How to Breastfeed successfully

The importance of breastfeeding cannot be emphasised enough. It is the best form of nutrition for the little one. He deserves the best in everything and why not! Breastfeeding is good for the baby as well as the mom. Apart from increasing the intimacy between mom and child, it helps both in many different ways. For the child, breastfeeding protects him from astma, gastroenterities, chest and urinary tract infections and many more. Breast fed babies are healthier and have higher IQ and EQ. They also do not fall ill as often.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Comfortable sofa / bed / rocking chair
• Plenty of pillows for support
• Light music for soothing (optional)
• Wet Wipes

1. Make yourself comfortable. Breastfeeding could take anywhere between 10-45 mins. Hence, it is important that you are as comfortable as possible. Prop yourself on a comfortable sofa / bed / rocking chair. Place a pillow or two on your back for plenty of support.
2. Position properly. This is important as this will determine if your breasts are emptied successfully as well prevents sore nipples. Place your baby in such a way that his stomach is in place with yours and his face directly to your breast.
3. Use your hand to support your baby's head and the other hand to support his buttocks and spine. Prop your baby on a pillow, placed on your lap, so that you do not feel the strain. Note that your baby is able to feel the strain if you have not positioned him properly. This would help lift the strain off your hands and your back especially if the feed is long.
4. Help your baby to find your nipples. Touch his cheek or nose with your nipples. This would prompt him to turn towards you. If you must, express a little milk into his mouth to arouse his interest. Bring him towards your breast.
5. Place his chin and lower lip to your breast first. This will help him latch properly. Make sure that much of the aerola is in his mouth as this would help him suck the milk faster.
6. Once the baby has had enough, he would normally stop on his own and unlatch. Otherwise, help him do so by gently placing your index finger / little finger at the side of his mouth and slide.

Tips & Warnings

• Always feed on demand
• Do not feel exhausted. Make sure you are well hydrated.
• Have proper meals to improve the quality and quatity of your milk
• Never strain yourself as it is bad for you and the baby would feel it and feel uneasy himself as well
• If your child is not latching on properly, consult your gynecologist to get reference to a lactation consultant / call up your hospital for the same