Megan Gilmore is a new mom, holistic health coach, and the creator behind Detoxinista.com, which provides quick, all-natural recipes and tips to make healthy living easy and more accessible. You can follow Megan on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for more ideas!
Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to nourish and bond with your new baby, but as a new mom, it can also be quite challenging. It's surprising that something so natural doesn't always come naturally — there's definitely a learning curve! Because new moms can use all the support we can get, the following tips should help you tackle this new challenge and develop a rewarding nursing relationship with your newest addition.
1. Nurse on demand. You can eat all the lactation cookies you want, but I think nothing creates milk supply like nursing on demand. This, along with lots of skin-to-skin contact, is the most important thing you can do to establish an adequate milk supply for your baby's needs. Wait to introduce bottles or pacifiers for the first four weeks, if possible, to ensure you're offering the breast often enough and avoiding any nipple confusion.
2. Try a variety of different positions. It's not uncommon to feel sore during the first few days of breastfeeding, but if the pain persists, it's a sign that something isn't right. Be sure to try various positions to find a fit that works best for both mom and baby. I personally found our own perfect fit while nursing my little guy crunched in the backseat of our car — who would have guessed!
3. Seek support. If you experience persistent pain or have trouble getting a proper latch, seek help from a lactation consultant or your local La Leche League ASAP. You'll experience relief faster if you can troubleshoot with an expert in person! In the meantime, you can soothe sore nipples with hydrogel pads, Epsom salt soaks, and lanolin cream.
4. Dive into a good book. Since you'll be spending quite a bit of time nursing those first few months, you might as well pass the time by reading a great story! As an added bonus, your baby will benefit from hearing your voice if read out loud. I personally found using an e-reader device helpful, so I could turn the pages with just one hand.
5. Stay hydrated! Staying hydrated is essential when producing breast milk, so be sure to keep a glass of water handy at all times. You can also benefit from organic hydration by eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. This green lactation smoothie is a delicious way to sneak some juicy produce into your routine, while also boosting your milk supply!
I hope these tips help you and your baby enjoy a mutually beneficial nursing relationship!
Original article and pictures take www.whattoexpect.com site
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