of proper knowledge can result in avoiding it.
Research shows that 96% of babies received mothers’ milk since the day they were born. But only 15 % of mothers continue it till the age of 6 months.
There are numerous reasons for stopping breastfeeding like, unsupportive work policies, cultural norms, and absence of family support. But the most common cause for stopping it is a lack of proper knowledge.
So, relax and read further because we have gathered the 10 most practical tips on breastfeeding for you.
10 tips on breastfeeding to make your life easier
Staying together with baby after birth
It is good to discuss it with your hospital management before the baby’s arrival because most hospitals have a policy of taking the newborn babies to the nursery.
Having skin to skin with your newborn and letting him have your breast from the very start can make a difference. Always remember the sooner you start breastfeeding, the quicker you will see improvement. So, try to start it the sooner you can.
Experiment with different positions
There are different positions for breastfeeding like cradle hold, rugby ball hold, laid-back breastfeeding, etc. You must try all of them and choose what works for you.
Keep in mind your health condition, delivery method, and recovery time while choosing the most comfortable position for you.
Always ask for help
Pro tip: Never feel shy of asking for help!
As a new mother, breastfeeding can be an overwhelming experience. Asking for help can make this journey easier for you. Knowing about comfortable positions, latching tips, and empowering diet can make a difference.
If you are at the hospital, lactation consultants, nurses, and doctors can help you and guide you properly.
Be patient
You might have heard the famous proverb
Patience is virtue
Being stressed and worried about your feed and other nursing problems will not help but only make it harder for you.
If I can only give you one tip on breastfeeding, that would be to relax and let things happen naturally.
Use a Nursing pillow
The most common complaint of breastfeeding mothers is backache. You have to be extremely careful while nursing your child as the wrong posture puts stress on your spinal cord resulting in severe backache.
Using a breastfeeding pillow will help in positioning your child better. It will also help you in sitting comfortably by supporting your back.
Involve your partner
Trust me breastfeeding, is not only a mother’s journey.
Involving your partner can be highly beneficial as well. You will feel overwhelmed after sleepless nights and exhaustion of constantly taking care of a newborn. Your partner can remind you about all the essential tips your consultant gave or maybe help change the baby’s position for a better posture.
Avoid formula for initial days
It is good to avoid formula milk, teats, and pacifiers during the initial days of breastfeeding due to nipple confusion. Your child might not be able to distinguish between different nipples and ends up avoiding your breast.
Feeding bottles have relatively faster milk flow and, babies find it easier to drink from than breastfeeding.
Pay attention to your diet
As a new mom, your focus is just on the baby but, please remember only a healthy mother can take care of a healthy child.
So be careful about your diet. Eat healthy foods that also help in increasing the milk supply. Oats, fennel, cumin, fenugreek are proven to be highly beneficial in increasing milk flow. Along with that have proteins, calcium, and fruits in your diet.
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Choose comfortable outfits for breastfeeding
Being a nursing mother doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your style and trendy dressing. You have to be very smart in choosing the right type of clothing for you.
Using kimonos, cross-front nursing tops, off shoulder shirts and a comfortable nursing bra can be a good idea. Pair them with pants or a stylish skirt and, you are good to go.
Stay hydrated
My last tip on breastfeeding is always to keep yourself hydrated.
Just remember that the more you drink, the more you produce. So, always keep bottled water of water nearby and have a glass before each feed.
Final words
Breastfeeding requires patience and hard work. The lack of proper knowledge and guidance makes it harder for new moms.
Always remember that everyone learns from experience and, asking for help is never a bad idea.
So, please relax and follow our top 10 tips on breastfeeding and, you will feel a difference.
