As a new mom, one of the first decisions you will have to make is whether to bottle- or breast-feed your new baby. As most people are aware, there are many benefits to breastfeeding. One benefit is that breast milk naturally contains the right nutrients and balance thereof. In addition, there are antibodies in breast milk that can help strengthen your baby's immune system. It is also easier for babies to digest than bottle formula. Another advantage to breastfeeding is that it can help new moms shed the weight they gained during pregnancy. Despite these benefits, you may have some apprehensions about breastfeeding because of the problems new moms may face during their breastfeeding trials. These breastfeeding survival tips can help assuage your fears.
The first of the breastfeeding survival tips is a really important one. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Not knowing how to breastfeed properly does not make you a bad mother or less of a mother, and nobody will judge you if you ask for help. Like diaper changing, it is something that you will need to learn and become adjusted to. Maternity nurses and doctors are there to guide you during the lactation process. The hospital may even have a lactation consultant who can assist you with this.
To make the process easier, you may want to make yourself feel more comfortable before you start breastfeeding by supporting yourself with several pillows. Then cradle your baby close to your chest, supporting your baby's head with one hand and your breast with the other. Tickle the baby's lower lip with your nipple so the baby will open his or her mouth and latch onto the dark area of your breast. When separating the baby from your breast, release the suction first by placing your finger in the corner of the baby's mouth. With these breastfeeding survival tips, the lactation process will hopefully feel more natural to you.
Breastfeeding might at first be painful. This may happen in the first couple of weeks, but the pain should subside as you adjust to breastfeeding. If it does not, then you should consult your doctor as your baby may not be latching on correctly. If you experience dryness or cracking of the nipples, applying lanolin to the area should help. Also, you should buy some breast pads to catch the milk because there might be some leaking in the first few weeks. Hopefully, these and other breastfeeding survival tips will help you overcome breastfeeding problems and help you survive breastfeeding.
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