You’re at the end of your pregnancy and anticipating holding your first baby in your arms. After reading all of the books on breastfeeding, you think you’re as ready as possible. But are you? Here are 10 breastfeeding I learned from experience, not from books.
What to do?
Make certain that you place your nursing bras and washcloths into your bag. Don’t overlook your breast pump. Learn how to use it beforehand. If you begin breastfeeding until your milk comes in, your baby might not be happy. All the baby is getting is colostrum, the first milk, and since there is not much your baby can get frustrated trying to nurse.
Don’t force your baby
Don’t worry, as soon as your milk comes in, your baby will drink thankfully. Your breasts will get very full and hard. If your infant is available, begin breastfeeding. Before you put your infant to a breast, place a washcloth in another. Whenever you breast feed or pump one breast, milk will flow in another one. At night, wear a nursing bra to bed with a folded washcloth on every side. If you escape, you won’t wake up in a pool of milk. You will save money by not using disposable breast pads all of the time. Save those for when you go out in public. If your baby is done feeding and your breasts are still uncomfortable or hard, use your breast pump or pump with your hands. To pump by hand, follow these directions: With the hand opposite the breast you’re going to pump, gently push from the outside in. Repeat as you move around your whole breast.
Do the same on the other breast. If it seems impossible, try pumping in the shower with warm water falling in your breasts. Pick a comfy chair with arms. Experiment with what position works best for you. Avoid breastfeeding lying down, especially at night. You would not want to fall asleep and roll in addition to your baby. Ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. When your milk begins to flow, you’ll feel what is called the let down reflex. It’s difficult to describe, but it’s just what the name suggests. It’s a feeling your milk is releasing.
Breasting time
Start with the breast you finished with last time. Let your baby suck for five to ten minutes. Then switch to the other breast. If your baby falls asleep between breasts, then wake him by changing his diaper. Then breast feeding on the opposite side for no longer than 10 minutes. Taking care of a newborn can be overwhelming. Write down what time you begin breastfeeding and what breast you finished with. Don’t feed your baby over every 2 hours from when you began the previous feeding. If your baby is fussy, it can be gas. Try lying down him and burping him . You’re advised to consume fluids. Don’t overdo it. If you don’t have twins, you just need enough milk for one baby. Breastfeeding is all about supply and demand. As your milk supply becomes established, you’ll have enough milk for your baby without your breasts becoming engorged.
If you’re planning to return to work, introduce formula in a bottle once your baby is about a month old. You could wait until six weeks, but if you wait too long, it is going to be harder for you and your baby. When it’s time for a feeding, give your husband the jar with the warm formula and then depart. Stay out for at least two hours. Your baby won’t enjoy it, but he will drink when he’s hungry enough. There are numerous reasons you will need to leave the home. If you stay, your breasts may begin leaking in the event you hear your baby cry. It’ll be too difficult not to interfere.
If you do not let your husband learn how to feed the baby, he’ll feel left out, and you’ll be so tied to your infant, you won’t ever have enough time for yourself. So force yourself for you, your baby and your husband’s sake. A federal law requires employers to offer time and a personal, non-bathroom place that you breastfeed for a year after your baby is born.
Final word
Save your milk, if it is possible, to give your baby when you’re unavailable. Be cautious on the weekends to follow your usual schedule, not return to your own pre-work schedule. If you do not do so, you may regret your choice on Monday. Your breasts will probably be too full. Most of all, enjoy breastfeeding your baby. If you encounter a snag, do not quit. Talk to other breastfeeding mothers or consult with a lactation consultant.