Breastfeeding a newborn strengthens the bond between the mother and the newborn baby. If you are pregnant or have just delivered your baby, you will wonder whether you have enough milk to satisfy your baby’s needs. If you are all worked up to face the breastfeeding challenges, our suggestion is that you relax and calm down yourself. Though sometimes breastfeeding may not come naturally to you, and you and your baby will have to make a few adjustments, but that is what mother and baby bonding is all about. Breastfeeding is new for both you and your baby, and you’ll get the hang of it in a few days.
How to Breastfeed a Newborn Baby?
Here are some tips for the new mommies that shall make breastfeeding a comfortable and easy experience for them:
1. Be comfortable and relaxed
When breastfeeding your newborn on the very first day, you need to be comfortable and relaxed about it. Breastfeeding should not only be a comfortable experience for the mother, but it should also be soothing and comforting to the baby. Make sure you sit in a comfortable room and in a relaxing place for feeding your baby. Good music and lighting may help you feel relaxed, calm, and happy.
2. Breastfeed as often as possible
It is very important that you feed your baby often for the first few days after birth. This is because frequent feeding is going to get your milk supply in place and as per your baby’s requirements. If you are concerned about the baby breastfeeding time, talk to your doctor about it.
3. Refrain from swaddling
You may be tempted to keep swaddling your baby because he stays calm and sleeps for longer hours, and may not even get up for feeds also. This is not good for your milk production. In order to trigger your milk supply, your baby should be feeding more often.
4. Try different positions
If you are not comfortable in breastfeeding your baby in a particular position or as told you by your midwife, you may try feeding in any position which you may feel comfortable in. It is up to you and your baby to feel comfortable during the breastfeeding sessions, and nothing else should matter. You can make use of a few pillows to provide you with extra support. However, make sure that your baby latches properly.
5. Help your baby latch
One of the most common mistakes that most new mothers make is not paying heed to their baby’s latching position. Incorrect latching in not only bad for your nipples but it will also not provide enough milk to your baby. Try and help your baby to suckle on the areola or the black part around the nipple for a better latch.
6. Feed your baby whenever he wakes up
Newborn babies spend most of their time sleeping and only get up once they soil or feel hungry. As soon as your baby wakes up from his sleep, it will be a good idea to start feeding him. This will not only make your baby less cranky, but it will also get your milk supply in place.
7. Do not use a pacifier
Some new mommies may use a pacifier for their newborn babies. Refrain from using a pacifier for your baby as it involves sucking. Sucking is kind of an exercise for your baby, and it may tire him for the actual feeding session. He should only be sucking when he is breastfeeding. Make sure you wait for your newborn baby to gain some weight before you start giving him a pacifier.
8. Do not panic
You may be feeding your newborn baby for 8 to 12 times in 24 hours cycle, which can make you tired and exhausted. But there is no need to panic; newborns usually feed this much because they have small tummies and require frequent feedings.
9. Dress your baby in comfortable clothes
We tend to overdress our newborn babies thinking they need to stay warm. Babies need to be cosy and warm, but that does not mean that you keep them in many layers. This is a good motherly instinct, but it is recommended that you dress up your baby with the same amount of clothing as yourself. Uncomfortable and excessive clothing tend to make babies crankier, and they may not sleep and feed well too.
10. Ask for help
Breastfeeding may sometimes get difficult for the new mothers, and they may find it difficult to handle. In any such situation, you should not shy away from asking for help. Be it family, friends or even your doctor, reach out to people and ask for help and assistance.
The first few days or even a month after giving birth, breastfeeding can be a bit taxing for a new mommy. It is absolutely natural and you will get into a routine very soon. In case you have any concerns regarding breastfeeding a newborn baby, you may reach out to a paediatrician for the same.
