Breastfeeding is a new and different experience for every new mother. Many mothers find it difficult to deal with breastfeeding, the latching process, sleepless nights, and much more. While it is a learning time for both baby and mother, it should also be an enjoyable experience. To make the process comfortable and fun for both of you, here are some tips on breastfeeding.
What to do with breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding your baby shortly after delivery is very important for new mothers. Breast milk produced in the first 2-3 days is thick and very nutritious for the baby. It is a thick, yellowish liquid known as colostrum that plays a vital role in building the baby’s immune system.
- It is important to develop proper breastfeeding habits. Hold your baby close to you in a comfortable position so it is easy for him to latch on to you. The baby’s spine should be straight and not bent in any way to reach your breast.
- Proper latch is important for both baby and mother to have a comfortable experience.
- Typically, a baby feeds 8 to 10 times over 24 hours for the first few months. Do not try to force-wean. The duration of breastfeeding will be automatically reduced once the baby begins to grow and is full of your milk.
- Feed the baby whenever you can, regardless of restrictions.
- It is important for nursing mothers to have a balanced and healthy diet. What you eat is what the baby will get. Take sufficient amounts of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
- Fruits have many vitamins and minerals.
- Eat lots of dairy products. They contain large amounts of fat and calcium necessary for both mother and child.
- Keep hydrated. Include plenty of soups, smoothies, and juices in your diet.
- A newborn baby usually has a bowel movement 6 to 8 times a day for the first few months. One look at baby poop will assure your digestive system.
Not from breastfeeding
- After delivery, many women try to lose their pregnancy weight too quickly. However, it is not recommended to lose weight quickly. This could affect your supply of breast milk to the baby. Instead, take a year or so to gradually lose weight.
- Don’t go for a crash diet. Strict diets deprive the body of its essential nutrients. Instead, choose a balanced diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Too much caffeine is not only bad for your health, it is also bad for your baby’s health. Since the baby is exclusively breastfed, it is not a good idea to consume too much caffeine, cola, soda, or chocolates. This could interfere with the digestive system of both the mother and the child.
- It is not advisable to include foods with spices shortly after delivery. Spices and even garlic and cinnamon can affect your baby’s digestion. While breastfeeding the baby, it is advisable to eat less or nothing spicy.
- Since you are breastfeeding the baby, everything you eat will also be given to the baby. Therefore, do not take any medicine or drugs that can affect the baby. Ask your doctor before you start taking any medicine or drug. Some of the medicines can pass to the baby through breast milk.
These pros and cons of breastfeeding will help you and your child develop a healthy relationship.