Breastfeeding Basics (what you need and helpful tips)

When feeding your baby, the breast is best – it really is!

It is usually rather easy (and not to mention inexpensive!) because all you need is healthy mom and hungry baby, you put the two together and a beautiful bond is formed. I would like to discuss some basics regarding breastfeeding that I hope will really be helpful for moms out there that have questions and curiosities regarding the topic.

When breastfeeding, it is very important to relax. You and baby should enjoy this time. Try not to put any added pressure on you and baby by being nervous or uptight. This can cause problems with let down of your milk. Everything will fall into place – it naturally is made to work for most women.

If for some reason you are having difficulties, there are things you can do to smooth things along. Not to worry – everything will be fine. Rarely is there a woman that absolutely produces zero breastmilk. Don’t quite have enough? It’s okay. I fretted and cried about that one for a few years myself, but I have since learned to be thankful that I can nurse as much as I can and be thankful for the ability to supplement when needed.

Most importantly, I learned to never, EVER give up! Baby is still benefitting tremendously from momma’s milk in more ways than one!

1. Hold baby so that you both are comfortable.
2. Stroke the lower lip with the nipple and place close to the baby’s lips.
3. Baby will open his mouth and  latch on. (for the newborn, I sometimes compress the areola so that as much of the nipple goes into the mouth as possible)
4. Be sure to check that the baby’s upper and lower lip are NOT tucked under! (this will cause soreness and possibly cracking of the nipples) I learned this the hard way
5. Make sure baby is latched on with the areola fully in the baby’s mouth (this ensures comfort for both you and the baby and will help avoid soreness of the nipple)
   • Soreness of the nipple can be helped by letting air get to them and by applying a lanolin based cream to the nipples after each feeding.
6. Baby will regulate how much milk he or she needs after a few weeks and your body will respond by allowing your breast size to reduce.
7. If you notice a small lump on your breasts, continue nursing, massage, and apply moist, warm/hot compresses to your breast. NURSE. NURSE. NURSE!  This may be a clogged milk duct and these techniques usually help the issue. If the lump does not subside and you have a fever (esp. after the first few days, when milk fever is over) along with the red lump, contact your doctor.
8. Baby will eat approximately 8-12 times a day. Let baby tell you when he or she is hungry. They will do this by nuzzling against your breasts, sucking or opening his or her mouth.

Breast feeding is a wonderful commitment. It may seem like a big one, but it really is very valuable for both you and dear baby. Breast milk contains at least 100 ingredients that formula does not- not to mention the wonderful benefits of  and the immunities that only breastmilk can provide. Remember that baby’s immune systems are not developed until 3 months of age. Antibodies to germs and disease only come from nursing.  Mother and babies both psychologically benefit from breastfeeding as well. There just isn’t much to compare to the bond between mother and baby, especially a nursing infant.

Breastfeeding also is scientifically proven to drastically improve the health of a woman’s breast. It may not look like you have healthy breasts for a while, but you can be assured that your breast is better off for having breastfed. Breastfeeding also releases hormones that help shrink your uterus back down to it’s normal size.  Doctors also tell us that women that breastfeed are less likely to have breast cancer. As you can see without a doubt, both you and baby will be much healthier with nursing.

Do me a favor please? Share your breastfeeding tips as ask your questions in the comment box!