There are many benefits to breastfeeding, both for you as a mother and for your child. Breastfeeding is a very natural thing to do, but can also be intimidating and challenging. You can start by taking a class and doing research while pregnant to prepare yourself for breastfeeding. If possible, breastfeed your baby as soon as you can. The nurses can help you with any questions you might have. And your hospital will also have a lactation consultant available if you need additional help or are having any problems. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. The sooner you can establish a good nursing routine the better, and it is easiest when you are at the hospital with professionals just down the hall.
Here is a list of breastfeeding tips:
• Feed on demand. In the beginning, most babies will nurse about every 2-3 hours. If it has only been an hour and your baby is fussy even after eliminating other causes, consider offering to feed again. Go with your instincts rather than watching the clock.
• Ensure your baby is able to latch on correctly. Your baby’s mouth should be open wide and cover the areola. You may feel tugging, but it should not be painful. This is especially something the lactation consultant at your hospital can help with.
• Feed your baby thoroughly on one side, try to burp your baby, and then offer the other side.
• Use a nursing pillow to aid in getting baby in a comfortable position.
• Your breasts will likely leak. You can purchase disposable or reusable cloth nursing pads.
• Breastfeeding may hurt at first, as your nipples adjust. Apply lanolin cream to help comfort.
• Make sure you eat healthy and drink plenty of water.
• Keep a nursing feeding journal and record what time you breastfed and what side you started with.
Breast Feeding Positions:
• The best position is the one that is the most comfortable for you and your baby.
• For the cradle position, hold your baby’s head in the crock of your arm with his or her belly facing towards you.
• The cross-cradle position is similar to cradle except you support your baby’s head with the opposite hand instead of the crock of your arm, which allows the arm on the same side you are nursing on to be free to hold your breast to help guide your baby (to nurse on your left breast, use your right hand to support your baby’s head and your left head to support and guide your breast).
• For the football position, hold your baby on the side of your body that you are nursing on using that arm to support your baby’s head (left breast, left side of your body, and left arm to support your baby).
• The lying down position involves you and your baby each lying on your side, facing each other and using your free hand to help position your breast.
