Breastfeeding Tips

Breastfeeding is an integral part of a new mother's life. Not only is mother's milk almost indispensable for a baby's development of every organ, but breastfeeding also calms and gets the baby to settle down. It protects babies from sudden infant death syndrome and also guards them from asthma, allergies, obesity and diabetes. Breastfeeding is neither too easy nor too hard. New mothers need to acclimatize themselves to this lifestyle, as breast milk is the most perfect unadulterated food for babies. Generally, mothers have an inborn knack that guides them regarding the positioning of the baby, to know if the baby has correctly latched onto the breast, is getting access to the milk and if there is a letdown in the availability of milk. But still there are certain breastfeeding tips that are important, when starting to feed the baby.

Postnatal Nutrition

The postnatal nutrition of mothers must be given proper care to cater to the baby's need. Usually it is enough for mothers to appease their appetite. Normally around eighteen hundred to twenty two hundred extra calories consumption by mothers make enough milk for the baby, which is about three hundred to five hundred calories more than they had consumed before delivery. However, the calorie requirement is dependent on the weight and exercise level of the mother and her preceding nutritional status. If you are calorie conscious, two months after delivery you can start to lose weight by doing some less strenuous exercises like walking. Your diet must be balanced and well rounded, with proteins, vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, the intake of fluids must be enough to appease your thirst and to produce necessary milk.

Breastfeeding Tips To Have A Smooth And Pleasant Experience

• Start breastfeeding immediately, about one hour after delivery.
• Try to breastfeed in a calm and soothing atmosphere, until you have gained confidence.
• Reduce the consumption of coffee and alcohol.
• Wash your hands first to be hygienic before holding the baby for breastfeeding every time.
• Wash your breasts once a day, to prevent the baby from getting any infections. Too much soap can make your skin dry
• Sit comfortably when nursing.
• Soothe and rock babies to settle them so that they can focus, suck milk and have better digestion.
• Maintain a diet chart to regularly monitor your eating pattern, to help the baby to get accustomed to various food items and to determine if the baby has any allergies to any particular food.
• A nursing cover is useful for privacy, when you breastfeed the baby in public.
• Purchase nursing bras to avoid dressing and undressing when breastfeeding.
• You can alternate breast during every feed. Yet by starting with alternate ones for each feed, you can give the baby hind milk that is good for the baby.
• It is important to breastfeed babies both during daytimes and at night. But there is no need to wake up sleeping babies, as they will make you aware when they need feeding.
• Burp babies regularly between feeds to prevent baby’s stomach from filling up with gas.