Breastfeeding – The Magical Bridge That Connects a Mother and a Baby

By ANJU AMALJITH - Updated: February 19, 2020

There is always something to learn about breastfeeding. Whether you’re breastfeeding for the first time or have been breastfeeding for long, you’ll always come across new information related to breastfeeding. Yes, its correctly said that breastfeeding is an art that is learned together day by day.

If you have been breastfeeding for a couple of months now, most of you will agree that breastfeeding hurts in the beginning. It is due to poor latch but it gets resolved once you figure it out together how to get the perfect latch. This will obviously take time and may extend up to a few weeks. But you don’t need to worry as you are not alone. All moms go through a similar phase. So keep trying; with time and patience, you will know how to develop a perfect latch.

Breastfeeding is the best gift you can give to your child as nothing can substitute breast milk. It provides natural immunity to a baby, protects against SIDS, gets digested easily, strengthens muscles, etc. It is also beneficial for a mother as it lowers the risk of diabetes, breast cancer, heart diseases, etc.
Another aspect to which we need to give importance is regarding the feeding position. Both the mother and baby should be comfortable while breastfeeding. Some positions to try are cross-cradle hold, cradle hold, football hold, side-lying position and reclining hold. You must check for the following signs to ensure that your baby has a good latch.

Your baby’s tongue can be seen when his bottom lip is pulled down.
Your baby’s ears will wiggle.
There is a circular movement of the jaw rather than rapid chin movements.
Your baby’s cheeks will appear round.
You won’t hear clicking or smacking noise.
You can hear your baby swallowing.
When your baby comes off the breast, the nipple is not flattened or misshaped.
Baby seems satisfied after being fed.

If you want to increase your breast milk, following are the foods you should include in your diet.

Oatmilk
Salmon
Spinach and beet leaves
Fenugreek seeds
Fennel seeds
Carrots
Garlic
Basil leaves
Barley
Unripe papaya
Chickpeas
Asparagus
Cumin seeds
Sesame seed
Water and juice
Bottle gourd
Nuts
Ginger
Cow milk
Lactation cookies

_Apart from eating these foods, you should also nurse regularly. Breastfeeding your baby regularly will also increase your breast milk supply. Happy breastfeeding, mommies!

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