If you have been pregnant for a few months or if you gave birth to your little bundle of joy a few days ago, you probably have many questions about breastfeeding. Indeed, breastfeeding is as much a learning experience for the baby as it is for the mother!
Today I'm giving you 10 tips, based on my experience as a young mother, so that you can experience your new breastfeeding adventure with the greatest possible peace of mind.
1) Get informed
During your pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is essential to be surrounded by people you trust, to whom you can turn if you have questions or concerns.
Don't hesitate to turn to family members or friends who have already breastfed. Stay in touch with your doctors, nurses and midwives who followed you throughout your pregnancy.
Meeting with a lactation consultant has personally helped me a lot. I recommend scheduling a first appointment during your last trimester of pregnancy, when your mind and time are not yet occupied by baby. A second appointment would be ideal a few weeks after your delivery, when the practice has raised some questions.
2) Breastfeed immediately after birth
A newborn who benefits from skin-to-skin contact from birth and over a prolonged period with his mother learns to suckle more quickly. The first few minutes of your baby outside the womb are crucial, his sucking reflex has not yet been disturbed and rapid practice will allow subsequent feedings to go as well as possible.
Skin-to-skin contact has multiple benefits, it also keeps baby warm, reduces stress and promotes emotional bonding.
3) Find a position that suits you
There are many different breastfeeding positions, depending on your baby's age and your preferences. Some prefer to breastfeed in a sitting position in a "cradle", others in a semi-sitting position. Other new mothers also like to feed their baby lying on their side. The goal is to find the position where both mom and baby feel most comfortable and confident.
For added comfort, I also recommend that you bring a nursing pillow. Our Hugo nursing pillow , 100% natural with its cotton cover and organic spelt balls inside, helped me a lot to breastfeed my second baby and avoided a lot of back pain felt during my previous experiences.
4) Relieve your chest
It is not necessary to wash more than once a day because the natural smell of the breast attracts and reassures baby. I also advise you for the same reason to avoid soaps and shower gels with too strong perfumes.
If your breasts are swollen, cold compresses will reduce the pain. A light massage, followed by the heat provided by a hot towel or a hot shower will then help the milk flow.
Finally, I advise you to change position at each feeding so that baby's mouth exerts different pressure on the nipple during the day.
5) Stimulate baby
It may happen that your newborn baby does not seem interested in your breast. I recommend that you place a few drops of milk on your nipple to soften your breast and help baby start sucking.
6) Do not use a pacifier or artificial milk
Artificial nipples or formula supplements can interfere with the initiation of breastfeeding. Baby may actually prefer the easy flow of the bottle to the breast.
7) Listen to baby’s needs
There are some subtle signs that your baby wants to breastfeed. If he turns his head repeatedly and opens his mouth to look for food when you touch his cheek or mouth, the baby is probably hungry. He may also lick his lips or put his hands in his mouth. Crying is just a late sign of hunger, you have to anticipate it!
8) Breastfeed as often as needed
During the first few weeks, it is common for babies to eat more than 8 times a day! Some babies prefer many short feeds, others fewer but longer feeds. Listen to your baby and breastfeed as soon as you feel like it.
The first 4 to 6 weeks of breastfeeding are a learning period for your body and your baby.
9) Take care of yourself
Remember to rest and relax. This is necessary for both your mental well-being and the quality of your milk production.
The first few days, rest as soon as baby sleeps. Eat complete and healthy meals, drink plenty of water and avoid all alcohol or stimulants (coffee, tea, etc.).
10) Listen to your desires
The main rule is to trust yourself. You have sheltered your baby for 9 months in your belly, you are able once his birth is over, to continue to feed and protect him.
Breastfeeding is not for all mothers, and that's okay! If breastfeeding is not a source of happiness, don't feel guilty. It is always possible to switch to mixed breastfeeding or complete weaning. The mother's well-being is intrinsically linked to the baby's healthy development!