Breastfeeding is not always easy and can sometimes be quite a challenge. From experience, I can tell you that if you are well prepared, you really want to breastfeed, there are no medical contraindications, and you ask for help when you need it if it is not working, there is a very good chance that breastfeeding will be successful. To help you prepare properly, we discuss 10 important tips for breastfeeding here.
1. Should you put your baby to the breast within an hour after birth?
Starting breastfeeding early helps the baby learn how to latch and stimulates the mother's milk production. The very first drops of milk are called colostrum, which is rich in nutrients and antibodies.
It is important not only to latch the baby within an hour after birth for milk production and the nutrients the baby will receive, but also for the bond between mother and child. That first hour after birth is so precious. Rest, love, and breastfeeding are very important during this time.
2. What should you pay attention to when putting your baby to the breast for breastfeeding?
A proper latch prevents nipple damage and pain. It is therefore important to pay attention to the baby's position when latching. It also helps to sit comfortably and relax yourself and then bring the baby towards the nipple. Make sure the baby takes a large mouthful, taking a large part of the areola into their mouth. As soon as you experience pain while breastfeeding, it is important to remove the baby from the breast immediately - always by first breaking the vacuum with your pinky finger. After this, gently put your baby back to the breast. It is good to experiment with different positions such as the football hold or side-lying to see what works best.
3. Feeding on demand or feeding on a schedule?
Feeding on demand, instead of on a strict schedule, helps build a healthy milk supply and meets the baby's needs. Paying attention to the baby's cues, such as smacking their lips or rooting for the nipple, are indications that the baby is hungry. During the first few days, the baby will need to 'land' on earth. It is a big transition from the environment in the womb to outside the womb. Therefore, give your child the space to get used to it and establish a rhythm. If he/she needs more closeness and wants to drink from the breast more often, definitely encourage this. This will only benefit milk production and the baby's satisfaction.
4. Which vitamins support breastfeeding and milk production?
Good nutrients support milk production, mental and physical recovery after birth, and these nutrients end up in the breast milk, where they will support the baby's further development. Therefore, make sure you have a healthy diet, not only for your own health and recovery, but also for your breastfeeding and your baby's development.
Vitamins such as Vitamin C, D, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, Omega 3 fatty acids, etc., are essential during breastfeeding to support your milk production and the baby's further development as best as possible. The 'Breastfeeding' Supplements from MomPwdr are specially developed to support your breastfeeding as best as possible and help it succeed.
During the last weeks of pregnancy, most pregnant women also retain a lot of fluid. As soon as you give birth, you will lose this fluid. Breastfeeding, on the other hand, requires extra fluid and these nutrients. Therefore, make sure you drink plenty of fluids in the first week after birth and while you are breastfeeding.
5. Does stress affect breastfeeding?
Stress can negatively affect milk production. If you experience stress, try to address the cause and reduce the stress. When you are stressed, you have higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in your body. Cortisol can also reach your child through the milk. Research has shown that women who experience a lot of stress also pass on cortisol to their child through breast milk. When this happens to a large extent, it can affect the baby's development, including the development of the nervous system and the immune system.
Are you anxious about breastfeeding? Then try to really trust your body and enjoy the bond you are creating with your child.
6. Breastfeeding is not working? Then seek help.
Is breastfeeding not going as you had hoped, or do you have questions and uncertainties? Then ask your midwife or a lactation consultant for help. Your midwife can help you directly with problems. A lactation consultant specializes in breastfeeding and will help you with all your breastfeeding questions. Seeking help in time helps breastfeeding succeed.
7. Take the baby's growth spurts into account.
Every baby is different, and every mother and her baby will have to find their own rhythm together. During the first few days, it is also a matter of getting used to 'motherhood', the baby who is completely dependent on you, and all the other changes taking place. However, all babies go through approximately the same growth spurts. This means that at certain times they go through developmental stages or experience a growth spurt, causing them to want to drink more at these times. During growth spurts, it can feel as though your baby is constantly at the breast. This is normal and stimulates your milk production to meet the new needs.
8. Let the baby empty the breast or offer the other breast after a few minutes?
It is important that the baby empties the breast completely before you switch breasts. This ensures that your baby receives all the nutrients needed for healthy development. Hindmilk is particularly the fattiest and most nutrient-rich milk. By letting the baby empty the breast properly, your baby will be more satisfied, more content, and grow and develop well.
Therefore, at every feeding, it is important to let the baby empty the first breast completely and always offer the second breast as a 'dessert'. At the next feeding, offer the breast from the 'dessert' first and let it be emptied completely, and the other breast then becomes the 'dessert'. This ensures optimal milk production and the most nutritious milk for your baby.
9. Don't give up if you want to breastfeed.
It can take time to get breastfeeding under control. As we mentioned before, it is important that you and your baby get used to each other, get to know each other, and together find a rhythm. Patience and perseverance are extremely important for breastfeeding to succeed. So if you really want to breastfeed, go for it and enjoy the journey you are going through together with your child.
10. How do I prevent mastitis?
During breastfeeding, you can quickly develop an infection in the breast because milk ducts are not draining properly, or because bacteria have entered the breast. Wear a comfortable nursing bra or sports bra. Avoid bras that constrict the breast. It is also important that the milk ducts can drain properly when you are breastfeeding. Ensure a comfortable position and make sure there are no pressure points on the breast. Different feeding positions help the breast drain properly from different areas.
Hygiene during breastfeeding is also a major consideration. Wash your hands regularly and make sure you never touch the areola. If you want to clean your nipple, do so with a clean cloth or rinse the nipples under the shower with only water.
Do you notice a red, hard spot in the breast? Then make sure you treat it as soon as possible. You can do this by gently massaging the hard spot away while breastfeeding. Do this by applying gentle pressure and movement to the hard spot towards the nipple. If necessary, put the baby to the breast more often, so that the milk continues to flow regularly.
Breastfeeding is the healthiest food for your baby and contains all the essential nutrients and antibodies. Studies have shown that breastfeeding strengthens babies' immunity and protects against infections and diseases (Victora et al., 2016).
Breastfeeding is a learning process for both mother and baby. Prepare yourself well, seek help if you need it, and above all, don't give up! With these tips and the right support, we hope you feel more confident and supported during your breastfeeding journey. Remember that every drop of breast milk is valuable and that you are doing great!
References:
- Victora, C. G., Bahl, R., Barros, A. J., França, G. V., Horton, S., Krasevec, J., ... & Rollins, N. C. (2016). Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. The Lancet, 387(10017), 475-490.
- Kramer, M. S., & Kakuma, R. (2012). Optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (8).
