Breastfeeding tips
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Get as much rest as possible. If this means going sleeping in the middle of the day when your baby is asleep, then so be it. Enjoy this precious time with your new baby. It will go all too quickly and this is a great excuse to savour every minute. Get help from your partner and family or friends with shopping, cooking or household chores etc. This will give you the time you need to establish breastfeeding and recover from the lack of sleep. This period will only last for a few weeks and most things can be put on hold. Don’t try to be superwoman! If you overstretch yourself, you will end up feeling run-down and this could go on to affect your milk supply. Keep visitors to a minimum in the early weeks – your partner can help with this by deflecting any unwanted guests! Listen to your body and be guided by it. By doing this you will soon be back to your energetic self – I promise! Gradually you will get into a routine (although it will be like no other you have experienced before!) and begin to feel less tired. Pillow behind your back may help to prevent backache. Start each feed on alternate breasts. Offer both breasts but your baby may be satisfied with just one. |
Feeding in the bath - If you are experiencing problems, try feeding your baby in the bath. The water relaxes you and your baby; helps your milk to flow and some people believe it mimics the womb environment
If your baby falls asleep at the breast without finishing his feed, try to make sure she is not too warm. Open or remove outer clothing. You may need to change her nappy to wake her up or let her have a stretch and a kick halfway through feeding.
If your baby sucks only on the nipple he will get frustrated because he will not get enough milk. As a result he will probably try to suck harder and you will get sore nipples. If it feels painful start again.
If your baby is not keen to take the breast, express a few drops of milk onto her lips so that she can smell and taste it.
Feeding time - Twenty minutes is average but feeds can last between 10 minutes and an hour.
If it really hurts when your baby latches on, slide a finger into the corner of her mouth to break the suction and try again.
Don’t forget that there are lots of available resources for breastfeeding information including National Childbirth Trust and the Department of Health.
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