Since this site is urging women to breastfeed I wanted to share thoughts, tips, and information about breastfeeding. nice So here are some helpful tips for you nursing mothers that I have found to be so true! These tips found at http://www.nursingmothers.org/tips.htm. If you have any questions unanswered post a comment! go ahead
Establishing a good milk supply:
Establishing a good milk supply. Frequent feedingsYour baby should nurse 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. The amount of milk you produce is directly related to the amount of stimulation your breasts receive. Breastfeeding time should not be limited, and both breasts should be used at each feeding, alternating starting sides.
Drink plenty of fluids:
Nursing mothers need plenty of fluids. If you remember to drink something every time you nurse your baby, you will stay hydrated. I heart water Your urine should be pale in color. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, because these substances encourage fluid loss.
Eat a balanced diet:
You need to eat a nutritious diet while breastfeeding, just as you did while pregnant. Take care not to miss meals.
Positioning:
Having the baby positioned properly at the breast is important in avoiding sore nipples and ensuring that baby is receiving adequate nutrition. Be sure to: Find a comfortable position, sitting up or lying down. Baby's tummy should be facing your tummy. Support your breast with your hand, thumb on top and fingers underneath. Stimulate baby to arouse interest, tickling baby's lips with your finger or nipple. With baby's mouth wide open, quickly bring baby to your breast. Be patient and keep trying--this is a learned skill for both of you. you can do it At every feeding, be sure to get the nipple and a good portion of the areola well back into the baby's mouth.
Engorgement:
Engorgement is defined as swollen, hard breasts. If baby feeds frequently, engorgement will probably be relieved within 48 hours. To keep the areola soft so the baby can latch on to feed, try the following: Apply moist heat to the breast before feeding, expressing enough colostrum or milk to soften the areola. Stand in a hot shower with the water at your back, allowing the water to run over your shoulders and breasts. Express or pump milk while in the shower to soften the areola. You might need to limit the time the baby feeds on the first breast to make sure the baby will take the second breast during the feeding. Cold packs might relieve pain and swelling if used after feeding.
Sore Nipples:
Sore nipples usually result from improper positioning. ouch If sore, review positioning and also follow these steps: Baby should feed first on the less sore side. Short, frequent feedings are better than long, infrequent feedings. Change feeding position to allow baby's jaws to exert pressure on less sore areas. Remember to remove baby from the breast by breaking the suction with your finger. After each feeding, wipe baby's saliva from the nipple, express a few drops of breast milk on the nipple area to promote healing, and air dry breasts for 15 to 20 minutes.
