20 Tips to Make it Easier
Breastfeeding Tips As featured in the Summer
2009 Issue of Oh Baby magazine.
It is often said that breastfeeding is much easier than
formula-feeding - no equipment to sterilize, no rocking a screaming
baby while you wait for a bottle to heat up.
But breastfeeding, like everything else, must initially be
learned, and the first few days can be difficult, even for mums who
have previously given birth and successfully breastfed.
Ensuring you have plenty of support is vital, as is taking the
time to observe your baby's feeding cues, and making sure your
positioning is optimal.
Frances McInnes of Breastmates offer advice to help you
establish successful breastfeeding.
1. Stay calm, as your baby may be able to pick up on your anxiety.
If you start to feel uptight or wound up, take a break for a few
minutes and then try again
2. Don't place high expectations on yourself. It can take a
while before your milk flows, before baby gets the hang of
latching, and before you get things sorted.
3. While you are still in the hospital or maternity ward, make
sure the nurse, midwive, or lactation consultant helps you to latch
baby every time you feed. Don't be shy about ringing your buzzer to
call someone!
4. Breastfeeding does hurt to start with. As your baby draws
your nipple into his or her mouth it can be a painful tearful
experience. The pain should stop about thirty seconds or so after
baby is latched on. It may be like this for three or four days with
a newborn. If the problem persists - seek help from your midwife,
plunket nurse, doctor or a lactation consultant.
5. The key to successful breastfeeding is making sure baby has
the correct latch. Put baby on your breast when his or her mouth is
open wide and full. Pull your baby's head to your breast - don't
drop your nipple down to baby as you will get sore shoulders and
back.
6. When your baby is latched on correctly, his or her lips will
be covering your breast in a "K" shape that looks like the K on
Kellog's Special K cereal.
7. Always use lots of nipple cream after every feed. This is
really important when you are first starting to breastfeed, so put
some in nipple cream when packing your hospital bag.
8. If your baby has an incorrect latch or if he or she is not
suckling properly, it is very easy to get cracked, grazed and very
sore nipples. Use nipple cream to heal damaged nipples, and if your
baby is not latched comfortably on you, break the seal of their
lips using your finger and start again.
9. If you are getting a sore neck, shoulders, or back it could
be due to the weight of supporting baby in your arms while
breastfeeding. You could invest in a special breastfeeding pillow
which can ease the pressure on you. Or try some pillows or cushions
from your bed to raise your baby up.
10. It can take a while before you get co-ordinated enough to
breastfeed discretely. Initially it will be easier if you have an
open front top, and maternity bra. Then you can open the nursing
bra cup and feed baby.
11. Be prepared with breast pads. Some mothers have a fast flow
and quick letdown, and leak a lot. Some mothers don't leak at all.
You could try some disposable breast pads, or to save some money
have a look at reusable breast pads.
12. Be prepared for the time it takes to breastfeed. Your baby
is relying on you for all of his or her nutrition. Some babies will
take 20 minutes or longer to feed at your breast, and you will have
to do this regularly through out the day. Most newborn babies feed
three to four hourly to start with.
13. Get plenty of rest. The more rested and relaxed y ou are,
the easier it will be for your body to replenish your milk supply.
The old adage "sleep when your baby sleeps" is completely true!
Especially in thos early days, when your baby sleeps quite a bit,
its important to lay down for a nap and recharge your
batteries.
14. Drink plenty of water. Have a glass of water after every
breast feed. Eat well, and ensure meals and snacks are
protein-rich.
15. If you have another child, pack a lunch box, drink bottle and
special activity box (stickers, colouring in, crayons etc) for them
first thing in the morning. Keep this at a level that the child can
reach. Bring this out when you are feeding baby to amuse the older
child while you are breastfeeding.
16. Once you have got through the first two weeks or so,
breastfeeding should be an enjoyable experience for you. Its a
cheap and quick way to feed a baby.
17. If your partner is at home with you, get him to fix you a
small snack and drink while you are feeding your baby. It is your
job to feed your baby, and your partner's job to look after
you.
18. If you are still struggling with breastfeeding after the first
two weeks or so, ask your midwife to refer you to a lactation
consultant for some individual advice and support. And if it all
seems a little overwhelming at times, trust that things will get
easier as you and your baby get the hang of it.
19. Expressing breastmilk with a breast pump can be a good way to
share feeding with your partner. If you want to do this, it is a
good idea to express milk for him to use at the 11pm feed. Then you
can get to bed early (and make sure you do go to bed, resist the
temptation to tidy the house or put the washing on!)
20. If breastfeeding does not work for you, don't beat yourself up
about it. It is important that baby is happy and healthy, and that
mum is happy and healthy too.