Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : October 9, 2014 5:09 PM IST
World Breast feeding Week is form August 1st to 7th.
Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to ensure your child's health and proper growth. While it is one of the most natural things that a mother has to do after child birth, there are often several things that can affect this natural bonding mechanism. In this post Dr. Meghna Shah, BHMS, Dean,The Other Song - Homoeopathy Clinic and Academy, gives mothers a few natural and simple tips on how to breastfeed with ease.
Tip 1: Always breastfeed
Breast milk is the only natural food made for your baby; it protects your baby from sickness and infections, provides health benefits for you and your baby, it's free, it's always the right temperature and helps build a strong physical and emotional bond.
Tip 2: Relax
Easiest and probably the simplest tip in breastfeeding is to relax. You and your baby are still learning more each day. Being relaxed and confident is the first step to successful breastfeeding.
Tip 3: Soreness is normal
Soreness is regular in the early weeks of nursing, particularly in the event that it is your first infant.
Tip 4: Breastfeeding at night is a great way to stay healthy
Night feeding is important because it increases the amount of prolactin in your body, the hormone responsible for producing milk. Most mothers would like their baby to sleep through the night, but this is not likely to happen in the early months.
Tip 5: Count the number of feeds you give
For babies, no less than 8-10 feedings for every 24-hour periods is typical.
Tip 6: Avoid having too many alternatives other than breast milk for your baby
The more you breastfeed, the more you will produce milk. Be careful about offering too many alternatives that can lead to a diminishing supply of breast milk.
Tip 7: Breast feed early and regularly
Early and regularly is the mantra to remember about the initial couple of weeks of nursing. Put child to breast as promptly as you can after conception.
Tip 8: Don't listen to everything you hear
Try not to listen to breastfeeding 'horror stories' from others. Everyone is different and you need to find your own way.
Tip 9: A warm relaxing shower should help
Having a warm shower before breastfeeding will help with the stream of your milk.
Tip 10: Rely on cues from your baby on when you should stop feeding
Don't time your feedings; watch your baby for signs like rooting, licking of lips or putting hands in mouth.
Tip 11: Use the right technique while moving your baby from one breast to another
When it is time to switch sides, move your pinkie finger between your breast and your baby's gums to break the suction. When you hear a slight pop, remove your nipple from his mouth and position him on the other breast.
Tip 12: Remember to stay healthy yourself
Take care of yourself. Remember your baby's health and nourishment depends on you. So, drink enough water and eat the right foods.
Tip 13: Maintain the right breastfeeding position
A good breastfeeding position is the bosom crawl. Lie on a couch with no top on and put your infant face down on your tummy and let him discover his own specific way onto the breast. Once in a while, they improve hook without anyone else's input.
Tip 14: Deal with growing teeth with patience
As your baby develops, and first teeth begin to grow, a few children begin utilizing mummy's nipple as a teething ring ouch! Gnawing could be an issue, yet the most ideal approach to show an infant not to nibble is to take them off the breast when they begin to chomp.
Photos source: Getty images
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