Pregnancy Info

Breastfeeding your baby is a loving, nurturing experience that strengthens the bond between you. It carries on the physiological relationship that began when your baby was developing in your womb. Your baby knows your milk will be there when he needs it and trusts it to be pure and good. Because of this, some people say that breastfeeding is the first way to tell the truth to a baby and to keep a promise.

Latching On

The key to happy, trouble-free breastfeeding is knowing how to get your baby’s mouth correctly fixed or latched on to your breast. If your baby’s latched on properly, he’ll get enough milk and you’ll avoid breast and lactation problems. When your baby is nursing correctly, his jaws will be clamped on your breast tissue rather than just onto your nipple, which will be completely inside his mouth.

To encourage your baby to latch on as easily as possible, give yourself plenty of time to nurse and make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed. Hold your baby high enough so he can reach your nipple without effort. Cradle his head in the crook of your arm, and support his back and bottom with your lower arm and hand. Express a little milk to soften the areola, and make sure that his mouth contains the entire nipple.

Correct latching on is important to both you and your baby for two reasons. First, it prevents your baby from sucking on the nipple itself, which can cause soreness and cracking. Second, it allows him to stimulate a good flow of milk and makes sure that he gets the rich hand milk as well as the less nourishing but thirst ­quenching fore-milk. A good flow of milk also prevents your breast from becoming engorged because it hasn’t been emptied.

Preparing Your Nipples For Breastfeeding

When you first start breastfeeding, your nipples will feel delicate. They need time to toughen up, so increase the length of time on each breast gradually. Two minutes on each breast will give your baby sufficient colostrum at first. Build up the time on each breast to ten minutes on each side by the time the milk has come in on about the third or fourth day.

All babies suck most strongly in the first five minutes, and during this time they take about 80 percent of the feeding. When she’s had enough, she’ll lose interest and play with your breast or fall asleep. Alternate the breast you begin nursing with each time.

Taking Care Of Your Breasts

Your breasts need special care when you start breastfeeding. Buy at least two maternity bras-the best you can afford­ and be very careful about the daily hygiene of your breasts and nipples. Bathe them every day with water; don’t use soap because it defats the skin and can encourage a sore or cracked nipple to develop. Always handle your breasts with care. Never rub them dry-always pat them.

If you can, leave your nipples open to the air for a short time when you’ve finished nursing. Wear pads inside your bra to soak up any milk that may leak, and change these pads often. Don’t leave a wet pad in contact with your breast for any length of time. To avoid cracked nipples, apply a drop of olive oil or hypericum and calendula cream to the pad.