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Breastfeeding advice for new moms

Breastfeeding is probably the most difficult and rewarding things you can do for your baby. It’s also a personal decision and no woman should feel like she is any less of a mom if this is something she can’t do or decides it’s something she doesn’t want to do. Breastfeeding is a huge commitment and for me it didn’t come naturally. I spent a lot of time crying because my nipples were blistered and bleeding and baby was hungry and wasn’t cooperating. I was the sole food source for this helpless mini-me and I had very few moments for myself, most of which was concentrating sleep.

• Ask to breastfeed your baby directly after you give birth. This is a good way to bond with your baby and to use your baby’s natural born instincts to suck. This is important because this will help your baby learn to breastfeed and it will help establish your milk.
• Use the lactation specialists provided by the hospital. They helped me and the baby latch correctly and answered any questions I had. I felt a little embarrassed at first to have another woman maneuvering my breast but it was all for the benefit of the baby. Take their names and numbers down and don’t be afraid to call.
• 20 minutes of nursing time is enough time to feed baby, any longer and you could increase the possibility of damaging your nipples.
• It is completely normal for it to take 2-5 days for your breast milk to come in.
• If needed you (or ask the nursing staff) can cup feed your baby formula to help keep the baby full until your breast milk comes in and you don’t have to worry about nipple confusion
• Nipple shield. These are great to help prevent nipple damage or even give you nipples time to heal. Also, some baby’s have a hard time latching on and the nipple shield helps the baby latch on correctly. You can buy these at the store or you can request one from the nursing staff.
• Buy several comfortable nursing bras, which I preferred something without under wires. I also highly recommend getting nursing tanks. http://glamourmom.com/ has a lot of nice options but they are pretty expensive. I went to Target and bought a couple for less than $20 a piece.
• Mastitis - Mastitis means that the breast is inflamed, and there is swelling, redness, tenderness and pain. There may be an infection, so it is wise to consult your doctor. I can speak from experience if you are experiencing pain don’t stop breastfeeding. In fact, try to have the baby feed first from the breast you are having pain with. Use cold compresses if need.
• Engorgement – Hot compresses, hot showers, hot baths will all help. Immediately after try to feed baby, hand express or use a pump to give your self some relief.
• Damaged nipples – first make sure baby is latching on correctly. Use a nipple shield to help nipples to heal; there are also breast pads with medicine that will help. ALSO, let your “girl’s” breath. I spent the first few weeks after my daughter was born completely topless. Other than creating puddles of milk in various places around the house it was very convenient.

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