Nursing Essentials — How to Feed Breast Milk!
The appalling question of how to feed breast milk to a newborn haunts every to-be-mom and new mom. But, the art of breastfeeding is simple and easy. All you need to do is know the basics of nursing and half of the work is done. Take the help of your lactation expert and seek guidance on how to do breast feeding in the most comfort driven manner.
No matter if you’ve gone through tons of literature on breastfeeding for beginners or have been seeking advice on how to feed breast milk to your baby from your OB-GYN, you’ll be in for a surprise when you feed him for the first time. There’s no need panic or to be worried. Every new mom goes through the same nervousness about managing a fragile newborn. However, with time, you’ll understand the mantra of breastfeeding and even start to recognize your little one’s signs of hunger, reasons of crying and drowsiness.
Breast-feeding Basics
Breastfeeding is not a task it’s an emotion. A beautiful experience that brings your baby close to you and helps in building an emotional connection between the two of you. But there are some breastfeeding basics that you must know.
• It’s widely essential to feed the baby within the first 24 hours of his birth. The initial or first milk known as Colostrum is rich in nutrition and antibodies which provide essential health benefits to the newborn baby.
• Breastfeeding is not an easy task. Your body will take at least three to four days or even a few weeks to regulate milk supply.
• Learn the art of how to get breast milk flowing from your lactation expert. A regular flow means an apt amount of nutrition to the baby.
• It’s quite possible that you may face problem in making the baby latch to your breast in the beginning. Do not lose hope. Instead, stick to the schedule and try to feed your baby as frequently as possible. Take the help of an expert if problems persist.
• Make sure the baby burps after each feed. Hold him upright close to your chest and massage his back with gentle hands. Burping helps avoid colic in infants.
• If you’re feeding enough, expect at least six to eight nappy changing sessions.
• Don’t panic if your baby gains good weight during the initial six months of his birth. It’s a sign of successful breastfeeding.
• Allow your baby to decide his feeding schedule. Don’t forcefully feed him.
Breast-feeding tips
In addition to the above-listed points, there are a few other tips that deserve your utmost attention. These are as follows:-
• Maintain the hydration of your nipples by regularly massaging them with coconut oil, olive oil or cream as prescribed by your lactation expert.
• Gently massage your breasts before you start to breastfeed your baby.
• Expel some milk from the breast before you initiate the feeding session. Doing so ensures a proper continuous flow of milk. Also, if your breasts are painfully engorged, expelling with help in reducing the pain when your little one latches on.
• It’s highly advised to stay calm and composed during the nursing session. Stress often hinders with the feeding process.
• If you have chapped nipples, it’s best to make use of nipple shields.
• It’s a proven fact that a baby’s body digests breast milk must faster than formula milk. So, breastfeeding more often.
• Learn about the most comfortable breastfeeding positions and adhere to them. It’ll be good for you and your baby.
• To stop feeding, doctors advice to insert a finger in the corner of the baby’s mouth and gently remove the nipple from his lips.
• Just remember, babies do not need water for the first four months of their birth. Your milk has enough water content to satisfy their needs.
The bottom line of how to do breast feeding, it’s simple. Adhere to the basics and tips as given above and enjoy healthy feeding sessions with your little one.
