
Top Tips For Successful Breastfeeding
Many new mothers experience anxiety over their breastfeeding techniques, wondering if they are doing it right or providing enough nourishment for their baby. Ironically, this stress can impact the baby, making them fuss or become restless as they sense their mom's anxiety. This cycle can lead to disrupted sleep, colic, reflux or gas. To create a more relaxed breastfeeding experience, follow these simple steps:
Stay Calm and Relaxed
It’s important to stay calm while breastfeeding, as stress can slow down milk flow and make baby unsettled. Try listening to calming music or practising deep breathing. You can also use natural tissue salts, which are safe for both mom and baby, to support relaxation.
Monitor Your Baby’s Nappies
One way to ensure that your baby is getting enough milk is by checking their nappies. In the first few days after birth, you’ll see one or two wet nappies a day. By the third day, when your milk comes in, you should expect 5-6 wet nappies and 3-4 dirty nappies each day. This is a sign that baby is getting the right amount of milk.
Manage Breastfeeding Challenges
If you’re struggling with breastfeeding, there are treatment options, from medications to self-care strategies. Always check with your healthcare provider before using any medication while breastfeeding, as some may pass into breast milk. For sore or cracked nipples, your doctor might prescribe a topical ointment. For mastitis or blocked ducts, pain meds or antibiotics could be prescribed.
Self-Care for Breastfeeding
There are also simple self-care tips that can make breastfeeding more comfortable:
- Latch correctly: Ensuring that baby is latched on properly will help prevent sore nipples.
- Positioning: Find a position that works for both you and baby. You could sit in a chair with baby on your lap or lie on your side with baby facing you.
- Breast care: Try applying cabbage leaves to help relieve engorgement, use cold compresses for breast fullness, or warm packs to help milk flow.
Helpful Tips for Moms
Breastfeeding can be challenging in the beginning, but these tips will help to make it easier and more enjoyable for both you and your baby:
- Start breastfeeding as soon as possible after giving birth to stimulate milk production.
- Ensure baby is latched on correctly to prevent discomfort.
- Feed frequently to keep your milk supply up and avoid engorgement or sore breasts.
- Eat healthy, balanced meals and drink plenty of water to keep your energy up.
- Relieve discomfort with warm showers, compresses, or ice packs.
- Soothe sore nipples by expressing a little breast milk and letting your nipples air dry.
Natural Remedies for Breastfeeding Support
More and more moms are turning to natural remedies to support breastfeeding. Herbal remedies are gentle on the body and safe to use. We recommend Nature's Milk Drops from Feelgood Health and Lactation Drops from BabyNature to help increase milk production and support healthy milk flow.
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding may come with its challenges, but by following these tips and giving yourself time to adjust, you’ll soon find your rhythm. Remember, every mom’s journey is different, so be kind to yourself and take it one feed at a time.
If you have any question, please contact us or leave a comment below for FREE health advice. We always love hearing from you!
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