Tips for Successful Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the best nourishment you can give to your baby because it is custom made just for them. It contains all of the nutrients your baby needs, provided you are eating a healthy diet. The following guidelines will help you increase your success at breastfeeding.

The most important part of successful breastfeeding is to begin as soon as possible after the birth of the baby. Although the first few days of breastfeeding can be tiresome and even frustrating, it is important that you stick to it and keep trying. If you can establish a breastfeeding routine as soon as possible, it will benefit both you and the baby.

Another important part of successful breastfeeding is to nurse the baby any time he or she appears to want to. This can be anywhere from six to twelve times per day at first. This will accustom you to the new sensation and you will both become more comfortable. Plus, you want to make sure the baby is getting all the food they need. A new baby will eat a lot, especially during the first few months.

Successful breastfeeding is much easier if you have a comfortable nursing station. Set up an area in the nursery or your bedroom with a comfortable chair, footstool, pillow and a supply of water close at hand. You might also want a blanket or other items of comfort at your nursing station. Make sure everything you need is available to you whenever you sit down to begin breastfeeding.

It is never a good idea to give the baby additional supplements while breastfeeding. This can often determine how successful you will be at breastfeeding. The baby should be nursed on nothing but breast milk for the first six months. Unless your pediatrician specifically advises otherwise, don't give the baby any juice, water or formula while breastfeeding for the first six months.

Another tip for successful breastfeeding is to avoid pacifiers. Pacifiers will confuse your baby's sucking response if used in conjunction with breastfeeding. For successful breastfeeding, just don't use them. They are unnecessary and often cause more problems than they solve.

To prevent the cracking of nipples during breastfeeding, air-dry them after each nursing session. Allowing the nipples to dry in the air instead of wiping them will also prevent infection and this will allow you to continue with your successful breastfeeding. If you wear breast pads in your nursing bra, you'll also want to change them after each nursing to prevent infection.

The final tip for successful breastfeeding, and often the most difficult, is to eat healthy and get enough rest. If you are unsure that you're getting all the vitamins and nutrients you need, speak to your physician about supplementing your diet with a multi-vitamin. Remember, everything you consume is passed along to baby.

These guidelines for successful breastfeeding should help you in your journey. If you are not successful, don't let it make you feel inadequate. Any breastfeeding that you can do will benefit your baby and not every woman will be able to do it. Speak to your doctor or herbalist about different ways that you can increase your milk supply if you are having difficulty.