Surviving the First Month of Breastfeeding: 8 Rules for Every New Mom
The first month of breastfeeding is a great time to learn how to breastfeed for both you and your baby but did you know, it is the same time when most of the women quit breastfeeding. Well, this must not discourage you from breastfeeding your little one. Follow these eight simple rules to survive that first critical month of breastfeeding (and beyond too)!
Educate Yourself in Advance:
This is the step you should take before your baby arrives to be able to conquer the first month of breastfeeding in an organized and efficient manner. Empower yourself with breastfeeding knowledge by reading breastfeeding books, talking to other nursing mothers, taking breastfeeding classes, joining a local breastfeeding support group or consulting a lactation expert, if possible.
Start Breastfeeding Right After Birth:
According to researchers, the first few hours after birth play a vital role in strengthening the breastfeeding relationship between a mother and her child. So try to breastfeed your newborn within an hour of birth as this is the time when the baby is eager, alert and ready to breastfeed the most.
Aim for a Good Latch:
As having a good, deep latch is the key to successful breastfeeding, take enough time to learn how to get your newborn properly latched on to your breast. Be willing to try different breastfeeding positions to make sure your little one will get enough milk. Also, consider using a nursing pillow to get a better, healthy latch during breastfeeding.
Avoid Pacifiers and Bottles:
Avoid supplements like artificial nipples, pacifiers, and bottles during the first month of breastfeeding. As a general rule, the more frequently your baby feeds, the more breast milk you produce. Giving a pacifier or nipple makes your baby refuse to nurse, which can decrease your overall milk supply. So better to avoid them!
Eat and Drink a Lot:
As a new breastfeeding mother, the most heartbreaking thing for you is to become sick. To avoid this, you should eat lots of healthy food and drink plenty of water during the entire lactation period. Make it a habit to drink a glass of water and eat some healthy snacks every time you sit down to breastfeed.
Avoid Caffeinated Food and Drinks:
While you’re breastfeeding, taking caffeinated food and drinks may decrease your milk supply and also can make your little one irritable, cranky and sleepless. Therefore, it’s better to stay away from coffee, tea, cola, and chocolates while nursing. Instead, you can try a nice cup of herbal tea!
Have Plenty of Comfy Nursing Covers:
Avoid wearing tight clothing during the first month of breastfeeding to allow those sore nipples to heal properly. Instead, invest in some good-quality, lightweight nursing covers which are much more comfortable than your regular clothing and prove extremely useful when you’re out and about.
Creating a Supportive Environment:
No matter how challenging and frustrating the first month of breastfeeding feels to you, don't quit breastfeeding at any cost. Since you've just started breastfeeding, you must stay away from negative people who often discourage you. Surround yourself rather with encouraging people who can encourage you to breastfeed your little one.