It has finally reached your arms. After 9 months of sweet waiting, you and your baby are finally together. If you have decided to breastfeed, surely you have doubts about the best way to do it. Even before delivery, we had the theory well learned, but when the time comes we are overcome by doubts. That's why we leave you some tips to start breastfeeding successfully.
Tips to start breastfeeding successfully
Breast milk is the most complete food for your baby, it adjusts to the needs of the child at all times, and it is also a way in which the baby receives security and comfort. It is more than food.
But it is not always possible to breastfeed, it is advisable to investigate all the options and choose the one that best suits your case. You should not feel coerced or guilty if you do not breastfeed. Your baby will be equally well fed and cared for. Breastfeeding is a very personal decision. If you have decided to start breastfeeding when you are more informed, the better.
The first take
Experts claim that first hour after delivery is essential to get breastfeeding off to a good start. The recommended thing is even nothing else to be born. The baby is placed on the mother's belly and the baby using his instincts will crawl towards his mother's breast to feed. The first thing you will receive is colostrum, which will give you everything you need.
Don't worry if it has a hard time finding it or it won't hook. It doesn't always happen fast or the first time. You have to have patience and practice, which you only get over time. While you are in the hospital you can ask all your questions to the midwives or nurses to help you latch on to the chest.
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to breastfeed neither a newborn nor the first hour, especially if the baby is premature or after a cesarean section. You can ask the hospital where you are going to give birth what is their initiation protocol to breastfeeding in these cases.
Get in a comfortable posture
The most comfortable position is usually sitting or semi-lying position if you have pain after childbirth. Make yourself as comfortable as you are. Support your back well, remember that a shot can last up to 40 minutes. You have to hold the baby very well, to make it more comfortable you can put a cushion under it so as not to force the back, neck and arm. There are on the market some nursing pillows with a semicircle shape that will make your life much more comfortable.
How should the baby latch on?
To find out if the baby has latched on well to the breast, your mouth will cover the entire nipple and most of the areola. The nipple should be inside the mouth and he with his suction will make the milk come out.
Time between takes
In lactation there are no schedules. It is the baby himself who decides when and how long each feeding lasts. That is why it is called breastfeeding on demand, whenever the baby is hungry. A newborn can do between 8 and 12 daily intakes, their stomach is very small and they need to eat very often.
Don't wait for him to cry to give it to him, because that means it has been hungry for a long time. Over time you will know how to interpret the signs that he is hungry.
Change breasts
Once a breast has been emptied (and not before) change breasts. The reason is because what remains at the end is where all the nutrients are most concentrated. If you have finished the feed in the middle, take up that breast before changing it.
What you can or cannot eat
It is normal for breastfeeding women to be hungrier than usual. It is a drain on energy and your body asks you for more food. Remember to eat a healthy diet, you can eat snacks between meals to satisfy hunger.
Limit your consumption of chocolate and caffeine, and any food that may be too heavy to digest. Avoid alcohol while breastfeeding as it will pass through the milk to your baby.
Why remember… ask your doctor for help if you have any discomfort, doubt or pain. You are not alone.