Breastfeeding is natural, so it comes as a surprise to many women when it isn't a completely instinctive process. Initially it can be frustrating and painful for new nursing moms, so they should take advantage of all the sources of breastfeeding support that is available.
Breastfeeding Help in the Hospital
As far as nursing goes, the first few days postpartum are the hardest. Both mom and baby are trying to get the hang of proper latch-on and nursing techniques, and the nipples are at their most tender. Luckily, most hospitals offer free, round-the-clock support and help for nursing moms. Most hospitals have an on-duty lactation consultant who will come directly to a mom's recovery room to help and advise.
Nursing Support at Home
Even though there are many benefits to breastfeeding, most moms and babies still need help with nursing after coming home. Moms should seek advice and get moral support from friends or family members who have breastfed their own children before, or they can easily find a breastfeeding support network in a free online message board. La Leche League has local chapters all over the world, and for a membership fee of $25 for a year, moms can attend monthly meetings and get phone support from a trained consultant.
Treating Sore Nipples While Breastfeeding
Of the products created to soothe sore, cracked nipples, Lansinoh lanolin cream is consideredby many to be one of the best. Most maternity wards will give samples of Lansinoh to new moms if they ask. Lansinoh provides relief, prevents nipples from sticking to bras or nursing pads, and is safe for baby to ingest. Other natural cures for painful nipples include applying breastmilk to them after each feeding and exposing them to air whenever possible.
Teaching Nursing Infants Proper Latch-on
Though there are many possible ways to hold baby while nursing, the easiest starter position is the cross cradle hold. Baby's head can rest in the crook of the elbow; it may help to prop a pillow or Boppy under the arm. Babies should be snuggled in close to mom, with full belly-to-belly contact the entire length of baby's body. (For this reason, women who delivered by C-section may need to choose another beginning breastfeeding position.)
To begin with, grab the breast with the free hand. Tickle baby's lip with the nipple to encourage him to open his mouth, but wait until he opens extremely wide. Be patient; this often takes time. When baby opens wide, quickly guide him or her to the nipple. Babes should latch on immediately; both sets of lips will be flanged outward if they are doing it right. If it still hurts, pull down on baby's chin with a finger to get him to open wider.
Things to Avoid When Having Breastfeeding Difficulties
A nipple shield is a thin plastic shield that may (or may not) provide temporary relief for sore nipples. Downsides include decreasing milk supply and encouraging babies to become dependent on the shields. Also avoid washing the nipples more than once a day, and when in the shower don't allow water to directly hit the nipples.
Talk to a Doctor if Pain Persists Beyond a Few Weeks
Some pain in the early weeks of breastfeeding is inevitable, but it should subside over the first month as baby learns to latch on correctly and the nipples become calloused in response to repeated nursing. If pain persists beyond that point, it's possible that eczema, a breast infection, or some other problem that requires medical treatment has developed.
Breastfeeding isn't easy, and new moms owe it to themselves to get all the support and pain relief that they can during the adjustment period.
Sources:
La Leche League International website
AskDrSears website
Jenny Evans - Jenny Evans is a freelance writer and editor specializing in parenting and the family. She is also the Mormonism Topic Editor for ...
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