6 Best Breastfeeding Tips for Nursing Mothers
Breastfeeding is the natural way a mother feeds her infant. It’s also the best way to feed a baby as it comes with more benefits than other artificial ways of feeding a baby.
Although breastfeeding is a natural process, there are tips which can make the feeding process better for both mother and baby. As a mother to be, these tips can help get you prepared for nursing.
And if you are a nursing mother, the tips can answer some questions you might have. Breastfeeding tips for nursing mothers include:
Don’t scrub your nipples
There is a rumor or a belief that when a nursing mother scrubs her nipples, it makes them tougher.
This belief is absolutely wrong. Scrubbing of nipples is totally unnecessary and does not toughen up the nipples.
It only makes them sorer, making it more uncomfortable for you when your baby wants to feed.
When bathing, simply let the flowing water cleanse your nipples or wipe them with a light cotton cloth.
Be mentally prepared to nurse often
If you are yet to have your baby, it is best that you prepare yourself mentally for how much nursing you will have to do when your baby is born.
Also, as a nursing mother, the fact that your child eats often is no cause for concern. Feeding as often as baby wants helps your baby grow healthier and faster.
With very small stomachs and how quickly the breastmilk digests, it is normal that the baby gets hungry often, particularly in the newborn phase.
Drink enough water
Drinking too much water does not increase your milk supply but drinking enough water when you are thirsty is essential.
This is because a lot of fluid leaves your body during breastfeeding. Hence you need to keep yourself well hydrated. It is advisable that you have a water bottle which you can carry about within and outside your house.
Eat healthily
As a nursing mother, you are no longer eating for two as you did when you were pregnant with your baby but this does not mean you should neglect to eat healthily.
While constantly giving out milk, you also need to eat a balanced diet at least three times a day to remain strong.
There are also some foods which can help increase your supply of milk such as carrots, fennel seeds, garlic and so on.
Work inverted nipples
If you have flat or inverted nipples, breastfeeding might be difficult for you but this does not mean it is impossible for you to breastfeed your child.
With determination on your part, you can find a way to work it. You can make use of nipple shields when breastfeeding. In no time, your breast tissues will adjust and release the inverted nipple.
Tend to sore nipples
The nipple is already a sensitive part of a woman’s body, hence constant suckling on it by a baby will inevitably make it sore. It is important that you tend to the soreness.
You can apply purified lanolin on the nipples are breastfeeding to prevent dryness and chafing.
And that’s a wrap!
We hope you got a few practical tips to help you begin or continue your breastfeeding journey comfortably. Don’t forget to share this with other breastfeeding mamas or save it on Pinterest to refer back to when you need it.
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