Holding your little bundle of joy can melt the birth pains and “new mother” fears away. You want nothing but to give them the best the world has to offer, which is why you willingly enter the world of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is loaded with benefits, including the prevention of infection, allergies, and SIDS.
But while naturally occurring, it’s challenging for recovering mums. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 58% of mothers can nurse six months and later.
It can easily get frustrating, but it’s also essential to understand your body is recovering. You need to eat healthily and rest well, all while increasing your success rates with these three important tips:
Tip #1: Start breastfeeding as soon as possible
According to one study, breastfeeding initiation is important from day one, as it helps curb risk of poor cognitive development. This is why you should consider breastfeeding as soon as your baby is born, ideally within the first hour.
Doing so not just benefits your baby, it also stimulates your breasts to make more milk. However, expect the process to be a bit more challenging. Your body will be in a state of healing, but with a little patience and support, you’ll be a
Tip #2: Be aware of your baby’s unspoken needs
Although breastfeeding sounds routinary, the truth is that it heavily relies on the mother-baby connection. It cultivates love and bonding between mother and child, so it’s vital to listen beyond just your baby’s cries.
Simply put, you can anticipate their feeding needs by observing their cues and behaviours. Studies suggest that feeding cues can help enhance your feeding responsiveness and help you understand when your baby is full. This helps you avoid any overfeeding.
Some telltale cues include:
- Your baby’s constantly turning or raising their head
- Your baby repeatedly opens and closes their mouth
- Your baby sucks on whatever they can reach
- Your baby sticks out their tongue
Once you see them making any of the cues, make sure to breastfeed right away. They won’t have to resort to crying to signal hunger, eliminating the struggle they may feel. And in doing so, you provide room for a deeper mother-baby relationship.
Tip #3: Remember that your comfort matters
You may end up holding your baby for hours while they feed each day. This may require you to sit for unspecified periods, making it highly uncomfortable. For many, this means constantly nursing back, shoulder and/or neck pain.
But you don’t have to bear it all. Your baby needs you to be happy and healthy, and this means ensuring your own comfort. This could mean finding the proper position as you breastfeed, which can include the following positions:
- Lying on your side, with your baby facing you
- Sitting in a reclined position, wrapping your arms around your baby
You can also include pillows to support your back and arms, making the process even more comfortable. Breastfeeding is a special moment—so make it so and enjoy the close bonding!!
Golden tip: Nursing bottles can be your friends
Becoming a mother is challenging, but having a good support system can help make the experience much more fulfilling. As you figure out breastfeeding, it’s paramount that you have a strong support system that includes your loved ones and of course, the right nursing bottles.
While we highly recommend direct breastfeeding, bottle feeding can also be helpful as support tools for babies to have their breast milk fuss-free. When you have work, need to get rest, or constantly struggle with latching problems, a nursing bottle ensures your baby is well-fed and you, stress-free.
With the new and improved Pigeon SofTouchTM, you need not worry about nipple confusion, as it allows smooth switching between breast and bottle.
Developed based on extensive research into baby's natural feeding behaviour, its unique Latch-on Line and unmatched softness help ensure smooth transition for your baby to feed from your breast to bottle and vice versa. Moreover, it has an advanced air vent system, minimising swallowed air and colic occurrence.
Breastfeeding well—comfortably
Breastfeeding can sometimes be overwhelming, especially for new mothers. You’re healing from something you’ve never experienced before—giving life to another being. It’s beautiful but exhausting.
Thankfully, the tips listed above are designed to help you enjoy the process with your little one. Breastfeeding is a special time between you and them, one that helps them develop into healthy children. It also empowers you to listen beyond their cries and of course, get to know your own needs as a mother.
There’s nothing wrong with asking for help, after all. If you want your baby to thrive, you must also take good care of yourself.
With more than 60 years of research, Pigeon is the Global No.1 brand for Nursing Bottle, making their bottles a preferred choice for mums around the world. With your baby satiated and well-fed, you can enjoy greater peace of mind and also a much-deserved me-time.
Buy them now in leading department stores and baby speciality shops. You can also find yours on the following online platforms: