Before we dive into our topic, let me first congratulate you on your safe delivery. I very well know how uncomfortable it was carrying a child in your womb for the very first time. But it was all worth it, right? And now that your baby’s out, I’m glad that you have decided to try breastfeeding.
Allow me to share with you some breastfeeding tips for first-time moms like you…
Ask for help
I’m quite sure you have already read a lot of articles about breastfeeding. But doing it is another story. Ask for help the moment you breastfeed your baby for the very first time.
While still in the hospital, you may ask for help from a lactation consultant, maternity nurses, your baby’s pediatrician, or even from your mom/mom-in-law and mom friends who are already experienced in this field. Ask tips on how you position your baby and how to make sure that the baby is latching on correctly.
As a first-time mom, you may feel uncomfortable when your baby latches on. Keep in mind, though, that it should not be painful. If it hurts to the point that it makes you frown, then perhaps you are not in the right position.
Breastfeed within the first hour after delivery
By doing so, it helps your uterus to contract and provides that early milk called colostrum. Colostrum is very valuable because it provides an important point of supply of antibodies. These protect the babies against diseases as their immune system develops during their first year.
Predict your baby’s early signs of hunger
Instead of waiting for your baby to cry, watch out for the early signs of hunger like lip movements, searching for your nipple, frequent raising or turning the head, placing his/her hand in his/her mouth, sucking whatever the baby holds, looking more alert, opening and closing of the mouth, uneasiness, and sticking out of the tongue.
If you see that your baby makes such moves then give your breast at once. You’ll be amazed at how you and the baby will build a deeper level of connection.
Let your baby determine the pace
Let your baby figure out how often and how long to be lactated. You don’t need to set a fixed schedule between feedings and I bet you won’t let your baby gets hungry just because it’s not yet the right time. You’ll be surprised that your baby knows how much they need and how often to be fed. Just relax and you don’t have to worry if your baby feeds for just a couple of minutes and extends longer than usual. Just like adults, some babies are fast eaters while some take their time.
Furthermore, you don’t have to wake your sleeping baby to nurse. Let your baby sleep at peace and feed him/her when s/he wakes up.
When breastfeeding, let your baby feed on your first breast until it feels soft. Burp the baby then give your second breast. When the baby is still hungry, s/he will latch on then just start the session with your second breast. Try to observe if your baby is frequently nursing on just one breast at a time for the first few weeks. If so, you need to pump the other breast to alleviate pressure. It will also help in protecting your milk supply.
Get comfortable
It’s important to note that once you’re in an uncomfortable position while feeding the baby then it will lead you to the neck, back, and shoulder pain. Among other things, once you’re uneasy your baby might feel it. You’ll get to disturb your baby, s/he gets upset resulting in increased hunger and irritation.
So how do you get comfortable? The first option, you may sit in a lounging position while your baby lies in your arms. The next option is you lie on your side while the baby is facing you. Lull your baby skin to skin as much as possible. Bring in a lot of pillows to support your arms and back when necessary.
Don’t introduce a pacifier
While it is true that babies are elated when they suck on something, introducing pacifiers in the early-stage has some disadvantages. Not until your baby has settled into a breastfeeding pattern, as much as possible, try not to offer pacifiers, bottles, or other nipples. Let’s not confuse our baby as nursing is different from feeding with a nipple.
Prepare for leaks
This is very common during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. You’ll realize that your breasts have increased their cup sizes because milk has now started to come in. Eventually, it will become less as you continue nursing your baby. To absorb the leaks, all you have to do is put a nursing pad in your bra. Not to mention well-fitted nursing bras to aid you in your breastfeeding journey.
Consider your environment
We just talked about getting comfortable while nursing. However, the environment is also one factor so you and the baby can get cozy. If you are not relaxed, your baby can sense it and they won’t be able to latch on properly. Simply put, when you’re not relaxed, your baby can’t relax, as well.
Make sure you are in a non-stressful environment – a calm environment that is. Choose to change the environment if it’s making you uncomfortable.
Take good care of your nipples/skin
As we breastfeed regularly, our skin becomes cracked, dry, irritated, and chapped in the long run. This makes it hard for us to breastfeed our baby. There are ways how we can protect our skin:
(1) To avoid soreness from clothing, let the milk on your nipples dry out naturally
(2) Try not to overwash as it will just make your skin drier
(3) After every feeding, gently wipe your nipples with a soft cloth, and
(4) Apply healing products to lessen discomfort, soothe cracked nipples and help your nipples moisturized.
Breastfeeding can be devastating at times but putting these tips into practice would make wonders in your breastfeeding journey with your baby. Sit back and relax and don’t be apprehensive in asking for help.
Enjoy, momma!
