Helpful Do’s and Don’ts for Moms Looking to Breastfeed
Just because Breastfeeding Awareness Month is over doesn’t mean we need to stop championing our cause. To support breastfeeding, you don’t have to donate money or protest in your street, you just need to have a conversation with new moms about the benefits and misconceptions of nursing. Here are some do’s and don’ts you should pass along.
DO make sure that breastfeeding is well established before introducing the bottle nipple. Otherwise you can cause confusion. Wait about four to six weeks.
DON’T be the one to introduce the bottle first. Let someone else so baby only identifies you with breastfeeding
DO eat a well-balanced diet, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein. Whatever you eat, your baby eats too.
DON’T rush the introduction of solid foods. Breast milk-only diets are safe for the first six months. Introduce solid foods when baby is sitting up and interested in it. Every child is different, but this could be anywhere from four to six months of age. Breast milk changes as your child grows to keep up with nutritional needs. For more information on introducing solids check out this free webinar.
DON’T accept painful breastfeeding. There’s no award for toughing it out. When done properly, it shouldn’t hurt (aside from some mild soreness the first week).
DO breastfeed, not “nipple feed.” As you bring your baby to your breast, compress your breast in your hand into a pointy shape and sending it deep into your baby’s mouth. This will help him get a good latch. But don’t stuff it into his mouth; you want to get him used to the idea of coming to you.
DON’T get discouraged. If your baby’s latch is hurting you, allow him to try again. You want him to nurse deeply so it’s a pain-free experience for everyone.
DO swiftly bring your baby to your breast when you pick him up. This will help him latch deeply.
DON’T allow problems to go on unsolved. Trust your instinct. If you are in pain, you feel your baby isn’t soiling enough diapers, or you’re unsure for any reason, speak to a lactation consultant.
DO eat about 300-500 more calories than normal. Also, increase your fluid intake.
DON’T smoke, drink, take medications without consulting your doctor, or eat foods that seem to upset your baby.
DO start breastfeeding within an half an hour after delivering. This early contact is good for both mom and baby and you get a chance to practice under the watchful eye of a nurse or lactation specialist.
DON’T wait for baby to start crying before nursing. It’s very difficult to convince an upset baby to latch properly. If you think it’s time, offer your breast.
DO breastfeed whenever baby is hungry, regardless of time or place. Restricting baby’s eating schedule and affect development.
DON’T switch breasts too early. Let baby finish a breast before moving to the other (and starting on the fuller one next time). If you switch early, baby fills up on foremilk (the watery milk at the start of the feeding) rather than the nutrient-rich hindmilk.
DO be patient and confident. No one was an expert on their first day.
Guest Blog by Nicole Zoellner from NizoWear.com
Nizo Wear is the first nursing bra to have a unique, patented pocket in the pull-down flap that can hold a heating or cooling pack helping bring moms relief and healing faster while being extremely comfortable and super chic.
Nizo Wear nursing bras were inspired by the real-life experience of the company’s founder, Nicole Zoellner. When Nicole became pregnant with her son, she eagerly read all the materials her doctor had given her about the benefits of breastfeeding. She happily anticipated the feelings of serenity and bonding that nursing promises mother and infant.
So, Nicole set out to do for other nursing moms what no-one had been able to do for her: provide a practical, comfortable way to get relief from the soreness breastfeeding mothers often experience. Her design was patented, and Nizo Wear was born.
Visit www.nizowear.com for more information.
Interested in writing a guest blog for Wee Urban? Send your topic idea to tasha@socialmedia22.com
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