Doing Breastfeeding The Right Way

By Antonio Bolicki 

Breastfeeding is not only nutritious for the baby, but it also brings several health benefits for the mom.

This is actually the major reason why many contemporary moms take the time and find the time to breastfeed their baby. Although it can be challenging for working mothers to do, feeding the baby exclusively with human milk is absolutely worth it.

To help you get started right, you need to be aware about some basic breastfeeding principles. For example, there are different positions for breastfeeding. The best ones largely depend on which you and your baby are most comfortable with.

The cradle position means resting your baby's head in your elbow's crook. When doing this, make sure to support your baby by positioning his belly against your body. Use your other arm to hold your baby's neck and head. You may also start using a pillow to be able to a bit more comfortable for you personally.

On the other hand, there's the football position. This has an obvious nickname because this it requires you to hold your baby like a football. Simply line your baby's back near your forearm and support his neck and head with your palm. This particular position is best recommended for newborns. Additionally, mothers who have undergone cesarean birth can benefit from this because it is less painful.

Third, the side-lying position is ideal for feeding your infant during the night. Simply use pillows under your head and then move closer to your baby. Use one hand to hold your breast and nipple towards your baby's mouth. After that, use the same hand to support your baby's neck and head. You may also place additional pillows for the back of your baby.

Now many beginners will probably wonder about the right time to breastfeed. While the actual schedule may vary from one baby to another, the general rule is to breastfeed him each time he is hungry. You will possibly nurse between 8 to 12 times within an entire day. As a general rule, do not wait for the baby to cry before feeding him. Learn to read the signs of hunger and your baby will definitely be less irritable during breastfeeding sessions.

It definitely follows that having a lot of patience is crucial. Many breastfeeding guidelines will tell you not to hurry when breastfeeding your baby. Infants usually spend at least 10 to 20 minutes on each breast and so it may not be too easy to breastfeed when you are already tired. Switching positions often can be difficult but do not hesitate to do it whenever necessary. Additionally, some new mothers may feel dismayed that they are not producing enough milk during the first few days. This can be remedied if you will continue feeding your baby despite that problem. In time, your breast will have enough milk to meet your baby's needs.

Of course, not all mothers are encouraged to breastfeed. Exemptions apply to HIV carriers, moms with tuberculosis and those currently undergoing chemotherapy sessions for any type of cancer. Breastfeeding information on the internet even specifies that those who take illegal drugs are strongly advised not to breastfeed. Finally, those with rare medical problems and those taking some prescription medications are also prohibited to breastfeed.

For more details about proper breastfeeding, asking experts and professionals can be a good idea. Many of them are willing to share information for anyone wanting to learn the basics of breastfeeding. By seeking their assistance, you will better understand how to make breastfeeding work for you and your baby. You may also talk with experienced mothers for effective tips and tricks.

More information on   women breastfeeding you can find at: http://womenbreastfeedingcenter.com/

Article Source:  Doing Breastfeeding The Right Way

How to Use Different Breast Feeding Positions

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit


Breast feeding is undeniably the healthiest option for your baby. Despite all of the emotional and physical health benefits that come with breast feeding, there is no denying that it can at times be a challenge. Learning about various techniques and breast feeding positions may be all it takes for you to successfully breastfeed your baby. By learning exactly what will be expected of you as a nursing mother, you can start off on the right foot and make the breast feeding process more enjoyable for both you and your baby.

Steps

Basic Breast Feeding Positions Proper support of your baby’s head will assist with her ability to suckle. It is important that both you and your baby find a comfortable breast-feeding position that works for both of you.

