Breastfeeding is a great experience for both a mother and her child. It encourages bonding, and provides the nutrients that an infant needs to thrive. There are many breastfeeding tips that can help a new mother make her breastfeeding experience be a lot more pleasurable.
One of the most important breastfeeding tips is to make sure the infant is correctly latched on to the breast for each feeding, especially during the first several weeks. First, clasp your breast in a C-hold, with your thumb on the top of the breast and the fingers on the bottom, supporting its weight. Brush the nipple across your baby’s lips, getting him to open his mouth. When the mouth is opened wide, present the nipple and draw him in towards it.
For a correct latch, the baby’s jaw should come around the areola (darker skin around the nipple) and his lips should be sealed tight. Any pain that lasts past the first several sucks is a sign that the latch-on is incorrect. Remove the nipple by inserting your pinky into your baby’s mouth and between his jaw, and try again. Getting the correct latch-on technique takes a lot of practice; be patient.
There are many breastfeeding tips to help new mothers treat and prevent sore nipples and other breast problems. The best way to prevent most of these problems is to ensure that your infant is correctly latched on to your breast before feeding him. An incorrect latch-on can cause cracked, bleeding nipples and a lot of pain. The best way to treat these problems is with lanolin ointment. Rub a small amount of the ointment onto dry nipples, and allow it to set. Lanolin is safe for infants, so it is okay to leave it on your breasts. Olive oil and breast milk can also help soothe cracked nipples. Allow nipples to air dry after a nursing session, and change breast pads regularly.
One of the best breastfeeding tips for treating engorgement is to keep nursing on that breast. If your baby has finished nursing, express as much milk as you can, either manually or with a breast pump, until the engorgement goes down. A warm washcloth can help stimulate the let-down reflex, relieving engorgement, and easing pain. Mastitis can also be treated by extended nursing or expressing the milk. Doctors may prescribe an antibiotic to help treat the mastitis infection.
There are many breastfeeding positions available for new moms to experiment with. The classic position, called the cradle hold, is the most common. Also common is the reclining position, done with both mom and baby lying down next to each other. One of the greatest breastfeeding tips is to nurse in a way that is comfortable for both you and your infant. A rocking chair with a foot rest is what many moms choose. There should be a place for a large cup of water, a couple of books, a few burp cloths, and a box of tissues within easy reach. A breastfeeding support pillow is a great help for new moms, and should also be kept where a mom does the most nursing.
Your doctor or a lactation consultant can provide you with more breastfeeding tips. Because breastfeeding is so important, it is essential that mothers get all of the support they need to make it the best experience possible. Breastfeeding is not always easy, but it is one of the best things a mom can do for her child.
