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Often clients ask me for breastfeeding tips, knowing I’ve been through it. Never did I think I would be the mother who nursed her toddler long past when all other mom friends in my circle had weaned their babies. But that’s me now! With over 7 years of experience nursing babies and small children, I have learned quite a bit about this special mother-baby bond and would love to share some breastfeeding tips. But ask me how to wean a child from nursing and I’ve got nothing!
Breastfeeding is remarkable! It is a part of the parenthood journey that not only provides your newborn with essential nutrients but also strengthens the bond between you and your baby. As an expectant mother, preparing for this beautiful experience is key to a successful breastfeeding journey. So allow me to share some invaluable breastfeeding tips tips and insights to help you navigate the world of nursing, from preparation to postpartum.
Becoming educated about breastfeeding tips is the first step in being prepared for nursing your baby. Learning some common practices, positions, set backs, and solutions can help put you at ease for the journey on which you are about to embark
Proper support for nursing mothers starts at home. Who is around that can pass you that hot compress, fill your water bottle, and fluff you pillows? These may seem like small things, but from personal experience I can tell you they are huge! It takes a lot of work and energy to breastfeed a growing baby, so I was grateful for literally anything that made that job easier.
This is another way partners can become more involved in bonding with baby. The skin to skin connection with a parent and baby can regulate their temperature and stabilize their heart rate and breathing. If you are choosing to nurse your baby, plan to have immediate skin to skin time with them after birth. This will encourage your baby to latch and nurse, and fosters strong bonding.
Achieving a proper latch makes for more comfortable and effective breastfeeding. Your baby’s mouth should cover most or all of the areola, with their lips flanged outward. If you are finding it challenging to get a proper latch, you can talk with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant.
It’s challenging to prepare ahead of time for this one, but you will soon learn that your baby’s cries sound different for different needs. Other hunger cues include rooting, bringing a fist to their mouth, or general fussiness. Establishing a good routine once you learn your baby’s feeding patterns will help you avoid an overly hungry baby who has a more difficult time nursing.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! In order to make this liquid gold, you need to ensure that you are taking in enough liquid. Drink plenty of water and its also a good idea to increase your calorie intake. You may be sitting still while you nurse, but breastfeeding can burn an extra 500 calories per day.
This breastfeeding tip will also help you with pumping. Being in a relaxed environment helps your body to produce and let down milk. When I worked in the hospital and was pumping for my baby, the nurses would also remind me to bring a photo of my baby or even a blanket that smelled like him. This helped relax me and triggered my body to produce.
It’s important to note that breastfeeding challenges are normal! When I started nursing my 2nd baby, I hadn’t thought it would be hard because I’d done it before. I was wrong. Somehow it was more difficult the second time around. Challenges can come up anytime for anyone. Lactation consultants are a great resource for additional breastfeeding tips and support to guide you through any challenges large or small.
Self care – we hear it all the time. Taking care of yourself IS taking care of your baby. Remember that, and celebrate even small achievements in your breastfeeding journey. If you choose to nurse your baby for a week, a month, a year, or longer, know that any drop of that liquid gold they have has given nourishment, strengthened a bond with you, and provided lasting benefits. Your body is amazing, so celebrate YOU! If you’re in Orange County and want some breastfeeding photos to celebrate these moments, check out my breastfeeding offerings or contact me.
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