Posted Under: Gear,The Breeze
Whether you are new to motherhood or an experienced parent, breastfeeding can simultaneously be wonderful and anxiety provoking.? We know breastfeeding is the very best food for your new baby; in fact breast milk is often called “Liquid Gold” or the “Gold Standard in Nutrition.” This dynamic fluid changes to meet the needs of your growing baby and leaves a protective layer on the stomach to minimize germs that can make your baby sick.? It contains the perfect blend of ingredients to optimize baby’s body, brain and nervous system.
However, breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally for mom and baby, especially in the first few weeks. Breastfeeding is a new skill that you and your baby have to master together. It’s important to be ready for the challenges (or booby traps as some call them) so you can begin your successful breastfeeding journey.
Here are three common breastfeeding problems (and solutions) to be aware of:
1. Engorgement.
In the first days of life, your baby is thriving on colostrum, a nutritional powerhouse disguised in a gooey, yellow fluid.? It is full of immunity boosting proteins; colostrum is often referred to as “Baby’s First Vaccine.” Many moms, between day two and five, will still be waiting for your milk to come in. When it does, your breasts may become firm and you may have an uncomfortable feeling of pressure.? This is engorgement…but don’t worry. While it’s uncomfortable, it is temporary.
The best way to remove your milk and establish a strong supply is to nurse often. Don’t watch the clock, or try to put your baby on a schedule. Instead watch your baby for signs of hunger like sucking on his hand (or toes!), crying or restlessness.? If your breasts are too firm, your baby may have trouble latching, or positioning the nipple correctly. You may hand express some milk to soften your breast or you may use your pump to make your breast a more manageable mouthful for baby. Your milk supply will adjust to your baby’s intake within the first month.
The problem of leaking milk all over anyone or anything near you may linger much longer for the average mom.? To collect and store all the milk from your non-nursing side during your breastfeeding sessions consider a Milkies Milk-Saver.? Visit www.MyMilkies.com to learn more and watch a demo video of the Milk-Saver in action.
2. Ouch…Nipple Pain.
For those breastfeeding mamas who experience nipple pain it may be a latching issue. Here are a few steps to ensure a proper latch:
Be sure that your baby is opening his/her mouth WIDE like he/she is yawning. Then try to brush your nipple against his/her lips or express a few drops of milk into her mouth to let her know it’s feeding time.When you get the wide-open mouth, quickly pull him/her toward your breast and open the baby’s mouth over the nipple. Make sure you are comfortable, no hunching over.Support your baby with your arms or pillows and be sure the body and head are in alignment (pointing the same direction).If your baby is latched correctly, breastfeeding should not be painful.? If you hurt or your baby does not seem to be sucking correctly, place your finger in the corner of baby’s mouth to break the latch. If you have persistent pain while nursing or you have concerns about your baby, see a lactation consultant.? Call the hospital where you delivered to find help in your area.
3. Do I have enough milk?
It is normal to question your milk supply.? You may notice that your baby is eating more frequently or your breasts don’t seem as full as they once did.? These are normal signs your baby is growing and your breasts are matching your milk supply to your baby’s unique needs.? If your baby averages 5-6 wet diapers per day and is putting on 4-7 ounces per week during the first month, you are doing great. Keep up the good work.
Your baby may eat frequently because breast milk is easy to digest and leaves the stomach quickly.? Your breastfed baby also consumes fewer calories and a lower volume of milk than his formula-fed couterpart. This doesn’t mean you aren’t producing enough milk, it’s a sign that your baby is self-regulating his/her calorie intake according to individual needs. This ability to determine for themselves how much they eat is probably one of the reasons breastfed babies are less likely to be obese children.
Caring for a newborn is a lot of work; breastfeeding makes the task a bit easier.? No mixing formula, washing bottles or stumbling to the kitchen at 2 a.m.? Breast milk is always ready to eat and just the right temperature for your little one. Be sure to sleep when your baby sleeps and ask for help when you need it.
Happy Nursing.
Helen Anderson is a registered nurse, lactation educator and the co-founder of Milkies. Founded along side her mother, Renee Callanan they created the patented product, The Milk-Saver, which enables breastfeeding mothers to collect milk from the non-nursing side during a breastfeeding or pumping session. For more information visit www.MyMilkies.com.
Tags: breastfeeding help, engorgement, how to save milk while nursing, lacation help, milk saver, milk supply, milkies, my milkies, nipple pain while breastfeeding, nursing, pumping and nursing
