Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your new baby. It is recommended that you breastfeed your baby within the first hour of life and to breastfeed for as long as possible with your baby. Breastfeeding is not just about feeding your baby but is also a personal journey between the two of you. Many new moms have questions and worries when it comes to breastfeeding. We have gathered a few tips and benefits to help ease you on your journey.
Before sitting down for a nursing session here are are a few things you will need:
1.Let baby be the boss
While you are still getting to know your new baby let them decide when to nurse. This is not the time to set a strict feeding schedule. Right now, your baby knows best and will let you know when they are hungry. You may find that your baby will nurse a lot more than you initially thought.
2.Don't mind the time
Sometimes nursing session will be very quick while others will seem to take all night. This is very normal. Just like adults, sometimes your baby will be a quick eater and sometimes they will take their sweet time. Just because your little one has been nursing for a long times doesn't mean they are done.
3.Eat snacks
Many foods have been found to boost milk supply production. Try switching one snack per day for a lactation improving treat. Many moms have found this significantly improves their daily milk production. There are plenty of delicious options out there or you can try your hand at making your own lactation treats.
Click here check out delicious lactation treats from Milky Mama.
4.Pump Between feedings
Once your baby has started to nurse less frequently, about once every four hours, you may want to try pumping between feedings. Not only will this provide some relief for mom, it will make sure you have plenty of back-up milk stored away for your baby. You will find this comes in handy for letting dad handle those middle of the night food calls.
5.Make a breastfeeding station
Find a quite corner of your house and make it your designated breastfeeding zone. You will be spending a lot of time here so pimp it out with a large nursing pillow, an extra long phone charger, nursing pads, swaddles, your favorite snacks, headphones, and a throw blanket. You will find having a go-to space that is already set up makes your experience faster and more enjoyable.
6.Try a lactation consultant
Moms experiencing breastfeeding issues should looking into seeing a lactation consultant. Lactation consultants are medical professionals that are trained to help breastfeeding moms. Not only can a lactation consultant assess, diagnose and treat many breastfeeding issues, they also can let you know when issues require higher medical attention. Seeing a lactation consultants is covered under many insurance plans and may be even free for those who meet certain criteria.
Click here to find a lactation consultant near you.
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