Facing New Stages Of Parenthood: 3 Things Nobody Tells You About Breastfeeding As A New Mom
According to The US National Library of Medicine, approximately 41% of new moms return to work after three months. If you are new to motherhood and plan to work a few months after birth, then you also need to consider whether you can leave the care of your baby to a nanny or group daycare. Not to mention, the loads of paperwork and health requirements that come with signing up for daycare and returning to work. Here are 3 things nobody tells you about breasting as a new mom.
No Instruction Manual Included
While there are thousands of guides and advice that you can find online, each of them came from a unique perspective, which may or may not be applicable in your case. If this is your first time breastfeeding, you may feel a bit of tenderness and mild discomfort on your nipples. This is normal and the mild pain that you feel should disappear as you breastfeed, but if the tenderness you feel gets worse and your nipples feel sore, then your infant may not be latching on properly. It is also possible you may have a plugged milk duct or are experiencing a bacterial infection, such as Mastitis, which is sometimes coupled with slow healing nipples. You won’t need to worry as the condition can be treated with medication.
Understanding The Safety Measures of Breastfeeding
Many new moms often ask if it is okay to wash their nipples before or after nursing their infants. While the practice may appear sanitary, it is not advisable to wash your nipples as it will cause dryness and irritation. The first line of defense on your nipple, and your baby, is the yeast and bacterial growth on your nipples, providing you and your infant with natural protection. Unlike milk formulas, you should not limit the feeding time of your baby when breastfeeding. There are also instances when long feeding times may be caused by low levels of milk transfer. If you are experiencing engorgement, do not pump or express your milk by force as this can just cause your body to produce more milk. You might want, instead, to take a warm bath or soak your engorged breasts in a pan full of warm water. Doing so will discharge the milk, giving you instant relief without your body automatically replacing any spilled milk.
Bonding Practices For Nursing Moms
Breastfeeding a baby is the best experience any mom can have, as it not only provides nourishment but also the perfect setting to bond with your body. Go skin-to-skin with your infant as it helps correct suckling and provides your infant natural warmth, which ultimately promotes greater comfort. During the newborn stage, try breastfeeding your baby between eight to twelve times per day as infants can easily digest your natural milk, causing them to go hungry often. Frequent breastfeeding also helps to stimulate milk production, particularly during the first several weeks of their birth.
If possible, continue breastfeeding your infant exclusively, for at least the first six months. If both you and your baby are up to it, you can continue breastfeeding for a year, or even extend it for up to 3 years. During this time, follow a healthy diet to ensure your baby is getting the best and most nutritious milk you can offer.