1. Use the Cradle position.
   • Hold your baby in your arms with her back lying along your inner arm.
   • Her head should be on your forearm.
   • Your baby should be facing your breast, with her mouth aligned with your nipple.
   • Pillows can be used to raise her to the appropriate nipple height.
   • Her head and bottom should be aligned with each other.
2. Attempt the reverse cradle hold.
   • While sitting upright, place one or more pillows on your lap in order to raise the baby up to nipple height.
   • Use the cradle hold with the opposite arm. Use your hand to support your baby’s head and place a pillow under your hand for support. Your free hand will support you breast.
   • With your baby turned on her side facing you, touch her lips with your nipple. When she opens her mouth to begin sucking, pull her close to you. You breast will open the baby’s mouth further for bigger mouthfuls of milk.  
3. Experiment with the Clutch Hold.
   • Sit upright with your back and shoulders well supported.
   • Place a pillow on your lap, towards the side of your hip.
   • Place your baby on the pillow, facing you.
   • Her mouth should be aligned with your nipple.
   • Tuck her legs and feet under your arm and bend her slightly at the waist so that her legs stretch out along your back.
   • The soles of her feet should be facing the ceiling with her leg’s pointing upwards and her bottom resting on the pillow.
   • Do not cup your baby’s head, instead, place your hand under her neck.
   • Once she begins sucking, you can place a pillow under the hand that is supporting her.
4. Try the side-lying position.
   • Lie on your side and position several pillows around yourself. For back support, place a pillow behind your back. Use 2 pillows to support your head. Place a pillow under your top leg for comfort and place one pillow behind your baby.
   • Lay your baby on her side, facing you with her mouth aligned to your nipple. Guide your baby’s head onto your nipple until she latches on. Keep in mind that this is a position that is best used with babies who have already developed good latching skills.
5. Try the laid back position.
   • Good posture and support is crucial to this position. Lie flat on the bed and elevate your head and shoulders slightly with pillows.
   • Place your baby face down onto your stomach with her cheek to your breast. Her lips must be close enough to your nipple to allow her to suck. Adjust your elevation by adding or removing pillows as necessary.

Establishing A Proper Breastfeeding Latch

By Kelly L White 


Signs of a good latch:


Mom's breast is drawn deeply into the baby's mouth

The insides of the baby's upper and lower lips are against mom's breast

At the beginning of the feed, the baby will have short, quick jaw motions stimulating the milk to let down and after the milk begins to flow the jaw motions will become deep, rhythmic, and slow. The baby will swallow every 1-3 jaw strokes and the baby may take 5-10 sucks then rest for 10 seconds.

Mom's nipple will come out of the baby's mouth holding the same shape as it had when the baby began suckling, although elongated

Signs the baby is getting enough milk:


The baby is content - and usually falls asleep after a feed

Mom notices her breasts feel full before a feed and softer afterwards

The baby will have the "appropriate number" of wet and soiled diapers each day

The baby will have an appropriate weight gain, increased length, and head circumference - measured at well baby appointments

If the baby is not latching well, it is important to think about why. Some reasons that can contribute to the baby's difficulty in latching include:


A variation in the anatomy of mom's nipple - large, inverted, or flat

Mom may be offering the breast at times when the baby is not ready to nurse

Mom may be trying to put her breast into the baby's mouth instead of allowing the baby to latch on

The tissue around mom's nipple may be filled with excess fluid

Mom's breasts may be engorged or too full

Positions and techniques that can encourage a good latch take some practice. Here are some suggestions:

1.  Positioning:


Get comfortable. Use any of the basic breastfeeding positions. The cross cradle hold works well when looking to improve the latch and it helps you have better control of the breast and the baby.

Hold the baby securely so the baby is snuggled as close as possible.

The baby's ear, shoulder, and hips should all be in alignment.

Hold the baby at the level of the nipple to prevent soreness or damage from pulling.

2. Breast Support:


Hold your breast so your thumb and fingers cup the breast from underneath and make the letter "C". Your thumb and fingers will shape the breast to line up with the baby's mouth.

Keep your fingers away from the areola - this is where the baby's mouth will be.

Gently compress your breast to form the shape of an oval.

3. A Good Latch:


Hold the baby so his/her nose is directly across from your nipple

Wait until the baby opens his/her mouth wide - to stimulate the baby's mouth you can lightly brush your nipple against his/her nose.

Once the baby's mouth is open wide, gently and quickly pull the baby onto the breast, making sure to place the breast under the nipple against the baby's bottom jaw first and tuck the nipple and the rest of the breast into the baby's mouth so the nipple goes into the back of his/her throat.

When the baby is latched on well, his/her mouth will be full of breast and the lower jaw and tongue will remove the milk effectively.

If you don't feel the baby latched on well, take the baby off and start over. It might help to try a different technique. It is important to be patient - it takes a while to learn. Don't hesitate to consult with a lactation professional or doctor.

Need more information? Learn more by reading [http://www.mymommytobeblog.com]. Find out about all things related to breastfeeding.

Article Source:  Establishing A Proper Breastfeeding Latch