As I’ve mentioned in my previous blog entry, breastfeeding may take a real toll on a first-time mom both physically and emotionally. I myself struggled for a few weeks before I finally mastered the art of nursing my little one. I hope these tips and insights would somehow help you in your breastfeeding career and pacify all your worries.
START EARLY
It is best to start your breastfeeding career within an hour after birth if possible. It is when the baby is prepared and the natural feeling to suck is at its peak. Don’t expect too much flow of milk supply on the first four days after giving birth. Although you will not yet be producing milk, your breasts contain colostrum, a thin milky fluid that contains important antibodies that helps boost your child’s immune system.
NURSE FREQUENTLY
No electric breastpump nor a pricey manual pump could ever dramatically increase your milk supply than nursing your newborn frequently. During the first six week of your baby’s life, try to do direct feeding as much as possible as you are still on the stage of establishing your supply. I breastfed Victoria at least every two to three hours. This helped me establish my milk flow. It also kept my breasts soft and it helped prevent engorgement. Breastfeeding on cue (per demand) will help stimulate your breasts to produce more milk. If the baby had experienced taking formula milk while in the hospital, try first to at least give your breasts before attempting to feed him/her with formula milk.
PROPER POSITIONING
Having the proper positioning for breastfeeding will play a major role in reducing nipple soreness. It likewise maximizes feeding. There are several positions that are recommended for breastfeeding. For Victoria and I, side-lying position is the best. Plus it helps me get extra moments of rest and at times, nap, as I feed her.
On PUMPING and ENGORGEMENT
When you begin breastfeeding, your mammary glands will be producing a lot of milk, which can make you breasts hard nd painfuuuuuul. You can help relieve engorgement by nursing frequently until your body is able to adjust and produce only as much as the baby needs. While your body fine-tunes or is in the stage of adjusting, you can help ease the pain by applying warm compresses or taking warm baths. The only solution for an engorgement is to nurse your baby. If she’s no longer hungry and won’t take in your breasts, try expressing through your hand. Do not pump as it will only worsen the situation not unless you’re already breastfeeding for 4-5 months. If not, ask help from your husband. Believe me, it works. Wink!;)
NO NEED FOR WATER ON THE FIRST 6 MONTHS
There is no need for supplement breastfeeding with water or formula. This may lead to a diminished milk supply and your baby may no longer feed from you due to nipple confusion. Breastfeeding your baby more often will in turn cause you to produce more milk.
EAT HEALTHY
A nursing mother needs to eat a healthy diet in order to produce enough good milk. Go for fruits and vegetables especially Malunggay plus soupy dishes. If you are not a big fan of viands with malunggay , try taking moringa capsules. Natalac is quite expensive especially if you take it 2-3 times daily. If you want to order, I have a friend who is a nurse at the Department of Education, they supply cheaper but of quality Moringa Capsules. Oatmeal is good as well. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids. Drink at least one glass of water before and every after feeding. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking You should also rest as much as possible and shooo shooo all negative vibes.
I hope this would be of great help to all first-time mothers who plan to breastfeed and are breastfeeding their little one!=)
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