How to Breastfeed your Baby?

By Priyanka A R

Breastfeeding your baby

Breastfeeding your baby can be a tremendously joyful and truly challenging experience. But no need to get stressed up. A little bit of patience and some smart planning will be more than enough.

A big healthy step forward both for a new mom and baby, breastfeeding is recommended by doctors all over the world (Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.) Breast milk is the superfood for your little one. Equally important are the benefits to the nursing mother. Reduced rate of breast and ovarian cancer later in life, quick return of uterus back to its regular size and lower post-partum bleeding. The feeling of fulfilment and joy while feeding is augmented by the hormones prolactin and oxytocin.

Having said that, we all know breastmilk or formula milk is ultimately the choice of the mother/parents. Everyone’s parenting journey is different and sometimes you might have to consider other factors(medical/emotional/situational) also. Always make sure that you are making an informed decision and try not to get bothered by the negative comments of others. Consult your doctor if necessary.

Holding and Positioning your baby

Baby’s head should rest in the bend of your elbow of the arm on the side you are breastfeeding, hand supporting the rest of baby’s body, the baby will be facing your breasts, tummy to tummy. Baby’s head should be in line with the rest of the baby’s body. Hold your breast with your other hand, compress it gently, so that the nipple faces baby’s nose. Please don’t lean over and put your breast into baby’s mouth. Both of you should be in a comfortable position.

Getting into the right position might take time, but keep on trying, it is worth the effort. You can use Cotton Nursing cover/Swaddle while breastfeeding your baby.

Making your baby latch

Baby’s mouth should cover both your nipple and areola. Suckling on just the nipple may lead to cracked or sore nipples which can make breastfeeding extremely painful. (Virgin coconut oil can ease the pain on nipples, you can even start massaging your nipples from the 8th month of your pregnancy.)

Baby’s chin and the tip of the nose should touch your breast, lips flared outwards. Please see that  baby isn’t suckling on her own lower lip or tongue. In case of any doubts, you can gently pull the baby’s lower lip downwards while feeding.

Also Read, Top Newborn Essentials for a Safe Sleep

How long should a breastfeeding session last?

Let the baby decide that. Ideally, at least one breast should be well-drained on each feeding. Typically, this may last for 20-30 minutes but may vary. Wait till baby seem to quit on breast one and go for the second only if demanded. Often babies fall asleep at the end of the first feed. Unlatch by pressing on your breast from baby’s mouth or carefully insert a clean finger into the corner of infant’s mouth.

Feed the baby when he/she is hungry. Never wait for tears. For the first two days, the baby’s appetite will be subsided, then you may have to initiate.

If your little one seems happy and content after feeding and pee 10-12 times daily,( clear to very pale-yellow urine) say, 4 bowel movements per day( soft yellow), then you are feeding her right. It is always good to keep a written record of feeding frequency and diaper output(Yes, we know, it may sound less practical with your busy new mom schedule, but helps a lot.) You can take that chart to your paediatrician, for your next hospital visit. A newborn should gain weight steadily every week from the second week.

How long should I breast-feed my baby?

Doctors recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and WHO suggests breastfeeding up to 2 years or more. It all depends upon your comfort level and health condition. If you enjoy breastfeeding your baby and both of you are happy about why not extend it? After all, it has got myriad health benefits. On the other hand, if you are unable to continue breastfeeding due to personal factors(work, health conditions etc), that is absolutely okay too. Consult your doctor to discuss your best alternatives.

Breast-fed or formula-fed, motherhood is a beautiful emotion with lots of lovely experiences, cherish those moments.