Breastfeeding Do’s and Don’ts You Need to Know

The Importance of Breastfeeding for Mother and Baby

The practice of breastfeeding is important, providing a number of advantages to both mothers and babies. Apart from nutritional benefits that can guarantee the best growth and development, this act also brings the mother closer to her child emotionally. That special feeling it creates is about the newborn's sense of security and warmth while helping their mothers regain their physical and emotional footing after birth. In this blog, we are going to give you the essential do's and don'ts for breastfeeding so new mothers are adequately equipped with information for navigating the most rewarding experience in this world. Effective techniques to common challenges- all our insights are sure to get you ready to become the best mom for both of you.

The Do’s of Breastfeeding

1. Routine Feeding

Having a feeding routine can establish a regulative hunger pattern in your baby and even promote healthy weight gain. This has the added effect of making the baby feel secure, thereby allowing mothers to make an educated estimate of feeding times so as to plan for the rest of their daily routine.

2. Hydrate and Nourish

Breastfeeding mothers need extra nutrition to support milk production. Hydration also directly affects the milk supply. A nutrition-rich diet balanced with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein allows you and your baby to be best nourished for overall health.

3. Seek Support

Do not be afraid to seek the advice of lactation consultants and healthcare professionals. They can assist with breastfeeding techniques, have answers to some concerns, and provide much-needed emotional support. Local breastfeeding support groups help weave a network of encouragement and shared experiences.

4. Monitoring Baby Feeding Cues

The baby does exhibit feeding cues, for example, rooting, smacking her lips, sucking her hands, and even finger sucking. Knowing these cues, you are able to feed your baby in time so that it gets enough food. Take note of signs that the baby is getting full: turning away from the breast.

5. Learn to latch well.

A good latch will determine whether breastfeeding will be effective or not. Position the baby so that the baby lies across you, with support to their head and neck. They must take a good portion of the areola into the mouth, not just the nipple. In that way, there is less pain and more milk will be transferred.

The Don’ts of Breastfeeding

1. Don't Miss Feedings

Avoid infrequent feeds as they may cause a decline in milk production, thereby creating tension for the mother and child alike. The baby will not gain adequate weight and the mother will be miserable too with repletion. Consistency is vital in breastfeeding journey.

2. Avoid drug intakes

Some drugs caffeine and alcohol interfere with milk flow and quality. Caffeine can cause irritation in a child, while alcohol can affect child development as well. Seek your healthcare provider's advice before you take any drug, take anything with the aim of ensuring it is safe for use while nursing.

3. Do Not Hesitate to Seek Assistance

It can be tough to breastfeed, and seeking help is essential. With a lactation consultant, providers in your medical home, and a peer support program if needed, they have that advice to overcome obstacles specifically but also to be confident as a breastfeeding mother.

4. Reduce Stress and Fatigue

Management of stress and postpartum exhaustion makes a difference in effective breastfeeding. Engage yourself in self-care techniques like taking an occasional nap when your baby is resting, exercising lightly, and bonding with loved ones. It can help you reduce stress, thus aiding in better milk supply and overall well-being.

5. Don't rush the process.

Both mother and baby have to learn together in breastfeeding, which usually is a time-consuming process and a learning curve of patience. Don't freak out if changes take some time and bonding happens simultaneously with adjustment. Each feeding session is the opportunity to strengthen your bond, so be part of the journey and trust that you two will adapt.

Key insights for new mothers

Basically, knowledge of breastfeeding dos and don'ts is quite important for a seamless experience. Maintaining routines, staying hydrated, and seeking support are all dos; however, omitting feeds and rushing the feeding process often causes problems. Basically, keep in mind that breastfeeding is a learning curve, and you are going to face many challenges, but don't feel ashamed to seek their help; you're not alone on this journey. While at Millennium Medical Centre (MMCIVF), we help you find the right kind of personalised guidance and support so you can move forward with confidence during challenging times in breastfeeding. Consult with our team to empower your breastfeeding journey and ensure the best for you and your baby!

FAQs

Q: What if breastfeeding doesn't work for me?

A: If you have a hard time breastfeeding, try visiting a lactation consultant so that you can be helped walk through your personalised guidance and techniques to make you better at this experience and increase your confidence in doing so.

Q: How often do I feed my baby?

A: Feed the newborn every 2 to 3 hours or as needed, when hungry. Frequent feeding supports growth and increases the milk supply and the healthy development of a baby.

Q: Is it safe to breastfeed with medication?

A: Be sure to speak with your doctor before giving any medication. Most drugs are compatible, but you should be aware that none will harm your baby.

Q: What are some positive signs of latching?

A: You can consider signs of successful latching as an open mouth and flared-out lips, pain-free feeding, and the baby sucks effectively in audible swallowing.