What a New Mother Needs to Know About Breastfeeding?

A major concern for new mothers is to breastfeed their newborns to provide adequate nutrients. Initially, mothers need to breastfeed every 2 to 3 hours, and each session may take a while.

You will come to know when the feeding completes. In the case of newborns, each feeding session may take from 20 to 45 minutes.

New mothers often feel a little anxiety while breastfeeding a newborn as it does not always happen naturally. However, with some efforts, breastfeeding becomes an integral part of the baby’s nursing and develops a bonding between the mother and the baby. You can consult a qualified and experienced paediatrician for guidance.

This post has listed a few crucial things about breastfeeding that new mothers need to know.

Watch Out for Signs When Your Baby is Hungry

Instead of waiting for your baby to cry, you can watch for signs that tell that the baby is hungry.When babies feel hungry, they may do the following:

• Open and close their mouth;
• Turn their head in both sides repeatedly;
• Suck on whatever is close.

If you see these signs in your baby, start breastfeeding right away. This way, they do not have to struggle to get your attention. Reading these signs every time is the key.

Relax and Get Comfortable While Breastfeeding

You will have to spend a significant amount of time holding and breastfeeding your baby several times throughout the day.

While breastfeeding, if you sit in an unsupported position, it can be uncomfortable for you. This discomfort will boil down to your baby, as you will keep trying to maintain that position for a long time, it may lead to pain in the back, shoulder, and neck.

If you continuously squirm and move, it can disrupt your baby’s breastfeeding. This is why you must get comfortable throughout the breastfeeding process.

There are two ideal positions for comfortable breastfeeding:

• Sit comfortably in a reclined position holding your baby in your arms.
• Lie on one side and hold the baby side-on, facing you.

You can sit in a bed or a couch with a few pillows to support your back and arms will make an ideal position for breastfeeding. Ask your paediatrician if you are still unsure.

Help the Baby Find a Comfortable Position

During the process of breastfeeding, your baby is going to find the right position to feed. Observe the position so that you can make it easier for the baby next time. The correct feeding position may vary from one baby to another, but you can follow a general guideline that will work for mothers and babies.

• Position babies in such a way that their mouth is level with the breasts.
• Babies do not have to turn their headsoften.
• Make sure that the babies’ head tilts a little backward.
• It would be ideal if babies canlatch onto the whole areola, other than the nipple.
• Babies’ chin should be right up against the mother’s breast so that their nose stays clear.

Most importantly, do not force these positions. Babies may prefer a little different position. Let things happen naturally to make sure that the baby is comfortable and breathe well when breastfeeding.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

It will help if you stay hydrated. Your paediatrician can tell you in detail why hydration is so crucial for you and your baby. It is because you are still eating and drinking for two.

Keep drinking water frequently, particularly before and after breastfeeding. Water will replenish your body, and drinking a glass of water from time to time will ensure hydration. This will make sure that your body has enough milk.

Manage Engorgement

New mothers often come across engorgement, which is hardening and painful swelling of your breasts when you produce more milk than your baby can consume. This condition usually occurs when your body starts producing milk soon after your baby’s birth.

The swelling can make it difficult for your baby to feed. To avoid this, it is best to nurse your baby as frequently as possible.

Keep in Touch with Your Paediatrician

The best person who can guide you all along the breastfeeding process is your paediatrician. Discuss with your paediatrician when you should start breastfeeding your baby and how frequently.

When you are in the hospital, a nurse will keep checking on you and your baby during breastfeeding. When you are back home, you will need guidance with the issues related to breastfeeding—this why a lactation consultant or a paediatrician can help.

If you are yet to find a consultant, search on Google “best paediatrician near me,” and check the search results that will show the most qualified doctors in and around your area.

Closing Words

New mothers often find breastfeeding a bit overwhelming at times. However, the tips listed in this post will help you streamline the process and will make you comfortable over time. Pay close attention to your baby’s needs and the level of comfort, and relax. On top of it, your paediatrician’s help and guidance will make the whole process seamless and develop a precious bonding between you and your baby.

 

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

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