Mamas have options to choose from when it comes to feeding their little beans. One of these would be breastfeeding or nursing. Aside from this, some can use formulas and even the option to mix both is available. However, at the end of the day, it would definitely vary according to the preferences of Mamas.
The most recommended, though, of the American Medical Association (AMA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) would be breastfeeding. There are identified advantages when mamas choose to breastfeed their little ones. For instance, breast milk is usually seen to be the “perfect food” for infants because of the nutrients or its composition. Another benefit of breastfeeding is the convenience it brings to mamas. Given that it is readily available, mamas do not need to spend time to prepare the milk and do quick runs to the mall in case they run out of supply. Breastfeeding can also reduce costs since it is free from mamas themselves.
Although there are these benefits brought by breastfeeding, it is still a given fact that this is a challenging thing to do. A lot of commitment and determination is needed to continuously perform this. It will not always be a smooth process, mostly in the beginning or if new mamas try this method. For this article, we will provide first time mamas some breastfeeding tips!
Breastfeeding Tips for New Mamas
Breastfeeding, or nursing, as most people say, does not usually go on as smoothly as possible in the beginning. But there are ways on how to make the challenge more bearable! There are various breastfeeding tips that mamas can do once they begin nursing their newborns.
1. Look after your nutrition
One of the most important aspects to check on when you decide to do breastfeeding is your own health. Having a healthy diet will lead to a successful breastfeeding journey. This will reflect success too for your little bean since the breast milk that comes out from you, mama!
For new mamas out there, make sure to keep in mind the following: stay hydrated, have a balanced diet, and don’t skip your prenatal vitamins. To start with, your body needs enough energy to produce breast milk. You can start by drinking at least eight (8) glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. When it comes to eating, you can bulk up on protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Make sure that these are part of your daily meals to get the right amount of nutrients. Lastly, prenatal vitamins are recommended to be taken until you have finished your breastfeeding journey (Novak, 2022).
2. Know more about your breast milk
Knowledge about your breast milk can help you understand the entire process! You may be surprised to see changes with your produced milk, but there is a meaning behind each transformation that may happen. This can be a really helpful tip for first time breastfeeding mamas. To have a brief overview, there are three (3) stages of breast milk that should be anticipated.
The first stage is the production of a yellow substance called “colostrum.” This milk contributes nutrients and antibodies for your newborn in the early days. Just a little amount of this is enough, allowing you to give your little one few teaspoons at a time. This will then be followed by “transitional milk” which will be available in about three to five days after birth. This will now look like a mixture of orange juice and milk. From the name itself, transitional milk is the bridgeway to reaching the last stage of breast milk production which is the “mature milk.” This happens usually between the tenth day or in the early second week after giving birth. The mature milk is color white, yet could possibly appear bluish at the beginning (Novak, 2022).
3. Discover the best breastfeeding position for you
Finding the perfect position will come your way, just give yourself some time to discover what is best for you. But don’t worry, Mamas would eventually get the hang of it! You will have to learn it together with your little bean.
There are things to consider in order to arrive at the best breastfeeding position out there. An aspect to check on as you adjust to your preferences is comfort. You may need to check on getting pillows or cushions if that could help you relax and have a better posture. New breastfeeding mamas should also check the head and body of their newborn if it is in a straight line. This is important to check on because it is necessary to have them aligned to swallow easier.
In the beginning, you can try experimenting first. Below are a few of the different breastfeeding positions that new mamas can try:
a. Cradle Hold
Position your little bean like you are cradling them in your lap, having his/her head resting in your elbow bend. You can use pillows to elevate your bean’s head to be able to reach your nipple.
b. Crossover Hold
To perform the crossover hold, you must hold your little one’s head with the opposite hand from the breast that helps in breastfeeding. The wrist will be helpful when placed behind his shoulder blades, and having your thumb behind one ear, and your other fingers at the other ear.
c. Laid-back Position
This position can be very convenient for mamas who have smaller breasts. This position can be done when mamas are laid-back on a bed or couch, while being supported with pillows. You can let your bean rest on you in various directions, as long as he/she is resting in your body and can reach your breast.
4. Use breastfeeding items
Another breastfeeding tip for new mamas is to use breastfeeding items. Given that breastfeeding has its challenges, you can use products to make nursing easier. An example of this is the usage of breastfeeding clothes. For mamas, nursing bras and ponchos are available to allow themselves to have a more comfortable breastfeeding time.
Mamas can check out breastfeeding items to help them in their breastfeeding journey. They may maximize the use of breast pumps, breastmilk bags, breast pads, and more other products. Before purchasing some of the items, it is advised to seek help as well from your doctors or a professional to ensure the safety of using such items while breastfeeding.
You can check out different breastfeeding clothes and items at our edamama website at https://www.edamama.ph/shop/listing/mama/breastfeeding!
Better Outlook in Breastfeeding
Although it may be challenging, these breastfeeding tips can be tried by new mamas in their post-pregnancy journey. A lot tend to search for tips that may ease their lives as first time moms, and breastfeeding is one of the first steps when it comes to nurturing their little ones.
Other than the tips aforementioned above, it should not be ignored that mamas can always ask for support from the people around them like their friends or family that are mamas already. Also, professional help is also available.
Overall, mamas should give value to all of the tips and enjoy the process while nursing their little one. It will be a tough journey, but of course, mamas will do anything or everything for their beans!
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References:
Breastfeeding: Positioning and attachment. (2022). NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/positioning-and-attachment/
Crouch, M. (2022). 37 Breastfeeding tips every new parent should know. Parents. https://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/tips/31-breastfeeding-secrets/
Novak, S. (2022). Tips for breastfeeding a newborn. What to expect. https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/breastfeeding/things-to-know-about-breastfeeding-newborn/
