4 Tips for Mothers When You’re Lactating

One of the aspects of motherhood you may be looking forward to is breastfeeding. After all, it’s the best source of nutrients for your little one, and it’s a natural way to feed him. You may be eager to start this process right away; according to pictures on the internet, it’s as simple as raising your child to your breast. However, sometimes, you may find breastfeeding to be a challenge. Here are some breastfeeding tips to help you out.

1. Prepare your breasts

If you think that roughing up your nipples will help avoid soreness later on, you’re wrong. Well, you can still do it, but don’t blame anyone if you feel sore. To avoid soreness, it’s better to have your little one latch on properly, which we’ll cover next. What you can do to relax and prepare your breasts is to massage them. Stroke your breasts in a circular motion, from outside the breast and move inwards. Repeat from another angle, and continue the process until you’ve covered the entire breast.

2. Ensure your little one latches on properly

If your child is latching well, you should feel a pulling or tugging sensation on your breast while he is getting milk. Your child’s lower jaw should be moving rhythmically, with an occasional stop for breath. Like how you would drink water.

You can encourage latching by expressing a little colostrum, or the first milk. Rub your nipple gently with your finger and your thumb. As your child smells the colostrum, he should try to latch on to your breast.

Pinching or biting shouldn’t happen. If your nipple is cracked, compressed or bleeding, you should contact your healthcare professional.

3. Understand the nipple

Not all nipples are the same; you may have flat or inverted nipples. In most cases, they aren’t an issue. After all, it’s breastfeeding you’re trying to do, not nipple feeding. However, if your child can’t seem to latch on, there are a few things you can try. First, you can try using a breast pump to pull your nipple out. You can also wear breast shells, which press on your breast to push the nipple out. If you still can’t seem to get the hang of it, speak to a lactation specialist or your healthcare professional.

4. Avoid bad food

Your breastfeeding diet should be balanced and include lots of calcium. Take dairy products like milk or yogurt. Obviously, you need to avoid caffeine and alcohol, as it can get into your milk. Drunk little children are not very healthy. If you need any medication, speak to your healthcare professional about it.

Breastmilk is one of the best natural source of nutrients for your child. Children who are breastfed are less likely to develop certain conditions such as obesity or diabetes. However, if you are having problems producing milk, it is not your fault. Speak to a healthcare professional about alternatives for your little one.