World Breastfeeding Week is a global campaign to raise awareness and galvanise action on themes related to breastfeeding and is celebrated every August 1-7 in commemoration of the 1990 Innocenti Declaration. This year’s theme is focused on protecting breastfeeding worldwide as breastfeeding contributes to the survival, health, and well-being of all.
Breastfeeding may be the most natural thing there is, but it can take a lot of work before it seems that way. Sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error before you have found the right mix of solutions. We’ve assembled nine helpful tips for new moms and moms-to-be on breastfeeding and increasing lactation.
1. Arm Yourself With the Right Nursing Supplies
There are a number of things to help you breastfeed your baby and make your life simpler and more comfortable. A well-fitting nursing bra can give your breasts the right level of support and make it possible to feed your baby without completely undressing. Nursing pillows elevate your newborn to an ergonomic position for breastfeeding, helping to relieve your arms and back.
2. Help Your Baby Find The Right Position
Your baby will likely find the position that’s best for them so pay attention to this position so that you can make it easier to get into quickly. Every baby is different, but ensure your baby should be positioned so that their mouth is level with your nipple and their chin is against the breast so the baby’s nose is clear.
3. Leaking Is Natural
In the first few weeks of breastfeeding, it’s common for milk to leak from your breasts and it’s completely normal. Breast pads can come in handy as your breasts might leak a little milk from time to time. When you feel the tingling sensation of the let-down reflex begin, put pressure on your nipples to help stop the milk from flowing.
4. Try Different Breastfeeding PositionsThere are a variety of breastfeeding positions you could use to help your baby latch on better and help empty your breasts more effectively. The cradle hold is the most traditional hold that many moms try first. The football hold is a position that can work well if you’ve had a cesarean section, if you have large breasts, or if you’ve had twins and want to feed your babies simultaneously. The side-lying position is convenient for those late-night feedings.
5. Don’t Push the Back of Your Baby’s HeadPushing your baby’s head back triggers their instinct to resist and chomp down. Instead, put your hands at the nape of your baby’s neck, and bring him swiftly to your breast. Babies are born with instincts and reflexes to help them find their mother’s breast and latch. Pushing a baby’s head into the breast can inhibit neck extension, which can contribute to nipple pain and neck extension is something you want for a baby to be able to open wide, extend their tongue and get a good latch.
6. Tend Tender NipplesNipples are already a sensitive area for most women, and after three hours of non-stop nursing, nipples can feel downright raw. While pain can be due to a bad latch, in the beginning, it can be just as likely that you need to get used to nursing. Lanolin-based creams are a proven remedy, but some consultants prefer organic coconut oil. Your own breast milk is the best remedy, next, rubbing purified lanolin onto your nipples after each nursing session can help prevent chafing and excessive dryness. The tannins in tea are also great for healing blisters and cracks and they’re an excellent warm compress.
7. Ease the Pain of Engorgement
Engorgement is a painful swelling and hardening of your breasts that occurs when you produce more milk than your baby consumes. Engorgement is most frequent when your milk first comes in right after your baby is born. A few tips to deal with this is to express your breast milk manually, express milk under a warm shower or soak a hand towel in warm water and place it over your chest before you breastfeed.
8. Don’t Give Up Breastfeeding If You Have Mastitis
Occasionally a clogged milk duct can get infected. This is a condition called mastitis, and the symptoms include cold-like symptoms; swollen, painful breasts, or a hard lump on your breast; and red streaks on the skin of the breasts. If you have plugged or clogged ducts, which happens when your milk gets backed up and can cause severe pain, breastfeed on the side with the plugged duct as often as every two hours to help loosen the clog and get your milk moving freely again.
9. Stay Hydrated
Water replenishes the body, so a good rule of thumb is to drink a glass of water whenever you breastfeed. It takes a lot of water to make milk. This will ensure that your body can make enough milk and that you’re staying hydrated. Staying away from sugary drinks is also advised.
Source
Boitumelo Masihleho is a South African digital content creator. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Rhodes University in Journalism and Media Studies and Politics and International Studies. She’s an experienced multimedia journalist who is committed to writing balanced, informative and interesting stories on a number of topics. Boitumelo has her own YouTube channel where she shares her love for affordable beauty and lifestyle content.
