Breastfeeding Help for New Mothers

One of the very first questions most care providers will ask when you are expecting is whether or not you plan to breastfeed or bottle feed. Every baby is different and every mother is different so it really depends on what your preferences are about the situation after you have become educated about breastfeeding a baby. your primary care provider is a good source for information about the benefits of choosing this method as well as preparation in doing so. The rest is up to your body as it gets nearer the time for the birth, pregnancy allows for the production of the milk. After the child is born, nursing will help your body to produce more milk.

The breast milk is natures perfect food for infants. It provides all of the nutrients needed to help build a strong and healthy body. Mother's milk contains the correct amounts of fats, water, sugar, protein, and aids in digestion until baby's system develops properly. Some studies also suggest that children who are breastfed have less of a tendency to become overweight later on in life than those who were formula fed. Research has found that for premature infants, breast milk aided in better overall health growing up than with formulas and these children scored more highly on cognitive tests as well. Mothers also gain some attributes such as burning extra calories, it helps a woman's uterus to go back to the right shape, and lessens postpartum bleeding. The risk for ovarian and breast cancers is lowered, even some doctors believe that osteoporosis is less of a factor for women who breastfed in their childbearing years. It can be convenient in the aspect of foregoing the mixing and measuring of formula for midnight feedings. This also creates quiet time for a mother and her child to become closer.

Firstly, if you plan to breastfeed, you will want to start within the first hour of the baby's birth. If you think you will need help finding a comfortable position for you and your baby, your midwife or assigned nurse can show you the correct methods. You may want to lay down or sit up in a chair to get comfortable with baby. Whichever position you decide on make sure that the child is level with your breast, hold very close so that he/she does not have to tug with the mouth, hold your breast in a "C" shape with your four fingers at bottom and thumb at top, rub the nipple on the baby's top lip and he/she will then latch on. Now you have mastered the ability to correctly begin.

Babies feed for different amounts of time and at various times of the day. Changes are common as the composition of your milk supply also varies. Most children feed from one breast between 20 and 40 minutes at one time. Once baby is done with one side make sure and switch to the other breast. He/she should nurse at least 8 times a day, wet at least 6 diapers a day, and have 1 to five regular stools in a 24 hour period(which are soft or liquid). If your baby is making clear, swallowing and sucking sounds, then you are producing milk and feeding the right way. Gaining the birth weight back which they lose when you first bring them home is a good sign that breastfeeding is working out. A content and alert baby with good skin color is another sign of correct feeding practices.

If you have any concerns about your baby's feeding schedule or any medications you may need to take consult your lactation specialist. Most mothers who take daily medication on a regular basis may still nurse their little ones, but use caution and always ask questions before taking any medicines and feeding. Breast pad inserts for your bra help with the leaking, you may also hand express your milk, or use a breast pump to help with having some free time for yourself and so that dad can also bond with baby. Remember it is no one's choice but your own as to whether you breast or formula feed, a mother can decide what she thinks is the best method for her child.