Wednesday, May 26, 2010Breastfeeding Tips

While you are pregnant, use the time to learn as much as you can about all of the aspects of motherhood including nursing mothers. The internet is an incredibly rich source of breastfeeding tips.

There seems to be a connection between nursing baby, not nursing or being nursed and some diseases like Crohn’s disease, breast cancer and infection. The internet can provide the pros and cons about this for you. Breastfeeding is all the nutrition your child needs in the early months of his life, however.

You can expect your nipples to thicken during pregnancy and the small glands on your areola will become more pronounced. This is normal, as the glands secrete a lubrication to keep your nipple supple while nursing. After nursing, apply lanolin to the nipples.

Begin nursing as soon as possible after birth to decrease engorgement. If you have to miss a feeding while you and your baby adjust to a schedule, pump your breasts. If the pain does not decrease, consult your physician.
Find a position to hold your nursing baby that works most comfortably. You can cradle the baby so that he’s resting on your stomach, his head is in the crook of your arm, and his feet are under the non-nursing breast. You might try a pillow under one arm and the baby’s head for support so you can use your other hand. Some moms like to nurse lying on their sides with one hand supporting their head. Use a pillow to prop the baby by your breast appropriately.

Another breastfeeding tip is to wait for your baby to know, understand, and become proficient in nursing with your breasts before you introduce other nipples, like pacifiers and bottles. This can be confusing for some babies.
Your nursing baby will determine the time and the frequency for breastfeeding. Being on-demand like this can tire you, but the frequency will decrease as your baby grows older.

Nap when your baby naps to accommodate an on-demand nursing schedule. With newborns, they may nurse around the clock and this is normal. If you have to return to work, don’t be surprised if you baby wants to nurse more during the night.
Use a baby sling for easy nursing throughout the day. It’s convenient and comforting for the baby, too.
How much milk is your baby getting? You will know he’s getting enough if he wants to nurse every two to three hours, if his diaper needs changing six to eight times daily, and if he’s gaining weight. During the first weeks, if you can withhold supplementing the breastfeeding, your baby will produce enough milk for himself. Drink water every time you nurse to be sure your intake of fluids is enough. Eat extra calories to support milk production while you are nursing so you don’t become fatigued.

Your baby will go through growth spurts when it seems that he is nursing every half hour or hour. This is normal and it signals you to supply more milk. Once it does, he will also adjust. You’re the only one who can nurse him, so try to enjoy it while letting others help with chores you can’t get to.

Nursing mothers can use all the breastfeeding tips they can get. If you are having problems, consider getting help with a lactation specialist or a local breastfeeding support group.