Breastfeeding Basics : What New Moms Need To Know
The Important Breast Care Routine You Must Follow During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is something that seems so natural and beautiful but it is one of the hardest things to decipher. There are different beliefs, methods and opinions on this topic and it’s a territory that one must tread carefully. As per studies, as many as 96% of mothers experience sore, painful nipples during breastfeeding and many of them have to stop nursing before they intended to.
Let me share the experience of Pragati (name changed). Pragati was going crazy adjusting her sleep schedules as per her new baby. Though not a first-time mom, there were new issues that were emerging this time. The gap between Ananya and Aradhya was a good ten years and she had almost forgotten how it was to raise a newborn. Her other big worry was her sore nipples. Aradhya was not able to latch properly and by the time she did, she got so hungry that she would try sucking very hard and all this was giving Pragati soreness. Her nipples were cracking and it was painful. But she had no choice as she knew that exclusively feeding her baby breast milk for the first six months was essential. So she struggled as all she wanted was the best for her baby like every other mom.
Let’s try and understand what causes sore nipples and other breast-skin problems during nursing. This will let us enjoy the experience of breastfeeding without any hassles!
Let the baby self-latch
Newborn babies are born with a natural instinct for finding the breast and latching on well. The baby may, however, need a little support from the mom to aid this. Lying down in a semi-reclining position with the baby lying down beside the mom is a comfortable position for the baby to latch on. It might take a few times for the baby and mom to get a hang of it but self-latching is definitely good for the baby.
Adjust without unlatching
Latching and unlatching can sometimes hurt, especially if the baby is hungry. He might get cranky if you try and unlatch him. What moms should try and do is to adjust and change positions by inserting a finger in the mouth of the baby without unlatching.
Don’t let the baby go hungry for long
It’s very important to note hunger signs from the baby like sucking thumbs and making a sucking sound. If the baby is kept hungry for long he will get impatient and will try and grab the nipple very hard thus causing nipple damage. So look out for those signs! (Read More)
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