Feeding your little one is one of the first nurturing responsibilities for a new mother. Many women choose to breastfeed over artificial formulas to nourish their little ones with essential nutrients required for growth. However, the natural method of breastfeeding comes with a wide array of stress and worries for young mothers.
The goal is to provide your child with the nourishment he/she needs for a healthy bone structure and vigorous growth. But, it is also about ensuring that you get comfortable with breastfeeding and devise your routine. Young mothers have millions of questions about the correct methods of breastfeeding and the best way to do it.
In this article, we will walk you through some valuable tips to help guide the way.
Here, take a look:
ANTICIPATING NEEDS
As a mother, it is vital to attune yourself to your baby’s feeding desires and need. Don’t wait for the little one to cry; instead, lookout for signs that indicate that your baby wants to feed. For instance, babies open and close their mouth; they repeatedly raise their head, and even stick out their tongues. Some babies even start sucking on objects near them when they are hungry.
If you spot any of these signs, it’s time for breastfeeding. It will create a harmonious cycle where your little one will not have to struggle to capture your attention. It will create an intimate relationship between you and your child.
It is also essential to allow your baby to determine the frequency and duration of breastfeeding. Do not set a predetermined schedule and intervals between nursing. If you do that, you will deny your child the right to feed simply because of your scheduling. Many mothers have a habit of waking up sleeping babies just to feed them as per schedule. Allow them to enjoy their sleep and feed them when they’re awake.
GETTING COMFORTABLE
As a mother, your comfort is paramount in the act of breastfeeding. Be sure to invest in soft and comfortable nursing bras that offer adequate support. You also need to find a supportive sitting position, as you will be holding your baby for a considerable time duration. Uncomfortable sitting positions give birth to the horrid neck, shoulder, and backaches.
It is vital to make yourself comfortable because fidgeting, sudden movements, and squirming can disrupt breastfeeding patterns. It will increase your baby’s hunger and give birth to irritability. You can hold your baby in your arms and maintain a reclined position. Or you can comfortably lie on your side with your baby facing towards your body.
Be sure to breastfeed on a bed with lots of pillows to make you and your baby comfortable. You can also use a large couch that offers adequate support to your arms and back. These positions not set in stone. You can try any position that makes you feel more comfortable. Being attentive to your convenience will make the nursing sessions fulfilling for you and your child.
YOUR BABY CAN SENSE NERVOUSNESS
If your body is tense and nervous, your baby can sense, and it will prevent them from latching on accurately. Remember this: if you are not relaxed and comfortable, your baby will not be able to relax either. So, be sure to relax and eliminate tension from your mind before the breastfeeding session.
Naturally, if your environment is stress-inducing and chaotic, it will make you uncomfortable. Surround yourself with a peaceful and tranquil environment. Use the breastfeeding sessions to carve out some time for you and your baby to relax and unwind. You can perform some breathing exercises, visualize a delightful scenery, and look forward to bonding with your little one.
FINDING THE RIGHT POSITION
Many young mothers worry about helping their babies find the right position for breastfeeding. You see, your baby will find the correct position that is most comfortable for them. Every baby is unique and different, and there is no hard and fast rule for this. As a mother, you can ensure that your baby’s mouth leveled with your nipple.
You can make them comfortable so that they do not have to turn their head excessively. Keep the little one’s head titled slightly backward with their chin against your breast to keep the nose clear. Instead of forcing a position onto your baby, let them find their ideal place naturally.
FINAL WORDS
Being a mother brings scores of alarming changes in your body, and leaking is one of these changes. Rest assured that leaking is natural during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. Instead of being alarmed, you will have to adjust to it.
It will disappear on its own and lessen down in intensity as you and your baby continue on the breastfeeding journey. You can invest in good quality nursing pads that boost absorbent qualities to make yourself comfortable.