New parents want to give their babies the very best. When it comes to nutrition, the best first food for babies is breast milk. Experts recommend that babies be breast-fed for six to 12 months. However, when first breastfeeding, a new mom may experience some challenges in getting the right feeding position.
Breastfeeding Common Problems and Tips for Success
A new mother needs help to make sure that her baby is sucking properly and that she is holding her comfortably so that she does not develop sore nipples. She may also need the support and advice of someone who understands the process, such as maternal or early childhood health nurse, or friends/relatives who have breastfed.
Feed your baby as and when she needs to be fed. One of the most common reason why women stop breastfeeding is that they feel they do not have enough milk. A baby who is fed when she needs to be, who is sucking properly and is allowed to suck until she is satisfied will usually empty the breast effectively, and the mother will produce all the milk her baby needs. If you are not happy with the way breastfeeding is going for you and your baby, seek advice as soon as possible
It is normal for the breasts to feel tight and sore when the milk first comes in. Discomfort can be relieved by feeding and with warm washes and showers.
Sore nipples are most commonly caused by the baby not latching onto the nipple properly and by not letting baby feed as long as she needs to. Seek help if you have sore nipples and let your nipples air whenever possible. Slip a cabbage leaf inside your bra to soothe nipples. Temporarily use a breast pump to allow the sore and bleeding nipples heal. The extra milk from breast pump can also be stored at fridge to encourage breast milk production is maintained continuously and will not stop.
Be sure to maintain a nutritious diet, drink plenty of water and rest. Mothers need all the energy they can get. Rest and sleep when baby sleeps.
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Food do’s and don’ts when you’re breastfeeding
There are some do’s and don’ts surrounding food and pregnancy. In many ways, it’s the same concept. Put your health and your baby first and you’ll end up feeling better, healing faster, and having a healthier baby.
Do: Eat Starchy Whole Grain Food
Unless you have a wheat allergy or have celiac disease, eating whole grain bread, starchy vegetables, and rice while you’re nursing (like baked potatoes, rye bread, and steamed brown rice) is good for you. It will ensure you get plenty of fiber.
Do: Eat Lots of Raw Fruit and Vegetables
When you were pregnant it was probably difficult to eat too many raw fruits and veggies for fear of contamination. But now that you’re nursing, you can once again eat them. Wash them good of course, but eat at least five servings per day.
Do: Eat Moderate Amounts of Lean Protein
You don’t have to eat meat but if you do, eat lean meat. Also, eggs, fish, and vegetarian options like beans will ensure that you get plenty of protein. You don’t have to eat more than normal; you just need to eat a balance of vitamins and nutrients.
Do: Eat Calcium-Rich Foods
Be careful with the low-fat and sugar-free varieties, but if you or your baby has no problem with dairy you can eat a serving or two of dairy products to get in these nutrients. There are also vegan options today that are calcium rich and good for you too.
Do: Drink Plenty of Fresh Filtered Water
Try to make it a habit to have a big bottle of fresh water with you each time you nurse. You’re going to be super busy so if you plan and have bottles made up for yourself (of water) when you sit down to feed the baby, you’ll ensure that you stay hydrated. Pay close attention to your thirst and drink water anytime you feel thirsty.
Don’t: Eat Acidic Foods
Most babies have severe problems with acidic foods. They include canned tomatoes and even dairy milk. Babies who have problems with these foods can end up with bloating, itchy skin, wheezing, diarrhea, constipation, reflux, vomiting and other problems. If you notice any problems in your baby like this, try giving up dairy first, then get rid of canned food that has added citric acid.
Don’t: Eat Anything That Produces Symptoms in You or Your Baby
No matter how hard you try, you might end up having a baby that is very sensitive to changes in your diet. The best thing to do is to transition to a very bland diet of rice and veggies and then slowly add in one thing each week, to find out what’s causing your baby’s issues. But you can usually bet it’s dairy, acidic canned tomatoes, or nuts.
Don’t: Eat Extra Calories Unless You’re Underweight
It’s a common myth that you can’t lose weight and you must eat a lot when nursing. This is not true. In fact, while nursing is a perfect time to focus on eating right so that you naturally lose the weight from pregnancy. When you eat right, you are giving your baby what she needs to be healthy. And, if you’re eating right, you should drop the baby weight easily if you’re otherwise healthy. If you are underweight, you want to eat the right number of calories required to be a healthy weight, consisting of healthy options.
Don’t: Use Caffeine When Breastfeeding
For that matter, don’t use any type of stimulants or drugs while you’re nursing. These things pass over to the baby and can make them grumpy and uncomfortable. It can give the baby acid reflux which is very painful for them.
Don’t: Drink Alcohol When Nursing
Many people will tell you that it’s okay to have a beer while nursing because it helps with the letdown of the milk. But, it’s not known how safe or dangerous it is because we can’t really study this issue using babies as study subjects. The best course is not to drink at all, but if you do, they say not to have more than one weak drink a week.
These do’s and don’ts will help you maintain a healthy weight and nutrition profile while you’re nursing. The main thing is to eat and drink correctly so that you’ll have plenty of energy to care for your baby.
Breastfeeding sleep
Besides being the optimal source of nutrition for your baby in her first year, nursing has obvious psychological benefits for both mother and baby. At birth, infants see only 12 to 15 inches, the distance between a nursing baby and its mother’s face. Studies have found that infants as young as 1 week prefer the smell of their own mother’s milk.
Many psychologists believe the nursing baby enjoys a sense of security from the warmth and presence of the mother, especially when there’s skin-to-skin contact during feeding. Parents of bottle-fed babies may be tempted to prop bottles in the baby’s mouth, with no human contact during feeding. But a nursing mother must cuddle her infant closely many times during the day. Nursing becomes more than a way to feed a baby; it’s a source of warmth, comfort, and bonding.
When the baby is being fed and nurtured in this way, it’s natural for her to fall asleep quickly. If you know how much she can consume in one feeding, try to gently nudge her awake if she falls asleep too soon. You can easily rouse her with a little tickle of the feet. Otherwise, she’ll get hungry sooner and you’ll be feeding her more often.
A nursing mother is forced to get needed rest. She must sit down, put her feet up, and relax every few hours to nurse. Nursing at night is easy as well. No one has to stumble to the refrigerator for a bottle and warm it while the baby cries. If she’s lying down, a mother can doze while she nurses.