Breastfeeding is a great way to build a stronger bond with your baby as well as nourishing him/her. But, it can be rather exhausting and rather stressful, especially for first-time moms. The following tips are intended to assist you in the early days of breastfeeding as well as build your confidence as you feed your baby.
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Get Comfortable
To achieve this one has to ensure that they are in the right position to feed the baby. It is advisable to lie or sit with the support of pillows and, to prevent pain, ensure that your baby is well positioned with a good latch.
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Importance of a Good Latch
A good latch ensures that the baby takes enough milk and at the same time does not hurt the nipples. Make sure that the baby’s mouth surrounds the whole nipple and a good part of the areola. If you feel any discomfort, it will be appropriate to change the position of the latch.
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Stay Hydrated and Nourished
It may be seen that nursing mothers feel more thirsty and hungry than usual. Make sure that you consume a lot of water and also take some time to take healthy snacks to keep your energy and milk production up.
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Nurse Frequently
In the first few weeks of your baby’s life, your baby may want to feed every two to three hours. Experts recommend feeding your baby often so that the two of you can establish a pattern and the baby gets enough food to support healthy growth.
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Help and Support
If you have challenges, do not forget to ask your lactation consultant, gynecologist, or other breastfeeding support group. It is for this reason that early intervention is important to avoid issues later on.
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Take Care of Yourself
Don’t overexert yourself and make sure to get some sleep even if your baby is still asleep: you can also ask for help. For you to be in a position to take good care of your baby, you need to take care of your body and your mind.
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Be Patient
It is natural to feel nervous the first time you feed your baby, but don’t worry, breastfeeding is a learning process for both you and your baby. This may take some time and both of you must be patient as you try to navigate through these changes without getting frustrated with the challenges that may come your way early on. It would be best if you were not discouraged because as time goes on and more practice, breastfeeding becomes very easy.
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When To See A Doctor
If your baby is not gaining weight, if you have pain, infection or low milk supply seek the services of the best gynecologist in Islamabad to check for any medical complications.
Conclusion
Although it may present some difficulties, it is worth mentioning that breastfeeding is a great experience that is of advantage to both the mother and the baby. So here are tips on how to have a better rhythm with your newborn and cultivate a better bond.