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Breastfeeding How-To's - These Simple Tips Will Help
You Learn How To Breastfeed With Ease
Breastfeeding is a wonderful time for moms to bond
with their newborn babies while giving them important
nutrients necessary for their growth. Learning how to
breastfeed your baby before giving birth will help you
ease into your new nursing role as quickly and
effortlessly as possible.
Here's a couple of breastfeeding gear a nursing mother
must have:
- A bottle of Lansinoh Lonolin lotion to heal sore and
cracked nipples.
- Nursing bras for the support of your bigger and
heavier breasts.
- Nursing tops will provide you with a easy way to
nurse your baby with their strategically placed flaps
so that you may breastfeed without exposing too much
of your breasts.
- A baby sling for hands-free support of your baby
while you are breastfeeding.
- Breast pads in your bra to keep your breasts dry and
prevent unwanted leakage.
How To Hold Your Baby During Breastfeeding
The most common breastfeeding position is the cradle
position. Although there are other positions like the
clutch (football), lying down, tailor and cross-cradle
(transverse) positions, I shall focus on the cradle
position due to my article length constraints. You can
do the cradle hold on a chair or bed in a sitting
posture. You may put a normal pillow or nursing pillow
on your lap to add more comfort. Ensure that your back
is straight and your arms and back are supported
comfortably. Place your baby on your lap or pillow so
that he/she your tummies touch each other. Rest your
baby's head on either of your elbow bends depending on
which nipple you wish to start nursing from and ensure
his/her mouth is directly in front of your nipple.
Support your baby's head and back with one hand and
use the other to hold onto your breast if required.
How To Latch Your Baby Onto Your Breast
A good latch on will ensure a gratifying breastfeeding
experience for you and your baby. Should your baby
latch on incorrectly, he/she will not receive adequate
milk and your nipples may get very painful.
Breastfeeding should be a comfortable process even
though there may be irritation at the beginning. Hold
your breast with one hand and brush your nipple on
your baby's lips to entice him/her to open wide. Bring
your baby towards your nipple and make sure your baby
puts most of your areola in his/her mouth. Remove your
baby if you feel the latch was not done properly and
repeat the process till you get a good latch on.
Frequency and Duration Of Breastfeeding
Every newborn baby needs to be breast fed at a minimum
of every 2 hours during the day and every 3 hours at
night, or about 8 to 12 feedings per 24 hours. As a
general rule, a baby should never go beyond 3 hours
without breastfeeding. Be alert for any baby hunger
signs like mouthing, increased activity or sucking,
rooting in between feedings to keep your baby well
fed. Each nursing session should last about 10 to 15
minutes per breast or whatever it takes for your baby
to be full. You should begin breastfeeding as early as
possible after the birth of your child and provide
him/her with an exclusive breastfeeding diet for a
minimum of 6 months. Children may continue to
breastfeed until 2 years of age or more.
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