In the first few days, you and your baby are getting to know each other and everything is new for both of you. Breastfeeding is a natural process and it may be useful to discuss a few topics such as the correct latch, breastfeeding positions, breastfeeding in public and so on.
Maintain patience and confidence to give your baby the healthiest and most beneficial food for him/her and for yourself. You will certainly enjoy the magic and attraction that breastfeeding brings.
You will be fascinated to watch your baby while he/she is breastfeeding, knowing that he/she is naturally a very complex being (yes, you have a smart little one too!).
First of all, a proper breastfeeding experience is vital to understand, after which you will see that your baby’s mouth will open enough to get around the nipple (areola). This may take some practice, but definitely don’t hesitate to ask your doctor to make sure your technique is correct.
The important thing is to learn to identify the different stages of feeding by watching sucking and swallowing patterns and understanding your baby’s cues.
With the onset of breastfeeding, the baby sucks short and fast. Following the release of the hormone oxytocin, the embarrassment reflex occurs and milk starts to flow.
Your baby will then start to feed actively, making slow, long and rhythmic sucking and swallowing movements with pauses. Your baby will suck by simply moving its tongue in a ring like a wave, which is vital for the development of the mouth and jaw. Your baby is like a bee making this wave 800-1000 times per feeding. At the end of the feeding you will notice that your baby rarely swallows with trembling, this is the fatty part of the milk and the most important part for him/her. Never stop your baby from sucking at this stage, it is very important for him/her to gain weight.
The most effective indicator of effective breastfeeding is good weight gain and you should weigh your baby weekly up to 8 weeks and monthly up to 6 months. Other signs are getting enough milk, wetting 6-8 diapers in a 24 hour period, soiling 2 diapers, being generally happy, attentive, having a good voice and skin color.
It is useful to know the different breastfeeding positions so that you can use the one that best suits your situation. Here are some tips on the positions you can choose:
- Lap holding – This is the classic breastfeeding position, where you place the baby on your lap horizontally or at an acute angle and hold the head with your arm bent. Extend your forearm and support the head, spine and buttocks with your hand. This position works well for babies born at term and about 1 month old who have strong neck muscles and can easily bring their mouth to the nipple.
- Cross-grip – This position differs from the lap position in that you bend your forearm so that instead of supporting the baby’s head with your hand, you support the baby’s bottom and back with your other arm. For example, if you are breastfeeding from your left breast, use your right hand to hold the baby. This position works well for small babies who have difficulty sucking.
- Side lying or reclining position – In this position you breastfeed your baby lying on your side on the bed. You are supported by pillows behind you. Sometimes you can put pillows on your head, shoulders and knees and put pillows between them. Bring your baby close and lay his or her head down. He or she should not struggle to reach your breast and you should keep your back and hips in line and not lean towards the baby. This position is great if you are recovering from a caesarean section or a difficult birth, or if you breastfeed lying in bed during the day.
- Grip hold or rugby ball hold – In this position you hold the baby with your arm and pinch it like a soccer ball or handbag. Grasp and position your baby with your arm, your baby’s mouth should be towards you and their feet towards your back. Support your baby’s shoulders, neck and head and first move his/her chin towards your breast. This position also works well for those who have had a caesarean section, large breasts, flat nipples or twins (in this case, the position is known as twin holding, where you place a pillow under your babies and gently support them with your hand on their upper back).
- Koala hold – put the baby on one leg and support them with your arm while breastfeeding.
- Reclining breastfeeding – In this position you will be half lying down and breastfeed with your baby’s tummy on your tummy.
Sometimes your baby will ask to be breastfed when you go out together. For mothers who feel a little anxious, there are various accessories available to make them feel comfortable. There are many places to breastfeed outside to help you feel comfortable. You can locate them using phone apps or just a simple Google search.
Enjoy the breastfeeding experience!