Breastfeeding has many great health benefits but that doesn’t mean it is always easy!! Check out these tips to help you along your breastfeeding journey.
- Sleep Trumps All Make sleep a priority in the first few weeks, and try to accept help whenever offered. Feel free to keep using your pregnancy pillows. Taking care of your health will pay off in the long run.
- The Right Support Regardless of the position you choose to feed, proper arm support will help maintain a good latch. Any lactation consultant will tell you without a good latch, nipple pain could occur. Not good. Get a nursing pillow and make your lactation consultant your new BFF.
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What’s in it for me? Breastfeeding benefits baby, but here are some benefits just for you:
- Releases hormones in your body that promote mothering behavior.
- Returns your uterus to the size it was before pregnancy more quickly.
- Burns more calories, which may help you lose the weight you gained during pregnancy.
- Delays return of your menstrual period to help keep iron in your body.
- Reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer.
- Keeps bones strong, which helps protect against bone fractures in older age.
- Baby’s Tummy Size Knowing approximately how big baby’s stomach is the first few weeks can make you feel more at ease about the frequency of feeding required for newborns – typically every 2 hours for those first few days. Since food is always top of mind, here is an easy guideline to baby’s tummy size.
- Diaper Duty Changing diapers is obviously important for baby. But did you know it can help you too? Tracking wet diapers those first few days can assure you that baby is getting enough breast milk.
- Food, Glorious Food Keep the calories up after birth. Moms that breastfeed need about 500 more calories per day than moms who don’t. Bon Appetit!
- Partner Power Partners can help you stay hydrated, bring snacks and provide supplies while you are nursing. Get cared for by your partner, which in turn benefits your baby. Win win.
- Don’t be Bashful Feel good about breastfeeding, even in front of family and guest. But if you are shy, there are stylish nursing scarves and covers. Enjoy your company while nursing. Look at you, you are already multitasking.
- Stick With It Even though breastfeeding is natural, it takes practice and patience. Be consistent and gather resources that can help you, especially a supportive family member or friend.
- Getting Out of the House Whether it is your newborn’s first pediatrician appointment or just a visit with family or friends, getting out of your house is a major accomplishment. Plan ahead if you can and always allow yourself extra time.
- Every Baby is Unique Just like you. So don’t fall into the trap of comparing milestones or sleep patterns with other parents. Be proud, your baby is beautiful.
- Support for all Momkind® Be patient with yourself and your baby. Everything is a first for both of you, so take it all in stride. Your MOM degree is a lifetime of education, so embrace the journey.
- Last but certainly not least… Pillows, including nursing pillows, should never be used for infant sleeping. For more information and safe sleep tips, go to firstcandle.org.