All the things you wish your big sister told you to get you started on your nursing journey, below.
Isn’t nursing supposed to be that all-natural, instinctive, and super-easy way to feed your baby? Ha! Although it eventually becomes second-nature, having the proper support to get your started is really important. We’ve gathered some hard-accumulated wisdom here; share your best tips in the comments!
- Latch:
Getting your baby properly latched is key! If your baby latches correctly from day one, baby will be able to get milk effectively and you’ll have less initial pain. Get support for this! Especially if it’s your first baby, getting a proper, full latch is less instinctive than you think. Ask your postpartum nurses, find a lactation consultant, do whatever you need to do to make sure your baby is latched well. *Tip: some babies are born with a slightly recessed jaw. To help baby latch properly, you can gently put a finger on their chin to pull their mouth open wide as they latch.
- Positioning:
Positioning goes hand-in-hand with latch. If you’re holding your baby correctly and positioning yourself correctly, this will be so much easier! While you may want to ask the hospital staff or a lactation consultant to help you position properly, make sure in any position you choose that you’re bringing the baby up to you (shop nursing pillows below for help!) rather than leaning down. Different positions work better for different women, so try different options to find your favorite. Make sure your baby’s tummy is against your body so their head/neck/trunk are aligned.
- Supply:
Ah, the worst! Postpartum may not be the best time to start a diet. Your nutrition directly impacts your supply, so grab a water bottle and a snack… you’re going to be hungry. It can take a few days after giving birth for your milk to come in, and your baby may want to nurse and nurse and nurse…and nurse. This non-stop cluster-feeding is exhausting, but think of it as your baby telling your body to produce milk. Wanting to nurse often can be a good sign! If you’re worried about your supply or if your baby is getting enough milk, reach out to your pediatrician.
- Pain:
Discomfort in the beginning is normal, especially if baby had a hard time latching. Make sure your latch is good, moisturize with lanolin, and do your best to nurse through it. The discomfort usually peaks during your baby’s first week and only gets easier with time. Many people find that Silverettes/ Silver cups worn the first few weeks are a life saver. If you feel the pain is more than discomfort it’s best to check with a doctor or a lactation consultant if you have an infection.
- Engorgement:
On the topic of pain, engorgement can happen any time, but it’s most likely to happen as your milk transitions from colostrum to mature milk in the first 2-5 days. One technique to help milk flow and baby latch better is called Reverse Pressure Softening – it involves gently, but firmly massaging outwards to soften the tissue. Any warm or red pain and tenderness in the breast, may be a sign of an infection and must be treated immedietly.
- Pumping:
In the beginning, you don’t need to pump (unless advised by your care team, or you specifically want to!). Your baby can stimulate milk production and effectively empty you. Eventually, you’ll want to start pumping a bit so baby learns to take a bottle, but that doesn’t have to be another thing you’re taking care of immediately postpartum.
What’s most important is a happy Mommy and a happy baby. So reach out for support if you need it, and don’t forget that fed is best!
The post The Tips & Tricks You Need To Start Your Nursing Journey appeared first on Between Carpools.
