Groups such as the La Leche League offer in-person meetings across the globe as well as social media groups to connect new and expectant mothers: https://www. llli. org Seek out a breastfeeding class either before or after your baby is born. You can find classes online or ask your medical provider or hospital for more information. Talk to the men in your life about breastfeeding, so they understand the health benefits, know what to expect, and can learn how to support you.
Breast pads and lanolin-based nipple cream Changes of clothes for the baby and a clean shirt for you Blankets and pillows Burp cloths Unscented baby wipes Healthy drinks such as water and unsweetened fruit juice. Nutritious snacks that can be held with one hand like a protein bar or fruit.
Many other countries have similar laws. Research your rights before approaching your employer. Try to discuss the issue as far in advance as possible, so your employer will have time to make the necessary accommodations.
You can also look for wrap-around dresses or cross-over tops. It’s also possible to tailor regular bras to create nursing bras. The retailer, Nordstrom, offers this service for a small fee to mothers who buy a bra at their location.
Mom’s Rising has multiple resources that can you help advocate for your right to breastfeed: https://www. momsrising. org
Remember to keep taking your prenatal vitamins as long as you’re breastfeeding. Since breastfeeding will actually burn a lot of calories, avoid cutting calories or dieting to lose weight.
Most vitamin D supplements can be purchased over the counter at grocery stores. Make sure you are selecting the appropriate dose and only give infants the liquid-based form. [8] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Drink primarily water, milk, decaffeinated teas, or juices-preferably juices with no added sugar. While you can have a little caffeine every day (about 300 mg or 1 to 2 cups of coffee, or 2 to 4 ounces of espresso), you should limit your intake while breastfeeding because caffeine can be passed to your baby through your breast milk. [10] X Research source If you notice that your baby is irritated after you drink caffeine and breastfeed, try having your coffee after breastfeeding and then waiting 4 hours to breastfeed again. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
A single (25 mL) shot of spirits (25 mL), an 8-ounce glass of beer, or a small (125 mL) glass of wine each count as one drink. [12] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source If you know you’ll be drinking and your baby will need to breastfeed, consider pumping in advance. You should also avoid smoking for your and your baby’s health. Smoking can lower nutrients in breastmilk, and it can change the way your breast milk tastes, causing your baby to refuse it. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Remember to ask your doctor about herbal supplements too. Many of these aren’t regulated or tested, and some can actually reduce milk supply.
The baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip should form a straight line if you’re in the correct cradle position.
Consider placing a pillow underneath your arms or behind your back to provide extra support to you. Cradling your baby close to you should also prevent you from needing to hunch over towards the baby.
If the baby doesn’t have enough of the areola in their mouth, your nipples may feel sore or painful. Remove the baby from your breast by inserting a finger into their mouth. Latch the baby on again so they can take more of your breast in their mouth.
Try to alternate which breast you begin feeding from when you start a new breastfeeding session. This will establish a good milk supply and prevent engorgement in the early weeks of breastfeeding.
You should hear rhythmic, regular sucking if your baby is breastfeeding well.
Lift your baby toward your shoulder, with your hand on their head and neck for support. The baby should be facing the area behind you. Rub your baby’s back with a firm and open hand to release the trapped air. Sit your baby on your lap and lean it forward, supporting their chest with the base of your hand and their chin and neck with your fingers. Massage their stomach with your front hand and gently pat their back with your other hand. Lay your baby on your lap with their head raised higher than its stomach. Gently pat the baby’s back until they burp.
If you need to wake your baby to breastfeed, change their diaper first. This will wake the baby so they’re alert and ready to breastfeed.
You can also call the hospital or birth center where you delivered for help or lactation recommendations. For personal support, consider joining your local La Leche League chapter where you can meet and talk with other breastfeeding mothers.
Babies cut teeth at different ages, but generally you can expect your baby to begin teething around 6 months old.
If your baby continues to wiggle to the point that you can’t successfully breastfeed, stop the breastfeeding session. Try to breastfeed later once your baby is a little calmer.
For example, your baby might spend more time breastfeeding from the right breast than the left breast. This is fine as long as your baby is getting enough breast milk.
If your baby doesn’t breastfeed for more than 2 days, contact the baby’s doctor. The doctor can check for an underlying medical condition that might be making nursing uncomfortable.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth - and breastfeeding in combination with solid foods until at least age 1. [31] X Expert Source Lisa Grossman, RN, BSN, PHN, IBCLC, CLC, CLECInternational Board Certified Lactation Consultant Expert Interview. 13 May 2020. [32] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to six months as well as breastfeeding for a minimum of 2 years along with solids. [33] X Trustworthy Source World Health Organization Health information and news provided by the World Health Organization Go to source Don’t feel pressure to stop or start breastfeeding based on these guidelines. You and your baby-along with your healthcare provider-will decide how long to continue your breastfeeding relationship. Some babies prefer to keep breastfeeding, even just a little for several years. Others might prefer solids to breast milk and may only want to nurse for comfort.
