Congratulations! Nine long and strenuous months of pregnancy are over and you have finally stepped into the world of parenthood. You life is now all about navigating through postpartum mood swings and adjusting life around your newborn.
The initial few days might pass by in trying to understand your baby’s behavior while breastfeeding. After all, every baby has a unique nursing style. Some babies like to breastfeed while keeping their eyes closed. Some like to hold on their mum’s hair. And then there are those who like to suckle for a bit and then rest before resuming.
But have you ever wondered why your baby does what he/she does while breastfeeding? Well, there is a very specific reason that links baby behaviour while breastfeeding to their unique personalities.
Here are five major categories of nursers that can help you understand your baby’s style better.
Baby Behavior While Breastfeeding: 5 Nursing Styles
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1. Barracuda baby
If your baby has a barracuda type of feeding personality, he or she will tend to suck your nipples with complete strength and aggression. Most often, you will end up with sore nipples post nursing.
In order to prevent sore nipples, your baby needs to have a good latch. See if that is missing. If you feel pain while your baby is feeding, remove your baby from your breast. You can do so, by breaking his or her suction gently and by putting your pinkie in the corner of your little one’s mouth.
Give them a little rest before you help them latch again. It is very important to switch breastfeeding positions so that your baby doesn’t rub the same spot over again and again.
2. Goes on a “Snooze” mode
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If you have an infant who has the habit of going off to sleep while feeding, you’ll have to make sure they are getting the right nutrition. These babies are more interested in snoozing than suckling. You need to make it a regular practice to bring your infant’s mouth to your breasts, even if they don’t seem hungry.
Sometimes, if need be, you may have to wake your baby up to feed, and that’s okay too!
Doctors recommend breastfeeding on demand or eight to 12 times a day for all newborns — that’s about once every 2-3 hours. It is normal for you to get worried thinking -“Is my baby getting the right nutrition?” But, don’t stress.
You will be able to know that your baby is getting enough breast milk by checking their diapers. Other signs to check their health is to notice if they are happy and content and sleep well.
3. Excited little ones
Do you have a baby who gets excited at the mere sight of your bare breasts? These little ones are so excited that they want to grasp the nipples in their mouth, but they can’t keep their mouth around your nipple for long.
You will find your baby screaming when they lose hold of your breasts.
You can help them by offering your breasts just at the right time when they are ready to drink milk. Further, rocking your baby while he or she is nursing will also help them calm down as they take their feed.
Try to offer skin-to-skin contact to keep your baby calm and to help them take their feed properly.
4. Foodie baby
You might find your baby behavior while breastfeeding is that of a gourmand. You will notice your baby savouring their milk. They will take their own time because isn’t it a huge effort to taste each mouthful of milk?
So don’t try to hurry these foodies, as they may get upset. The best way for them to get proper feed is to let your little one take their time.
5. Rest lover
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If you have a baby who loves to rest, you will find them nursing for few minutes and then taking some rest. You may be under the false impression that their stomach is full. But you may find him/her searching for your breasts. This can be quite frustrating, especially if you are looking for some predictability in their nursing patterns.
One solution is to keep your baby entertained while he/she is on the feed. For instance, talk to them, play with them, but don’t let them sleep with an empty stomach or else they will get up in the next 10 minutes!
By now, you may have understood that your little one exhibits some classic baby behavior while breastfeeding. Don’t stress about their style. Your baby will eventually start following a set pattern with time.
While its great to notice their little personalities as they feed, helping young ones latch on can be a pain for mums, quite literally. If you are struggling to feed your baby and have noticed pain while breastfeeding, here are some ways to ease this physical pain.
How To Remedy Sore Nipples?
Sore or tender nipples are common during the first few days of breastfeeding. But pain that is severe and continues for days, is a sign of a problem. Some of you may also experience cracked, bleeding, or bruised nipples.
Here are some ways in which you can get relief:
- Allow some breast milk to dry on your nipples. Breast milk contains natural skin softeners and antibodies to fight infection that can help heal nipples and keep them healthy.
- Apply modified lanolin or other specially formulated ointments or creams made with hypoallergenic ingredients.
- To reduce pain, apply cool compresses to your nipples after breastfeeding.
- You can also apply gel pads to your dry nipples.
- Use proper breast support. Cotton bras with wide, non-elastic straps will help support your breasts without irritating the nipples.
- Breastfeeding bras open at each cup to allow breastfeeding and to allow nipples to air-dry.
- If your nipples are still very sore after all the home remedies, consult your lactation consultant.
Before you feed your child, make sure to wash your hands. Wear comfortable clothes and change your bra frequently. If you live in a humid weather area, wipe your breasts with a wet cloth every time your baby sucks your breasts.
Getting to know your baby’s nursing style will help you understand your little one better and aid in his/her nutrition and growth.
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