Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience for new moms but it isn’t always easy. It’s natural to feel a range of feelings as you hold your infant for the first time after undergoing one of motherhood’s most physically and emotionally demanding feats from delight and elation to tension and anxiety. These sensations can be amplified during your baby’s first two weeks of life, which are the most difficult and crucial for establishing milk supply – especially for first-time mothers.
How Often Should You Breastfeed?
Feeding newborns when they’re hungry (on demand) rather than on a schedule is the greatest way to ensure breastfeeding success. However, because newborns aren’t usually born hungry their hunger usually develops during the third day. As a result, you may need to take the initiative even push at first.
For the first few weeks, a baby should have at least eight to twelve feedings per 24 hours, even if demand isn’t yet at that level. You’ll be breastfeeding every two to three hours, day and night, counting from the beginning of each nursing session.
However, because feeding patterns differ greatly from baby to baby, you may need to nurse a little more or less frequently. If you have a hungry or impatient baby, you might be able to go three and a half to four hours between feedings; if your baby is more readily satisfied, you could be able to go three and a half to four hours. Don’t worry if you feel like you’re nursing all the time; it’s only temporary. As your milk supply grows and your baby grows, the time between feedings will lengthen.
Signs That Your Baby Is Hungry
Nursing when your baby appears hungry is an excellent approach to master the proper breastfeeding balance. Don’t wait for tears; your child may be painfully hungry by then, especially if she screams for a long time. She may be small, but she’ll let you know what she wants by:
- Nuzzling up against your breasts
- Sucking hard on that baby hand or your shirt, or your arm
- Sucking on her lip or tongue, which can appear as though she’s thrusting her tongue out
- Making lip-smacking sounds
- If she does scream, it’ll be a short, low-pitched wail that rises and falls.
Breastfeeding Positions
The fundamental cradle hold will very certainly be taught to you in your hospital. However, with some trial and error, you may discover that another breastfeeding position is more comfortable for both you and your baby. Here’s a rundown of the most common breastfeeding positions:
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Cradle hold
Place your baby’s head in the bend of your elbow on the breastfeeding side of your arm, with the same hand supporting the remainder of the baby’s body. With your opposite hand, gently compress your breast so that the nipple points toward the baby’s nose.
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Crossover hold
With the hand opposite the breast, you’ll be nursing from, grasp your baby’s head. Hold the head with your left hand if you’re nursing from the right breast. Cup your breast with your free hand, as you would for the cradle hold.
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Football Grip
Your baby’s legs are tucked under your arm on the same side as the breast you’re nursing from in a football grip. To hoist your infant, place that arm on a pillow and cup your breast with your other hand.
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Side-lying position
If you’re nursing in the middle of the night, the side-lying posture is ideal. Place a pillow beneath your head and lie on your side. Baby should be facing you, with his or her head in line with your nipple. If you need to, cup your breast with your hand on the side you’re not lying on. To keep your baby close, you might wish to lay a little pillow behind her back.
There are also a variety of things available to make breastfeeding a little simpler. Breastfeeding essentials such as a Medela breast pump bra, nipple cream, breastfeeding pillow, and breast pads should be on your registry to help you get started.
To ensure that breastfeeding is done properly, Nappies Direct offering all types of branded breastfeeding essentials at affordable prices that can be used by all the mommies.
