Breastfeeding can be tricky. Especially if you were like me and you weren't raised around breastfeeding or babies and have no idea what to expect. The good news is your body is designed to do this and with these simple tips and tricks, you'll be about to navigate breastfeeding like a champ.
Most insurance companies provide a pump to you for free but if yours don't you can find the same ones for half the price in children's consignment stores. They are sterilized before they are sold but you can sterilize once again after you get it home.
Pumping allows you the ease and freedom or formula feeding while still providing your baby with the benefits of breast milk. This allows you to anticipate the baby's needs beforehand and be able to feed the baby before they start to cry.
Some of the cues are:
Turn or raise their head repeatedly.
Open and close their mouth.
Stick out their tongue.
Suck on whatever is near.
It's still important to let baby set the flow. And to allow them to latch as often as you can. The process of baby nursing not only sets supply and demand but also sends information from the baby's body to moms. So that your body can create the antibodies that baby needs to stay healthy and grow strong
There can be a large push to get baby on a set schedule but you have to trust that your baby knows theirs needs better than you. What can be helpful is tailoring the schedule around what is most comfortable for you and baby. Creating this loose schedule allows baby to feed when they are hungry and eat for however long they need to.
It is also helpful to pump after or in between feedings to keep up supply and to store milk. Having a backup supply of breast milk is essential to making breastfeeding life run smoothly. Baby's will go throw growth spurts and cluster nurse. This can be draining on an already tired mother. But having a backup supply of milk gives mom a break. It's also very important to stay hydrated during growth spurts and cluster feeding. It can feel like almost feel like baby is draining you if you aren't prepared. But the benefit of the constant nursing is increased supply.
Being comfortable while nursing is important. Find your spot and make it as cozy as you'd like it. Keep water and snacks handy along with and an extra set of wipes, diapers, and clothes for easy changing while nursing. If you have older kids its also a good idea to keep and toy nearby for both them and the baby.
It's common to worry about supply and if baby is eating enough while breastfeeding. Luckily there are some signs you can look for that will tell you if baby is consuming enough. Keep in mind just one of these signs are enough.
Your baby is feeding at least eight to 12 times in 24 hours. He comes off your breast when he's ready, and seems settled and content in between feeds, which may be frequent!
Breastfeeding feels comfortable and pain-free. Letdown may be painful, but this only lasts half a minute.
Your breasts feel softer and less full after feeds.
Your nipple looks the same shape after you've fed your baby, not squashed, pinched, or white. However, if you have flat or inverted nipples your nipple is more likely to be drawn out after a feed.
Your baby looks a healthy color.
Your baby is alert when he is awake and readily wakes for feeds.
Your baby has one or two heavy, wet nappies in the first 48 hours. Once he's over five days old, he has five or six heavy, wet nappies.
By five days, your baby’s poos are a yellowy-mustard color and he's doing two poos every 24 hours.
You can see your baby swallow while he is feeding, and he seems to be latched on properly. You'll be able to hear him swallowing more clearly too, once your milk has come in.
Your baby changes rhythm while sucking, and pauses during feeds. He should start feeding again when he's ready.
Engorgement can be painful and lead to an infection called mastitis. These are frequent problems when your milk first comes in. Both can be avoided by nursing or pumping regularly.
It's also important to ask for help if you need it or if breastfeeding is exceptionally painful. It is my hope that with these tips breastfeeding becomes a treasured bonding moment between you and baby. Remember to take every day at a time.
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