How Do I Start Breastfeeding My Newborn

Congratulations on the birth of your child! Having a new baby is difficult enough, but when you choose to breastfeed, you may feel that you have made the process much more difficult. Breastfeeding is not as tough as it appears or as you may have heard from others. Once you get the hang of it, it is actually a very simple and satisfying method to nurse your child. Remember, like with most things, practice makes perfect! Breastfeeding is new to you and your child, but with a little practice, you'll be professionals in no time!

Read more: Benefits Of Breastfeeding

During the first week of your baby's life, your breasts will produce colostrum for your infant to consume. Colostrum is high in antibodies and helps the baby's immune system. It also helps him pass his first bowel movement, known as meconium. Meconium is a dark, tarry substance found in the first few diapers after delivery. Then he begins to transition to brown stuff, and once your milk arrives, it turns a yellow, mustardy stool that is loose and watery. Bottle-fed babies had harder, tanner stools than breastfed newborns.

After 24-48 hours, your baby will begin to have wet diapers, which will eventually escalate to two or three per day.

Your technique and placement are critical in achieving a positive breastfeeding experience. There are a few different positions that may be employed to make the experience more comfortable for both you and your kid. Among these jobs are:

• Laying down - Lay on your side with cushions behind you to support your back. Lay the baby facing you with her head on a cushion, and your breast should be level with her mouth. Bend your legs with a cushion between your knees and let the baby latch on.

• Sitting Up - Sit up in bed or on a comfortable chair or couch, with cushions supporting your back and head. Place a pillow on your lap and place the baby in your arms on top of the pillow; you may rest your arms on the pillow to make it easier to raise the baby up to your breast. Bend your knees to help the infant latch on.

• The Clutch Hold - This is also known as the football grip. This posture is especially beneficial for feeding twins since it allows women to have a baby on each side. Sit down and put your infant under your arm, almost like a purse. Place the baby's head on a firm cushion in your lap. Make sure the baby's feet are behind your back. Your hand is at the back of the baby's neck, not on the baby's head. Your arm will stretch down the baby's back, guiding the baby to latch on.

These are only a handful of the positions available; there is also the cradle hold, clutch hold, and transition position. If you find the previous positions unpleasant, do some study to learn about these different positions for nursing your baby.

While your baby is drinking colostrum and later milk, look for a rhythmic pattern of "suck, suck, suck, swallow." There should be no "clicking" noises. The "clicking" sound may signal that your baby is not securely latched on and is not receiving enough milk from you. If you start hearing this, you should unlatch him and then reconnect him. If you continue to hear this sound after reattaching him multiple times, you should visit a lactation counselor or your physician.

After the first week, you should notice 6-8 wet diapers per day and at least 3 bowel movements each day. His urine should be clean, and he should become more attentive with each passing day. Your kid should also be gaining weight and growing since this is the most reliable indicator that they are getting adequate nutrients. If you experience two days in a row that depart from the aforementioned symptoms, you should contact your physician right away.

Breastfeeding issues, like milk supply issues, are less prevalent while employing the PDF feeding technique, although they still occur. Even if you are well rested, eating well, and living a fairly normal life, and your baby is developing and getting adequate nourishment, you may still encounter a milk production problem. A variety of factors might contribute to manufacturing issues. Here are only a few examples.

The following factors can have an impact on your milk supply:

• Mom's eating habits
• How much rest and sleep does a mom get
• Her mental state
• The mother's age
• How many kids do you have?
• Your want to breastfeed
• Your nursing expertise
• Your nursing methods
• The baby's latching ability

If you choose to breastfeed, it is critical that you take your child for regular check-ups. Whether you don't, how will you know if he's getting enough milk and developing at the proper rate? You can't know if your child is receiving adequate nourishment unless he or she is weighed.