0-1 Yrs: How To Breast-Feed
Breast-feeding may be natural, but it doesn't come naturally to all
mothers. It's a skill. Like learning to ride a bicycle, it takes perseverance.
Once it's going well you'll wonder why it seemed so tricky at first.
Be
prepared! It's worth putting time into preparing yourself for breast-feeding.
Talk to friends who've breast-fed. While some may say it was easy, many
would agree that the early days are often difficult. But don't be put
off. You'll find it's worth the effort.
If
in doubt, detach the latch
The latch is the way your baby's mouth holds your breast. A good latch
means your baby will feed well without damaging your nipple. A bad latch
can result in cracked nipples and when a baby sucks a cracked nipple,
it hurts! So if in doubt, detach the latch and start again.
Tummy
to mummy
This is the key to a good latch. Hold your baby with its tummy facing
you. Line up your baby's nose with your nipple. When you brush your nipple
against his cheek, he'll turn towards you (the rooting reflex) and open
his mouth. When you put him on your breast he should get a mouthful of
areola (the dark area around your nipple) along with the nipple itself.
If it's a good latch, it shouldn't hurt after the first few sucks. If
he's sliding on your nipple or if he hasn't got a good big mouthful of
breast tissue, take him off and try again. Oh yes, and remember to relax!
Hit
the hind milk
Your baby's sucking stimulates the 'let down' reflex, which you may feel
as a tingling sensation in your nipples. The first milk is a thirst-quencher.
For your baby to reach the calorie-rich hind milk, you must let him completely
empty a breast. If your baby's still hungry, offer the second breast.
Start feeds with alternate breasts to be sure both are emptied well.
Supply
and demand
The more milk your baby demands, the more you supply. When your baby goes
through a growth-spurt, he'll feed more frequently for a day or so, to
increase the supply. But demand-feeding needn't mean you latch your baby
on every time he cries. He may be crying for other reasons.
Look
after yourself
If you want a good milk supply, look after yourself. Eat a healthy, balanced
diet. Remember you'll need up to 750 extra calories a day. And don't forget
to drink a lot. If you're feeling thirsty, you won't be making good milk.
Whenever you get the chance, rest.
It's
not rocket science
Follow the basic principles, talk to friends, consult your midwife and
health visitor but don't forget to use your common sense. While breast-feeding
is a skill, it's not rocket science.
|
