Breastfeeding can be one of the sweetest and most rewarding relationships a mother has. Sitting in a comfortable chair to feed your baby (or babies) and bonding during this special experience you share is a profound exchange. But as great as nursing can be, it is not without its challenges. Our breasts need care and attention (just like our babies) to stay in good health. Here are a few tips to keep your breasts in top shape so they can do their (very important) job!
The new nursing mother
The first major adjustment to breastfeeding is the transition to a breastfeeding woman. As a postpartum doula and breastfeeding educator, the two biggest problems I see mothers have in the first few weeks are low supply and discomfort in the breasts. In many cases, low supply can be prevented early on with best practices and prevention is much more effective than treatment.
- Go skin-to-skin with your baby and nurse as often as possible if requested (when you notice). nutritional signals). Draining your breasts regularly will maintain your supply and help prevent clogged milk ducts and mastitis.
- Learn how to hand express. Especially in the first few days, hand expression works better than any pump and it is a skill that will be useful in triggering a let-down reflex, speeding up feeding, or “pumping” just a little milk if your pump may not. at hand.
- Check your breasts regularly for trauma (cracked skin, blisters) and keep your breasts hydrated. HydrogelsHerbal nipple cream and breast milk (yes, really!) are all good ways to help breasts heal. If you are ever unsure about treating chest trauma, consult a professional.
- If your baby has slow weight gain or you’re experiencing nipple discomfort (or both!), get your baby assessed tongue tie. (Physical signs of tongue-tie that you may notice include a heart-shaped tip of the tongue and/or an inability to push the tongue past the lower gum line).
- Know who and where your local resources are: a breastfeeding support group like La Leche League, a lactation consultant, or an expert mom friend nearby. Dr. Jack Newman, Kellymama, Dr. Sears And LLL are all excellent resources and are available online.
Maintaining a healthy breast milk supply
By ‘later’ I do not mean breastfeeding a toddler, but simply the phase after the initial transition to breastfeeding and to maintaining healthy breast milk production and healthy breasts. Breast massage is an important form of self-care and can help your milk ducts flow freely (through improved lymphatic circulation) and can also double as a breast exam, which you should still do while breastfeeding. As always, don’t worry about small variations, but get to know the new landscape of your breast tissue so you are aware of any changes. Herbal oils such as Calendula, Red Clover and Rose are perfect and natural balancing aids for use in breast massage.
- Talk to your child about how to breastfeed properly, even if you don’t think he understands. Something as simple as “Wide open!” every time you start to connect and mirror the shape with your own mouth, or “remember, don’t bite!” with a big smile, you will help pave the way for responsible nursing habits. Teeth usually erupt around six months of age and the The WHO recommends breastfeeding until children are at least 1 year old. Your breasts will thank you if your 10-month-old (or 15-month-old) has good breastfeeding practices
Writer Emma Summer is a doula, lactation consultant and mother. She blogs daily about breastfeeding, weaning, natural health, other parenting topics, and recipes at Your Fonder Heart. She would like to hear your birth story.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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