World Breastfeeding Week 2019 Special: Tips for Effective Breastfeeding

World Breastfeeding Week 2019 Special: Tips for Effective Breastfeeding
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It is a fact that for the optimum development of a child, she or he must be fed only breast milk for the first six months of their life. Post this period, they are introduced to solid food while bringing down the breast milk intake. Cultures across the world give special importance to this. This is because, keeping the nutritional value aside, a special bond is developed between the mother and the child when engaging in breastfeeding.

Sadly, breastfeeding is not a smooth ride for everyone. Many new mothers experience pain or other discomforts whole breastfeeding their new-borns. This leads them to give up on the same and switch to formula milk. As a result, the child misses out on a lot in early that. To avoid that from happening, you need to figure out what is wrong. Most of the time discomfort during breastfeeding arises from the fact that one is not doing it right.

This Breastfeeding Week, let us make a collective promise of ensuring that no child is deprived of his or her mother’s milk just because the mother is doing it wrong. To help you through it, here are some tips.

1. Choose a place to breastfeed
One may breastfeed either on a chair or a bed. If you are using a chair, make sure that it has ample support for your back and arms. Putting your legs up on a stack of pillows, footstool, coffee table or any elevated position will help. If you are breastfeeding sitting up on the bed, make use that you have ample cushion or pillow support to ease the pressure off your back. Also, it is obvious that after a point your arms will start hurting from holding the baby. The pillows will then aid in supporting the baby.

2. Find a comfortable sitting position
No book can tell you which will be the most comfortable position for you and the baby. Experiment with the cradle hold. If that is not working out, try lying on your side of the bed such that the baby faces you. Irrespective of the position that you choose, make sure that your baby is brought to the breast. Hunching or bending towards your baby will give you a backache over a prolonged time. Remember that the key to proper breastfeeding is you being comfortable yourself.

3. Change your positions
Now that you have found a position that suits you, make sure that you do not stick to just that. Nursing in any position puts pressure on a particular part of the nipple. Try to have a couple of positions that you are comfortable in and switch between them for alternate feeds. This will ensure that pressure is distributed to different parts of the nipples and that you do not suffer from sore nipples. In any of your preferred positions ensure that the baby is at the same height as that of your breasts. This will make latching easier for the little one.

4. Relax
A lot of things change in life after becoming a mom, and initially, things get stressful. This often affects one’s breastfeeding abilities. It is very important to stay relaxed when breastfeeding. If possible, meditate for 3-4 minutes twice a day. Before every breastfeeding session, take a deep breath, hold the breath and exhale. Also, make conscious efforts to stay positive about your breastfeeding journey to get the best results.

5. Keep yourself occupied
Many new mothers find the idea of breastfeeding taxing because they do not like to merely stare at the new-born face for hours. This does not mean that they love their kids any less. It is perfectly okay to have some distractions when breastfeeding. You can use your phone, catch up on some Netflix shows or listen to music while at it. Just use a timer or be alert to your child’s cues.

6. Support your breasts
For a comfortable breastfeed you must support your breasts, Hold your cup (in a fashion that four of your fingers are underneath the cup and the thumb is above the nipple) while breastfeeding. This will help you get rid of the heaviness in your breast that may sometimes arise from excessive production of breast milk.

7. Wear a comfortable bra
As your breast is heavier and more tender than usual, you must find a comfortable nursing bra that will give you easy access to your breasts. In case you suffer from sore nipples, you may want to use breast shells. These prevent the sore nipples from rubbing against the fabric of your bra and prevent further discomfort.

8. Maintain your fluid intake
Many women feel thirsty when they are breastfeeding. As they are unable to get up when in the act, they ignore the feeling and this leads to a reduction in milk production. Make it a practice to drink 500 ml of fluid during each breastfeeding session. If it is uncomfortable for you to drink during breastfeeding, make sure that you get the required intake before or after the session. The fluid in question may be plain water or any fresh fruit juice.

9. Keep the main light on
When you wake up to feed your child in the middle of the night, do not turn on the main light. Use a night light or the flash from your phone to check if the latch is proper. Having the main light off will prompt the kid to get back to sleep as soon as possible.

10. Go for pumping
If you are still having difficulty in breastfeeding, you can try pumping. Most breast pumps these days come with an option wherein you can choose the rhythm of pumping to suit your comfort. In the case of mothers who need to be away for work, pumping is a lifesaver. Invest in a good breast pump and make sure that you take your time (and appropriate research) in making that pick

Having said all of this, the most important thing to realize in terms of breastfeeding is that one has to trust their gut here. A mother’s instinct will tell you what is right and what is not. If you find breastfeeding to be extremely uncomfortable or sore nipples troubling you too much, seek medical help.

Remember that breastfeeding is a natural phenomenon and is not meant to hurt anybody. Wishing you a pleasant breastfeeding experience and bonding time with your precious one!