As a new mom it is natural to feel overwhelmed about things. Learning how to breastfeed and finding the rhythm with your newborn is the important. When you’re a first-time mom, the first four to six weeks of breastfeeding are crucial for success.
Many new moms worry whether they are making enough milk. Truth is most new mothers make as sufficient breast milk, but these few techniques can help a new mom maintain a healthy breast milk supply.
And try these simple steps before going for supplements or medication.
1. Ensure correct latch
A proper latch is the mandatory. It is often due to an unsatisfactory latch that breastfeeding mothers don’t produce as much breast milk as they should.
In case you are not sure if the latch is proper talk to a lactation consultant.
2. Breastfeed more
A new mother’s body produces milk based on the laws of supply and demand. By feeding your baby at regular intervals you are telling your body to keep up the supply. Try feeding the baby every two to three hours. If baby is sleeping for more than 3 hours, then try waking and nursing.
3. Breast compression
Breast compression helps remove more breast milk when you are using a breast pump. If your baby tends to fall asleep really soon while nursing, breast compression may help.
4. Establish a supplemental nursing system
If your baby gets frustrated while sucking because the flow is less, then feeding them previously expressed milk may help them learn to suck for longer. I used the Philips Avent Electric Breast Pump to express breast milk in between direct nursing sessions.
When you simulate your breasts in between feeding sessions by pumping milk using a breast pump, it helps increase the supply.
Using the Philips Avent Electric Breast Pump also helped me establish a supplemental nursing system. My family members could feed my son the expressed milk pumped using my Philips Avent Electric Breast Pump.
You can use either an Electric breast pump or a Manual Breast Pump to express. It is also helps working moms continue their breast feeding journey.
As a working mother, I joined back work after 3 months of Maternity leave. By establishing a pumping and expressed milk feeding routine. I was able to continue my breast feeding journey even while working full time.
Simulating and warming your breasts before pumping can help you feel more comfortable. Use either an Electric or a Manual breast pump, like the Philips Avent Electric Breast Pump or the Philips Avent Manual Breast Pump to express milk.
5. Lifestyle changes
Stress, fatigue or consumption of too much caffeine can hinder supply. Make simple lifestyle changes.
6. Feed from both sides
Remember to try and alternate the breast you start breastfeeding with at each session.
7. Skin to skin
Skin to skin contact helps the new born and the mother form a special warm bond. Put your baby on your chest and cover with a blanket. This is called Kangaroo care.
8. Eat a well-balanced meal & drink enough fluids
Fuel your body with healthy meals and avoid processed foods like oatmeal, green leafy, vegetables, almonds, etc. There are few foods & supplements which may help. Always consult your doctor before trying any of these.
9. Believe in yourself & your baby
Most new moms make more than enough breast milk. If you are breastfeeding regularly
and your baby is showing signs of being well-fedm, you are doing just fine.
Try not be overwhelmed though that is a natural sentiment for a new mom. If you have doubts talk to a doctor, lactation consultant or a breast feeding support group.
Lastly remember that “Fed is best” as long as your baby is well fed and getting required nourishment, it’s all fine.
About the author-
A full-time working mom, an Author and content creator, Smita loves to write about social issues and champions the cause of equal rights and opportunities for women. A feminist who deeply cares about equality for all, she writes on topics of relevant causes. Her book of short stories called ‘26 Words’ is a collection of fictional stories about social issues. Smita shares career-related tips for working women and her honest experiences of balancing work life, motherhood & equal parenting on her Instagram page, ‘theavgmom’. Smita has a passion for arts and home decor too and shares her DIY and decor ideas on her Instagram page, ‘TheAverageMom’
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This post was last modified on July 5, 2022 2:30 pm
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