Breastfeeding is one of the most amazing experiences that any mother will ever experience, and while some mothers do not make any effort and naturally breastfeed their children, some of them face a problem in breastfeeding for the first time, especially with the child’s inability at first to hold the nipple, Which may be reflected in his weight and growth.
Your baby’s mouth should be wide open and his lips turned out while he is breastfeeding. Your baby makes short, rapid sucks for one or two minutes at the start of feeding until breast milk begins to flow.
At first, the child usually drinks every 2 hours and then every 4 hours. Every baby is different, breastfeed when required
How to breastfeed?
Place the baby’s belly against your belly, then place the baby, so that his nose is at the level of the nipple. Then the child opens his mouth and licks the nipple, and the nipple becomes a large part of the areola in the child’s mouth.
It is useful to read about breastfeeding. But trying it is something completely different. The first time you breastfeed your baby, preferably the first hour after he’s born, get help.
Start with a comfortable position. Cushion yourself when necessary. Next, hold your baby on your forearm, close to your breast, rather than leaning forward to bring your breast closer to the baby. Hold your baby and feel it in contact with the skin whenever possible.
It is also necessary to know that the secret of proper feeding is in the areola, not just the nipple, because closing the baby’s mouth in a wrong way will cause you discomfort and a sense of pain, and will make the child unable to breastfeed properly, so the baby’s mouth should cover the nipple and areola together.
When you start the breastfeeding journey, you may feel a little potential pain at first until you cope, and you will get used to it with practice until the pain disappears completely, and it is preferable when breastfeeding to sit in a comfortable position for you, and settle down so that you do not change your position while breastfeeding your child, what he may feel It is disturbing, so try to support your back with a nursing pillow so that you do not have to bend over to breastfeed.
For the first few weeks, most newborns breastfeed every two to three hours throughout the day. Watch for the first signs of hunger, such as stirring, sucking movements and lip movements.
Allow your baby to feed from the first breast completely, until you feel that your breasts have softened, usually for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Next, try to burp the baby. Then offer him the second breast. If your baby is still hungry, he will cling to your nipple. And if he is not hungry, start the next session of breastfeeding with him from the second breast.
if your baby is only feeding from one breast frequently for the first few weeks, empty the milk from the other breast to relieve pressure on it and protect your milk supply.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until your baby gets used to breastfeeding well before giving him a pacifier, three to four weeks after birth once your baby gets used to the breastfeeding routine bear in mind that sucking a pacifier while sleeping may reduce the chances of SIDS.
When your baby is drinking enough breast milk, the urine should be a pale yellow color without odor. Sometimes infants have pink spots in their urine in the first few days.
After each feeding, it’s okay to let the milk dry naturally on your nipple. Milk can soothe the skin of your nipples. And if you are in a hurry, gently wipe your nipple until it is dry. And if your breasts leak between feeds, wear bras – and change them often.
