Having a baby is a wonderful thing - a few lows, but plenty of highs... and certainly (in the best possible ways) your life will never be the same again.
If you're pregnant, you might be considering breastfeeding too - and that decision can throw a spanner into the works. Because many mothers find the experience difficult in the beginning; they feel overwhelmed by it all, or even a bit useless.
But you'd be hard-pushed to find a BF'ing who isn't glad she worked through the tough times; indeed, almost all say it's all very much worth it in the end.
Sure, you might feel like you've read it all... if you're pregnant and you're planning to breastfeed - these seven tips really do make all the difference.
- Positioning your baby correctly can inspire a less-stressful and more comfortable time breastfeeding. Breastfeeding group La Leche recommend the cradle hold as the most comfortable way to breastfeed your baba. Your newborn should be lying on its side, so that you are completely tummy-to-tummy and your arm should be supporting your baby’s head and back.
- Make sure your baby’s mouth is wide open with its tongue down. Your baby’s lips should not be pursed around your nipple, but instead your nipple should be quite far into your baby’s mouth. According to La Leche, your baby should take your breast deeply into its mouth with more of your areola showing above the baby’s mouth then below.
- Relax and go with your natural instincts. All mothers and babies are different and it is important to develop your own rhythm. Don’t pay too much attention to the clock and take your time. Figure out what is right for you and your baby.
- Sore nipples can be annoying throughout your breastfeeding experience and if they persist, modified lanolin ointment can sooth your pain. The ointment is also baby-safe so it is the perfect way to make your experience more comfortable. Bepanthen ointment contains lanolin and is available in Boots. In the shower, wash your nipples with lukewarm water and avoid applying harsh, perfumed shower-gels onto inflamed and cracked nipples.
- Inform yourself. Read as much as you can on breastfeeding and bulk up your knowledge on the subject. Knowledge inspires confidence and this will help you and your baby as you build begin to build a routine and a rhythm.
- Wean your baby when it feels right, not because you feel you have to. Irish Organisation Friends of Breastfeeding says there is a huge pressure on women to wean infants at as early as three months: “If mothers want to breastfeed longer than six months, longer than a year or two than why shouldn’t they be encouraged? It is good for mother and baby”
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are so many other new mothers who are experiencing breastfeeding for the first time too. Baby Blogger, Aine O’Sullivan of andmybaby.ie recommends that women should attend their local La Leche class if they are feeling lost with breastfeeding where they can get advice and help from other mothers.
