Breastfeeding Tips for New Mothers

Breastfeeding can be confusing the first time a newAbscesses can develop quickly and need medical
mother attempts it. Although it is one of the mosttreatment.Postpone using artificial nipples - Some
natural things in the world and many mothers feel likeexperts say that if you are going to be
they should be born knowing how to effectivelybreastfeeding your baby you should avoid introducing
nurse a child at the breast, it can be hard to knowpacifiers or other artificial nipples too early. Artificial
exactly what to do or how to do it. Here are somenipples require the baby to use a different sucking
essential breastfeeding tips to discuss with youraction than human nipples do and may hinder
doctor or midwife.Put the baby to the breast asbreastfeeding efforts - often referred to as "nipple
early as possible - It is good to have your firstconfusion." It is usually best to try to wait until after
breastfeeding session within an hour after giving birth,about two weeks of successful breastfeeding before
if possible. This is the time that the baby is alert afterintroducing any pacifier or bottles.Supplements are
the activity and work of being born and the suckingnot needed - Unless your doctor says otherwise,
instinct is strong. You will not be producing milk thisthere is usually no need to supplement breastfeeding
early but your breasts contain colostrum, which is awith sugar water or formula. Breast milk is made
thin milky fluid that contains important antibodies toespecially for babies and is a perfect source of
disease. It is a perfect first food for your newnutrition - it is also full of helpful antibodies. Although
sweetheart.Offer frequet feedings - It is a good ideathere have been many advances in formulas, they do
to try nursing your baby every two to three hours.not have the same nutritional complexity of your
This can help keep your breasts soft and aid in thebreast milk and may interfere with the baby's
prevention of engorgement. Pay close attention toappetite for breastfeeding and lead to a diminished
your baby for signs of hunger - changes in facialmilk supply. If you worry that you are not making
expressions, sucking sounds or lip movements areenough milk, breastfeeding your baby more often will
usually good clues that he is getting hungry. Bycause you to produce more milk. If you think your
keeping an eye out for these signs you can learn thebaby is not getting enough to eat or is losing weight,
cues to help anticipate your baby's hunger so youconsult your doctor for advice on whether
can start nursing before he is too hungry. A hungrysupplementation is necessary and to ensure that
baby can be too impatient to latch on correcty and ifthere are no other problems.Avoid engorgement -
your breasts are engorged from waiting too longWhen breastfeeding first begins you will be producing
between feedings you may be sensitive to his touch.a lot of milk. This can make you breasts large,
Breastfeeding on cue will actually help stimulate yourswollen, hard and painful. You can help to ease this
breasts to produce more milk - the breasts makeengorgement by breastfeeding frequently or
more milk based on the stimulation received byexpressing some milk with a hand pump or electric
breastfeeding. Carrying your baby in a baby sling canpump until your body adjusts to produce only as
help foster more frequent and convenient feeding asmuch as your baby needs. You can also help relieve
well as give a wonderful closeness for both mom andthe pain by applying warm, wet compresses or
baby.Practice good positioning - Having the righttaking warm baths. Some over-the-counter pain
positioning for breastfeeding is one of the mostrelievers may help, but consult your doctor before
important aspects in avoiding nipple soreness. Youtaking any sort of drug, since it may be passed
should use your hand to support the infant's neck. Histhrough your milk to the baby.Stay healthy - A
mouth should be open wide with the lips puckeredbreastfeeding mom needs to eat a healthy diet in
out, not folded in. Your nipple should go back as farorder to produce nutritional milk. Ask your doctor
into his or her mouth as possible. Many hospitalsabout increased calorie intake to ensure that both
provide lactation consultants to mothers who chooseyou and baby get all of the nutrition you need. Most
to breast feed. If you do not take advantage of thislikely you will need an extra 500 calories a day. It is
in the hospital, or need a refresher once you getvery important to drink enough water and clear fluids
home, you can get help finding proper positioning bywhen breastfeeding so you do not get dehydrated.
asking a nurse, midwife, lactation consultant or otherAvoid drugs, alcohol, caffeine and smoke.With
experienced mother for some help breastfeeding. Lasupport and persistence, breastfeeding can be a
Leche League is a nationwide network forsimple and pleasurable way to feed your child. Do not
breastfeeding support and is in manybe afraid to ask for assistance from your doctor,
communities.Nipple relief - Some women get sorenurse, lactation consultant or midwife - successful
nipples when they first begin breastfeeding andbreastfeeding depends heavily on education and
others have no problems at all. Most of the time thepractice.Copyright 2005 Katie Rose Kids Clothing
discomfort can be remedied by better positioning. IfToys and Unique Keepsake GiftsKatie Rose is the
your nipples start to become very sore try this -owner of Katie Rose Kids - an online boutique for
after each time you nurse, rub a small amount ofclothing, toys and unique gifts for preemies, infants,
breast milk on and around each nipple and allow it totoddlers, preschoolers and moms too. We have baby
air dry. This can help prevent cracking (which can leadshower gift, as well as bath accessories, baby slings,
to infection). In cases where your nipples do crack,books, decor, educational toys and personalized
coat them with breast milk, vitamin E oil, or lanolin toclothes, blankets and keepsake gifts. Perfect for
help them heal. The lanolins sold for breastfeeding areChristmas, Easter, Valentines and other Holiday
usually fine to leave on with no concerns for thepresents and Katie Rose Intimates Sexy Costumes
baby at the next feeding - but be aware that someand Lingerie - a fine lingerie shop featuring romantic
babies can have allergic reactions to certainChristmas and holiday gifts, fantasy clothing, leather
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consultant what is best. Proper positioning is theand unique styles - with special attention for the plus
number one factor in avoiding sore nipples.Be on thesize woman.ATTENTION WEBMASTERS and EZINE
lookout for breast infections - If you experience aPUBLISHERS - Permission is granted to publish this
fever or painful lumps and redness in your breasts,article on your site or in your Ezine but ONLY if my
you should seek medical attention immediately.bio paragraph is included and all links are hyperlinked.