Breastfeeding Tips For New Mother

The new generation is much more exposed to breastfeeding as compared to the older one. The latter may believe that mothers are unable to produce enough milk for a new born. However, the trend has changed as the new generation is very enthusiastic and focused on giving the best for their new born.

I remember my first breastfeeding experience as quite challenging. The whole environment including support from the spouse, family and relative is important especially during the first week of breastfeeding. Most importantly, it comes down to managing your emotion and expectations.

I had breastfed my three sons, with my first baby Marcus being the most challenging. Being a new mummy, I was not familiar with many aspects of breastfeeding and matters relating to it. There were doubts about whether the baby had enough milk. New mothers need to prepare themselves before a baby is born.

Below are some tips on preparing for your baby’s arrival and breastfeeding.

#1 Get a good reference book

I found the ‘Secrets of the Baby Whisper’ by Tracy Hogg, a very useful and informative book to prepare me for my baby. It had given me lots of tips on how to calm, connect and communicate with my baby. It also gave some tips on breastfeeding. After reading the book, I was mentally prepared to receiving my new born and breastfeeding. It was so useful and I had enjoyed the process.

#2 Settle for a baby and breastfeeding friendly hospital

I had chosen a baby-friendly and breastfeeding hospital which allowed me to breastfeed my son from the moment he was delivered. Baby was put by my side during my stay in the hospital. In order to be recognized as breastfeeding hospital they need to meet the following requirement which was used in Washington to recognize as breastfeeding friendly hospital. Following the requirement to be a recognized breastfeeding friendly hospital.

1. Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all healthcare staff.

2. Train all healthcare staff in the skills necessary to implement this policy.

3. Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.

4. Place babies skin-to-skin with their mothers for 60 minutes immediately after birth and help mothers recognize and respond to feeding cues.

5. Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain lactation even if they are separated from their infants.

6. Give infants no food or drink other than breastmilk unless medically indicated.

7. Practice rooming-in to allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day.

8. Encourage breastfeeding on demand. Teach mothers cue-based feeding regardless of feeding method.

9. Give no artificial nipples or pacifiers to breastfeeding infants.

10. Establish a system for referring mothers to out-patient and community support.

#3 Consider a breastfeeding pillow

I had one that I would never leave home without. It gives a good head support for the baby and made feeding comfortable for both baby and I. You may purchase it at any convenient baby and mummy store, shopping mall and even online purchase it from many available portal such as 11 street, amazon and etc. I got mine from my sister as a gift. You may get some tips on how to choose a suitable pillow thru this website http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Breast-Feeding-Pillow.

#4 No formula milk and bottle at home

I did not prepare any formula milk and feeding bottle, so that I will not be thinking of feeding it to my baby. This encourages me to keep feeding my baby.

#5 Talk to experienced mothers

I was blessed because my sister had shared and encouraged me on breastfeeding as she had fully breastfed her three girls. To learn more, I had joined a breastfeeding forum where I had posted questions and shared my problems in handling my new born. I had a lot of encouragement from my family and forum friends.

Written By:

Rosy Cheeks