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10 Best Nursing Tips to help New Mothers

Nursing

When a mother feeds her baby directly from her breast, she is nursing her baby or breastfeeding. Gynaecologists and Paediatricians encourage new mothers to nurse or breastfeed their babies. Most mothers are also eager to do so. The new born also happily and easily latches onto the mother’s breast for nourishment and comfort.

Medical experts recommend breastfeeding babies from birth up to six months; No formula feeds or juice. And then to introduce other foods. But to continue nursing the baby for the next year and a half, that is until the baby is two years old.

But new mothers are troubled and find it challenging to nurse their babies. They frequently ask questions; is my baby getting enough, do I have enough milk to give my child, how often should I feed my baby, should I continue nursing my baby, or should I stop?

This blog answers every breastfeeding query to help you know if you are correctly feeding your baby.

How to Position your Baby while Nursing

Follow the tips to know if you hold your baby correctly as you breastfeed.

⦁ Your baby’s mouth should cover most of the nipple, and the lower lip should curl around it.
⦁ The baby’s chin should touch the breast. But the nose should not push against your breast.
⦁ After the initial few tugs, breastfeeding should be painless.

Is my Baby Getting Enough Milk?

The first few days of nursing are challenging. The nagging fear —

Is my baby getting enough, may trouble you. You would want to give your baby a top feed. But if you do, the milk secretion will reduce, forcing you to stop nursing. But mother’s milk offers the best nutrition to the baby.

The mother and child connect as no other two people do. Instinctively you will know when your baby needs a feed. The first call for milk from the baby is to cry. But cry when they are in any discomfort, it need
take some time for you to read the signs but, you will.

Fullness in the breast to the point of milk oozing out or your baby’s dirty nappy is an indicator. Scroll down for tips to read the baby’s need for milk.

Tips to know if the baby is getting enough milk

Watch your baby as she is breastfeeding. If you see these signs be sure your baby’s little belly is full.

⦁ After the first few strong sucks, you see that the baby takes long sucks as if in rhythm and swallows in between.
⦁ You can hear your baby swallow.
⦁ Your baby’s rounded cheeks are a sign that her mouth is full. If the cheeks look hollow, it could mean the baby sucks in vain.
⦁ The baby is happy and calm as she feeds.
⦁ The baby leaves the breast on her own at the end of the feed.
⦁ You see the moistness in and around the baby’s mouth.
⦁ The baby is comfortable after feeding.
⦁ The nipples are not flat or white and look the same as they did before nursing.
⦁ You feel more comfortable and fall into sound sleep immediately after nursing your baby.

Long-Term Signs that tell you Baby is Getting Enough

Although your newborn loses weight in the first two weeks, she will put on some in the subsequent weeks. Healthy weight gain is a clear indication that you’re feeding correctly and the baby is getting enough. The baby sleeps better and is cheerful and alert when awake.

A healthy and well-fed baby will pass a minimum of two stools a day from day four onwards. During the first two days after childbirth, you probably change your baby’s disposable nappies every eight hours. But by the time you reach the fifth week, you will have to change them every four hours.

Tips to Boost Milk Supply

Some women have training in postpartum and baby care. It is better to book a long appointment with one for at least for the first forty days. She will guide you to hold your baby correctly during feeds. With their guidance, your baby will be able to latch on to your breast better. The baby will take in more, and that will naturally increase the milk supply.

A new born has a natural sucking instinct. Don’t suppress it with a dummy or pacifier. Mother’s milk is all the baby needs for the first six months. Formula feeds at this stage can interfere with the feeding schedule. Nurse you’re new born as many times as she would want to. Allow the child to nurse on one breast until you have no more. Only then move her to the next breast. You will aid the milk supply if you express the milk when it is left after your baby has finished feeding. If the baby is satisfied with one, start the next feed with the other breast.

An excellent technique in breastfeeding is to begin to feed before your baby starts to cry. Hold your baby close to your chest. If she is hungry, she will surely take to the breasts. Never forget the golden rule here. Your milk supply increases in proportion to your breastfeeding. And nursing promotes weight loss.

Things to Avoid During Nursing

One thing is for sure your baby needs to breastfeed. I know of some women whose milk supply stopped in the very first month after childbirth. Here is a list of things you shouldn’t do:

⦁ Your back can indeed hurt with the long hours of nursing. The temptation to lie down and nurse the baby may be difficult to ignore. But you must know that the position matters. If you don’t position your baby correctly, the baby will not get enough or tire out, to decrease the milk supply.
⦁ The mother must nurse the child as often as possible.
⦁ Alcohol and nicotine can block the supply of milk. It is better to refrain from drinking and smoking.
⦁ If your baby is born premature or with an anomaly, you may have to stay away from her. That can decrease the milk supply. Keep the supply going by hand expression.
⦁ Illness in the mother or baby and certain medicines can cause the milk supply to stop.
⦁ The only way to feed a baby when you have some infection or damage to your nipples is with a nipple shield. But that can reduce the milk supply.
⦁ Remain calm and be happy, for stress and depression can affect your milk supply.
⦁ If you give your baby a top feed, the baby will not suck enough, and that can reduce your milk supply.

Breast Care While Nursing

Although it is alright to feel a little pain in the first minute when the baby latches onto your breast or in the first few days of nursing, continuous pain or sore nipple needs a doctor’s attention. Some of the common ailments are sore, cracked, bruised, or bleeding nipples.

Here are tips for breast care during nursing:

⦁ If the baby does not get milk quickly, she will suck harder to bruise your nipples. That is why position matters.
⦁ It is good to express some milk before the baby latches on to the breast. That softens nipples and aids let-down reflex to make it easier for the baby.
⦁ Mother’s milk is rich in antibodies and skin softeners; Leave a little milk on the nipple to dry on its own to heal and keep it healthy.
⦁ Don’t wipe your nipples dry with a cloth. Bits of the fabric can stick on to irritate your breast. Let them air dry.
⦁ Apply cool compresses to breasts to soothe them after breastfeeding.
⦁ Protect sore breasts from rubbing against your clothes and causing further damage by using breast pads.
⦁ Wear cotton bras to support your breasts. Use non-elastic wide straps and nursing bras that open up at the nipple for maximum comfort.

Conclusion

There is a beautiful bond between a mother and her baby, and nursing is the best way of helping it grow. The reactions of the mother’s body to her child’s needs are magical; rely on your instincts to make the most of it. Breastfeeding is challenging but you can only nurse your baby for a short time.

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