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For some mothers, this means breastfeeding. This responsibility is not as easy as it seems. But you’ll learn on the go just like you did in pregnancy. So, be patient with yourself. In time, even your baby will learn to do their part. I have put together a few breastfeeding tips that I found useful while breastfeeding. I hope they will make your experience easier. Eat Healthily: Different communities have different foods that they prepare for new mothers and it’s okay to eat them. However, you must not allow anybody to compel you to eat just that. A lactating mother must bear in mind that the baby gets most of its nutrition from her. Since she can’t give what she does not have, she needs to eat healthy meals. The whole grains, proteins, fruits and vegetables all need to be a part of her moderate diet. Take note of the word “moderate” because while weight watching is not the goal at this time, the nursing mother is not supposed to eat like a glutton either. Watch Out for Hunger Cues: The whole world knows that babies cry when they are hungry. But more often than not, crying is actually the baby’s last resort. When they cry, it’s usually in anger because their warning signs were ignored. Now, one of your jobs as a new mum is to identify these signs. You need to do this because when babies take a longer time to settle down and eat when they are upset. That said, a hungry baby may be fussy. They may stick out their tongue, lick their lips, suck their hand or whatever is close by. They may root(moving his jaw, mouth, head in search of the breast) as well. So, watch out for these tales tell signs and offer food the minute you see them.
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Drink Lots of Fluids: One piece of advice that nurses will give you during antenatal classes is to always keep a bottle of water handy while breastfeeding. This advice certainly served me well. Breastfeeding will make you thirsty. Water, milk and even freshly squeezed juice will help you stay hydrated. Don’t wait till you are thirsty to drink fluids. Drink as much as you can as often as possible. If you can, stay away from caffeine and alcohol; otherwise, consume little and do not breastfeed for at least two hours after taking alcohol. Take Care of your Nipple: One way to do this is to ensure that your baby latches on to the entire areola and not just the nipple; this is to prevent sores on your nipple. Now, getting the baby to latch on to the nipple and the aureola may be difficult in the first week as they may not fully enter the baby’s mouth. Keep trying till it does. If your nipples crack, you should express milk to feed the baby because sucking will make the cracks increase. Blue seal vaseline can be used at the site. But the baby should not be fed this vaseline. If you must suckle the baby, wash it off. That said, bathe at least twice a day. Change your brassiere and breast pad as often as possible too. Switch Breasts and Burp your Baby between Feeds: Babies prefer to feed on the breast that they are more comfortable on. Don’t encourage that. If the baby starts feeding on one breast, let them feed on it till it’s soft. Then, gently remove them from it and burp. Please, this burping is important especially if you intend to lay the baby down after feeding. It helps to remove some of the air that the baby swallowed whilst feeding. If the baby is not burped often, they may spit up and if they are sleeping, they may choke. I know you don’t want that to happen. After burping, offer the second breast, if they are still hungry, they’ll latch on. Otherwise, start your next feed on the second breast. To be continued next week. Featured Image Source: Office On Women’s Health
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