MELBOURNE: World Breastfeeding Week 2021: Tips To Conquer The First Month Of Breastfeeding

MELBOURNE: Breastfeeding is by far the
healthiest and best natural way to feed your baby. However, for many women, the
process of breastfeeding can be sometimes scary, especially during the initial
stages. It is imperative to know beforehand on how to prepare for smooth
transition to breastfeeding, thus enhancing overall nursing experience by
reducing cracked nipples or pain in breasts.

Many
women feel anxious about how should they start breastfeeding their babies. They
need to realise that the first month is the most crucial one for breastfeeding
as the baby starts to get attached to the mother. Also, a mother is learning
about breastfeeding, right postures, right timings, cleanliness etc.

Few days
before delivery:

Many may
find it surprising but the body prepares itself for breastfeeding right from
the start of pregnancy. Two major signs during early pregnancy are tingling
nipples and tenderness, which is a sign that the breasts are getting bigger.
Moreover, the blood supply increases drastically during pregnancy, thus leading
to development of milk ducts and milk-producing cells.

However,
the size of your breasts before pregnancy, and how much they grow during
pregnancy, don’t determine how much milk you’ll be able to produce for your
baby. If you’re small-breasted, you’ll still be able to feed your baby all the
milk he/she needs.

What
happens during the first few days after delivery?

In the
first couple of days after delivery, your body will be making colostrum, the
perfect first milk for your baby. It’s thick in texture, golden coloured and
delivered in small quantities. About two to five days after birth, your milk
will come in and by around 4-6 weeks the breast milk production and feeding
pattern are well established.

One may
also find it astonishing but the new mother’s body odour helps in creating a
special bond with the baby. Oil is produced and released through areolas of the
nipples, which lubricates the nipples naturally. For the baby, the oil has a
peculiar attractive smell. The baby soon connects with the smell, mother’s
breasts and colostrum. All these help in a strong connection with the baby. It
is advisable that new mothers do not use scented perfumes, body lotions in the
early days of breastfeeding, especially on or around the breasts.

Things to
do before your delivery and soon after delivery:

1. Learn
as much as you can about breastfeeding even before your baby is born. Speak and
discuss things with other new mothers and concerns that can be addressed.

2. For
few days post-delivery, one should try some gentle breast massage. This can
help become more comfortable handling your breasts, and may also be useful
later on if you need to express your milk.

3. It is
always advisable to check for flat or inverted nipples while you are pregnant,
as this can sometimes make it a bit more difficult for a baby to latch on to
the nipple correctly.

4. Invest
in good nursing bras: These bras are comfortable and provide the extra support
your larger-than-usual breasts need. Nursing bras make it convenient for
mothers to feed their babies, with hooks and flaps. It’s best to wait until the
last couple of weeks of pregnancy to shopping for nursing bras when your
breasts will be closest to their postpartum size. However, once milk comes in,
size of the breasts will be bigger by a size or two, than in pregnancy. So, it is
advisable to consider this point, while buying nursing bras.

5.
Nursing pillows: These pillows are specially designed to support your baby
while you’re nursing, these can help you avoid straining your shoulders or neck
during feeding sessions. As compared to regular pillows, these pillows are more
convenient and helps to keep the baby in correct position.

6. Breast
pads: It’s normal for your breasts to leak while you’re nursing, and another
baby’s cry or the sight of an infant can bring on a gush of milk when you least
expect it. One can also opt for disposable breast pads (or reusable, washable
ones), which will help in keeping the shirts, t-shirts dry and stain-free.

There are
chances of cracked nipples at some point in the first month of breastfeeding or
later, during the nursing experience. One can opt for breast care creams and
natural methods to relieve pain. A small amount of breast milk if rubbed gently
across the nipples, can also help to a great extent.

If the
breasts become overly full or engorged, gently press a warm wet washcloth
around the swollen or hardened milk ducts to soften them. One of the best ways
to get relief from engorged breasts is to feed the baby with breast milk.
Sometimes, It can be painful, as the baby first latches on to the engorged
breast, but as soon as the milk starts to flow, you’ll experience great relief.

To ensure
a smooth transition to motherhood, you should sleep while the baby is sleeping.
This is highly recommended and a necessity. It is advisable that one seeks help
from family and friends before their endorphins/adrenaline crashes and feels
low.

One
should also choose frequent nursing, as it encourages a good milk supply and
reduces breast engorgement. The baby should be nursed and fed atleast 10-12
times in a day. Also, it is advisable to allow the baby unlimited time at the
breast when sucking actively, then offer the second breast. For those newborns
who are sleepy, it is advised to wake them up to nurse if 2 hours (during the
day) or 4 hours (at night) have passed without nursing. All of this will help
you and your baby to get breastfeeding off to a great start.

Many
times, women wonder if there are exact timings for nursing. But, varying
nursing patterns from day to day are quite normal. Even cluster nursing (very
frequent to constant nursing) for several hours each day is quite common with
babies.