Breastfeeding is a wonderful gift for both you and your baby. Most people have heard the old adage that says “Nothing worthwhile comes easy…” Well, the same holds true with breastfeeding. If you persevere through the first week of breastfeeding, you will already be a pro at it. Below you will find some helpful tips for getting through the first week of breastfeeding:
1. Set your mind in advance to keep pushing through any setbacks or disappointments before they come. I fully understand why some women give up trying to breastfeed during the first week…breastfeeding can be painful, frustrating and tiring for first time moms. If you really want to breastfeed your baby, then set in your mind that for you, there is no other alternative and stick to it. That thinking alone will get you through the first week’s ups and downs. Remember the pain will go away, and you will be so glad that you didn’t give up.
2. The simple fact is breastfeeding can be painful. Your nipples can easily become dry, irritated and cracked, they may even bleed. However, you don’t have to suffer needlessly. There are numerous creams and butters that can be very helpful. Use them. You can also rub olive oil, sweet almond oil or lanolin into your nipples which will prevent and treat sore and cracked nipples. Comfrey ointment is said to be very soothing to sensitive nipples and it rapidly heals any fissures or bruises. Yarrow leaf poultices - or yarrow infused oil - provide almost instantaneous pain relief and heal cracked nipples rapidly also. Try them. Even if your nipples become sore, don’t stop nursing, allow your baby to nurse as often as he/she needs. Remember, this is a wonderful time in both you and your babies’ life and you will get through this together.
3. Get a breastfeeding pillow, or simply use a bed pillow to properly position your newborn for feeding. Experiment with different nursing positions also until you find those in which you are completely comfortable, with the entire areola (dark area) in your baby’s mouth. Some new mothers find the side laying method to work well, plus you get to rest a little while your baby nurses.
4. Surround yourself with supportive people. They will help you through the rough times. Let them know ahead of time of your desire to breastfeed and ask them to give you encouragement if you start to doubt your decision when the going gets rough.
Finally, I have never known a mother who regretted her choice to breastfeed her infant. It is a rewarding experience for the both of you, one that will have benefits for years to come. Congratulations in advance on your breastfeeding success.
Bettina Alexander is the Site & Forum Administrator for http://www.officiallymommy.com a woman’s resource guide to pregnancy signs and symptoms, breastfeeding help, morning sickness remedies and parenting information. Get mommy approved breastfeeding aids and products at http://www.officiallymommy.com
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