Top Tips For Successful Breastfeeding

Most mothers worry and stress that their breastfeeding techniques may not be correct, or may be inadequate for their new baby. In an ironic twist, this stress can then negatively impact baby, making him fret and fuss as he picks up on mom’s anxiety. A vicious cycle can then unfold, leading to disrupted sleep patterns, colic and wind. To be relaxed during breastfeeding, try these steps...

Most mothers worry and stress that their breastfeeding techniques may not be correct, or may be inadequate for their new baby. In an ironic twist, this stress can then negatively impact baby, making him fret and fuss as he picks up on mom’s anxiety. A vicious cycle can then unfold, leading to disrupted sleep patterns, colic and wind. To be relaxed during breastfeeding, try listening to some soothing music. To help calm your nerves, without harm to baby, many natural tissue salts that occur in the body can be used.

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To be able to know whether your baby is getting enough milk, check the number of wet and dirty nappies that he or she is producing. In the first few days after birth not a lot of milk is produced - expect at least one or two nappies a day. By the third day after birth, your breast milk increases and changes into mature milk - you can expect about 5-6 wet nappies and 3-4 dirty nappies on a daily basis.

Depending on the type of breastfeeding difficulty you are experiencing, treatment options include medications, and self-care strategies. Before taking any over-the-counter medications, it is recommended that you first consult your health practitioner. Mothers tend to worry about taking medications when they are breastfeeding because they may be harmful to the baby. Your doctor may prescribe a topical ointment with antibiotic, steroid or antifungal properties to treat sore or cracked nipples, or thrush. Oral antibiotics or pain medication such as ibuprofen can relieve mastitis, blocked milk duct or breast infection, but these meds are also passed through your breastmilk. Self-care strategies such as correct latch-on, proper feeding positioning, applying cabbage leaves to sore breasts can also help. Use a cold compress to relieve breast fullness and place a warm pack on your nipples to help with the “let down” of milk.

Many new mothers initially encounter breastfeeding problems and find it quite difficult and frustrating. There are however several helpful tips to perfect the art of breastfeeding and ensure that this experience is memorable for both you and your baby...

Helpful tips for mom

• Ensure that you start nursing as soon as possible after childbirth
• Make sure that your baby is positioned correctly and latched on properly
• Check that you are comfortable and change feeding positions to suit both you and baby – you can sit in a chair with the baby positioned on your lap, lie on your side with the baby facing you
• Breastfeed babies frequently as this increases your milk supply and reduces breast engorgement or sore breasts
• Ensure that your baby has at least six to eight feeds in a 24 hour period
• Eat healthy, well balanced meals and drink plenty of water to boost your immune system
• Relieve the discomfort of breast fullness by taking warm showers, applying warm or cold compresses to your breasts or numbing the pain with ice
• Express breast milk and apply it to your nipples if you develop sore or cracked nipples. Air-dry your breasts afterwards.
• Avoid using products such as soap or antiseptic pads on your nipples as they may cause dryness and itching – cleanse breasts with clear water
• Keep nipples dry and avoid soggy or wet breast pads
• Wear a comfortable bra

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Natural remedies
More nursing mothers are choosing herbal remedies as a natural alternative to relieve breastfeeding problems.
Herbs are not only safe to use but also gentler on the body’s system. We recommend using Nature's Milk Drops from Feelgood Health to increase the production of breast milk and promote healthy flow.