If you have watched a mother feeding her baby, and you must have marveled at the joy and comfort they experience. The truth is, it’s not always that simple. The early days, especially for first-time mothers, can be very challenging. The experience of motherhood in itself is a life-changing experience. Taking care of a newborn in all its aspects can be very difficult.
Breastfeeding is one of the biggest concerns for expectant mothers. This is not a void matter – it will be the primary concern that you will spend most of your time, attention and care in the first months. So we’re going to share with you everything you need to know about your baby’s needs, feeding him, and everything you need to do.
Breast milk – what is it, when and why?
Breastfeeding and its design are considered one of the Creator’s greatest miracles. Firstly, breast milk will provide your baby with complete nourishment for the first months after birth. The timing and display of breast milk will be automatic and sophisticated to the point where even the most sophisticated AI or technology can not get it perfectly!
In the first days after birth, you will notice a yellow, sticky fluid that never looks like milk. That is colostrum. It is necessary for the child to give him essential nutrients to build his immunity, boost production of antibodies, and build a healthy digestive system.
After the third day, your body will make a mixture of colostrum and milk to help the baby move to the next step of receiving only milk. At this stage, you will find that your breasts are making a lot of milk, you will feel that they have become heavier than before, and your baby will have more milk.
After feeding the baby for ten days to two weeks, your breasts will now be producing regular milk. This is the fluid full of fats and beneficial nutrients for newborns.
Breastfeed – properly
In an ideal world, we would like to see a scene where a new mother takes her baby to her breast and her baby is holding it smoothly. However, the reality is very different in our world. Where breastfeeding can take a little experience and practice. But never give up.
Signs of good breast feeding are that you feel no pain or discomfort in your breasts and the baby sucks on the nipple and areola while feeding. If you only see the nipple in the baby’s mouth, remember that the baby will not get much milk and will get hungry quickly. You’re also likely to experience burning, cracking and sore nipples soon after breastfeeding.
How do you breastfeed your baby quickly and properly?
- Pregnant correctly: Holding the baby correctly is half the battle won. Make sure your baby is facing your breast, and that his belly is parallel to yours. When your baby breastfeeds, make sure his rabbit and chin touch your breast.
- Mouth opening: To get your baby to open his mouth, touch the baby’s mouth with your nipple. Try expressing a drop or two of milk if the baby keeps shutting his mouth. Hit the side of the child’s cheek if he turns away.
- Strong breastfeeding: The best way to ensure that your baby is not only feeding from the lips but also getting a good flow of milk is to monitor the feeding process. Monitor the baby’s jaw, cheek, and ear to ensure harmonious movement. You should also be able to see the baby swallowing and often hear the baby swallowing. Moms sometimes think that clicking is a sign of pleasure, but be careful. It could mean that your baby is not breastfeeding properly and is not getting enough milk with each feeding.
Breastfeeding Your Newborn Baby – How Many Times and How Much Needed
Mothers, anxious and wanting to get everything done right, try to plan feeding times and set a schedule for it. Let your child lead you. Not only will it teach you how to breastfeed a newborn, but it will also teach you when it needs to be fed.
Every child is different, and the time of each meal is different. Instead of setting specific feeding times, let your baby request the feeding himself. This will help the baby breastfeed better and keep him full for longer. You will notice frequent feedings with the newborn, and you will experience a difference in the frequency of feeding as the child grows. Some meals when the child is restless or wants to sleep, which may make the child hungry in a shorter time. Sometimes you may find that your baby is comfortable and full for up to 4 hours without the need to feed.
Breastfeeding Tips
Breastfeeding can make you feel dread and uncomfortable. That’s why we’ve collected some helpful breastfeeding tips that can help you relax and enjoy better breastfeeding.
- Start Early: Babies are ready to start feeding within an hour of their birth. So you can start the breastfeeding process as soon as you are ready. It’s the perfect time to start learning how to breastfeed. A baby is also likely to learn to hold the breast quickly.
- Switch breasts: To help ensure your baby is getting enough milk and prevent your breasts from overflow or leaking, offer him two substitute breasts with each feed. Sometimes you may need to change the breasts while you are breastfeeding your newborn.
- Stay calm and comfortable: Breastfeeding can sometimes take up to forty minutes. Ensure that you are in a comfortable place and position while breastfeeding. Watch something on YouTube, scroll through a magazine, or hold an instrument in your hand, to create your own enjoyment while breastfeeding the baby.
- Energize yourself: Remember that much of what you eat will go to your baby. This means that you need to eat good and adequate food. While feeding at night, bring a little water or fluids so that you can sip. It’s also a good idea to make a small ready-to-eat snack if you had your last meal a while ago.
- Take your time: It can take some time to get used to breastfeeding and your baby, no matter how much you read or talk about it. Don’t try to pressure or push yourself. It is normal to feel anxious, tired, and confused. Close your eyes or breathe deeply. A calm mother will often have a stable baby.
- Ask for help: You don’t have to do this alone. Caring for a newborn baby can be stressful in many ways. Take as much help as possible. Squeeze your milk and ask your partner to serve a night meal. And just talking to someone about your suffering is a remedy in and of itself.
- Self-care: Take care of the health of your breasts while breastfeeding. Avoid using strong or scented soaps on your breasts. Instead, simply squeeze some milk and clean the areola and nipple. Use a natural moisturizer or some cold milk to soothe your breasts. An excellent way to relax tender breasts is to use cold cabbage or lettuce leaves on them between meals.
Avoid considering breastfeeding as a chore, a scheduled activity, or key to your baby’s growth. Rather, think of it as a great opportunity to bond with your baby and enjoy some quality time together. This will help you feel positive and proud of the experience. Before you notice it, your baby will be weaned, and you will crave the intimacy and closeness that you are accustomed to in moments like these. Breastfeed as long as you can!
