Breast-feeding your new born child may be challenging. The first time you breast-feed your baby within the first few hours after delivery, the task looks impossible. Your mother, elder sister, aunt or a friend might share their experiences. These may be of some help.
Most common concerns are “how to position the baby ?” or ” how to make sure he or she is latching on correctly ? “
Be Patient, Let your baby learn
For the first few weeks, most newborns breast-feed every two to three hours round-the-clock. Watch for early signs of hunger, such as restlessness, sucking motions and lip movements.
Let your baby nurse from the first breast thoroughly, until your breast feels soft — typically about 10 to 15 minutes. Keep in mind, however, that there is no set time.
After that, offer the second breast. If your baby’s still hungry, he or she will latch on. If not, simply start the next breast-feeding session with the second breast. If your baby consistently nurses on only one breast at a feeding during the first few weeks, pump the other breast to relieve pressure and protect your milk supply.
If you need to remove the baby from your breast, first release the suction by inserting your finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth.
Burping the baby is an important aspect of breast-feeding. It can be done halfway through the feed (between shifting from the first breast to the second breast) or at the end of the breast-feeding session.Hearing the baby burp everytime is not a rule.Keeping the baby in an upright position for about 20 minutes after every feed is the key.
Have your baby sleep in your room
We recommend, the baby should sleep in the same room as the parents for the first year of life. This can make feeding easier.
Your baby should sleep alone in his or her own crib, cradle or other surface designed for infants after an year. Adult beds aren’t safe for infants. A baby can become trapped and suffocate between the headboard slats, the space between the mattress and the bed frame, or the space between the mattress and the wall. A baby can also suffocate if a sleeping parent accidentally rolls over and covers the baby’s nose and mouth.
No pacifiers
Some babies are happiest when they’re sucking on something. Enter pacifiers — but there’s a caveat. Giving your baby a pacifier too soon might interfere with breast-feeding, since sucking on a breast is different from sucking on a pacifier.Pacifiers are also a potent source of infection. We do not recommend pacifiers
Gauge the results
When your baby is latched on successfully, you’ll feel a gentle pulling sensation on your breast & not a biting sensations on nipple.
Your breasts might feel firm before the feeding and softer afterward. Look for your baby to gain weight. Check at least 6 diapers are getting wet per day. Baby’s stools will become yellow and semisolid in consistency with successful breast feeding. Baby will be more playful in between the feeds.
Take care of yourself
After each feeding, allow the milk dry on your nipple. This will soothe your nipples. Its common to have leak from breast between feeding. Do not panic & use bra pads.
When you bathe, minimize the amount of soap contact to your nipple. If your nipples are dry or cracked, use purified lanolin after each feeding. This can soothe cracked nipples.
Make healthy changes
Your lifestyle choices are most important when you’re breast-feeding
- Eat a healthy diet. There are no restrictions to be followed when it comes to a mother’s diet while breastfeeding.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Water, juice and milk can help you stay hydrated. Moderate amounts of caffeine are generally considered OK as well .
- Take adequate rest . Sleep when the baby sleeps.
- Exercise caution with medication. Many medications are not safe to take while you’re breast-feeding. Consult your pediatrician before taking drugs as it may pass through breast milk & hurt your child
Finally, Have Patience
Feeding a newborn every few hours can be cumbersome. More often you breast-feed your baby, the more milk your breasts will be produced.
Ask your baby’s doctor for help if needed — especially if every feeding is painful or your baby isn’t gaining weight.
Author information
Dr Kshiti. Joshi, consultant Pediatrician, Ayush Child clinic, Jayanagar & Malati Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore
For more information
email at info@ayushchildclinics.com or visit website www.ayushchildclinics.com
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