Mothers and their babies benefit from breastfeeding in many ways.
These physical and mental health benefits include:
- A stronger mother-child bond,
- Infant protection from long and short-term illnesses
- Decreased likelihood of breast and ovarian cancer in moms.
With the touting health advantages constantly being discussed amongst new and experienced parents, it’s only natural to want to give your newborn the gift of a strengthened immune system through your own breastmilk.
However, this enthusiasm can often be met with many breastfeeding challenges.
Keep reading to see what you can do to overcome obstacles that could get in the way of your breastfeeding journey.
Hand Expression
If you are finding it hard to increase your milk supply, try hand expressions.
Manually expressing milk by massaging it out of each breast will help to circulate blood flow to your breast tissue, and increase your milk supply.
Hand expression is quiet since you do not have to use any machines for this process. However, it can be tedious.
Hand expression is also very convenient as it is a completely free and all-natural way to encourage milk production.
Feed From Both Breasts
Soon after breastfeeding you may notice that your little one favors one breast over the other.
It’s important to get your baby used to feeding from both breasts, as focusing on one particular breast for too long and too often can decrease the amount of milk that is created for both breasts. Eventually, milk production could even come to a permanent halt.
For best practice, alternate between breasts during each feeding. And, be sure to speak with your doctor if breastfeeding becomes too painful or milk production is irregular and insufficient.
Wear Loose-Fitting Bras and Tops
During the earlier months of breastfeeding, breasts can become very tender.
Women often report sore, red, or irritated nipples, and rashes on or around the breast. Additionally, swelling of both breasts and nipples is often very common amongst breastfeeding moms.
Because of the changes that are happening to your breasts, it’s important to not make them feel too constricted. Avoid wearing tight bras or tops, and wear bras that support your breasts while also allowing them to feel the natural airflow around you.
Fabrics such as cotton, silk, nylon, or light polyester are best to wear for breastfeeding mothers.
Use a Breast Pump
When it comes to breastfeeding, partnering with a breast pump that works best for you is the easiest and fastest way to get your little one fed.
Newborns often eat every 2 to 4 hours. This much demand for mom’s milk can quickly begin to feel strenuous; especially for first-time mothers.
Purchasing a quality manual, battery-operated, or electric breast pump from websites like babybuddhaproducts.com will help you stay ahead of your hungry little one’s 3 am belly calls.
Stay On Top of Self Care
Self-care is essential for moms who are breastfeeding.
You won’t be able to give your baby the nourishment they need unless you give yourself the nourishment and self-care that your own body requires.
Be sure to get enough rest when you can, maintain a healthy diet, and ice your nipples or use a warm cloth to soothe tender breasts.
Tackle Breastfeeding Challenges Headon
Although breastfeeding challenges can seem difficult to navigate, they are totally possible to overcome. We hope you’ve found these tips for new moms helpful and are able to use them right away.
If you found this article informative, be sure to check the rest of our blog for more like it!
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