Now that you have your breastfeeding diet nailed down, there still may be a few questions or points of confusion that you are dealing with. Although breastfeeding is the most natural way to nourish baby, it does take a lot of work. Even though it is mostly trial and error to find out what works best for you, here are six tips on breastfeeding and increasing lactation from the experts that will be invaluable to new moms and moms-to-be.
1. Don’t scrub nipples: The old wives tale encourages this behavior to toughen up nipples, but scrubbing them is completely not necessary.
2. Be patient as milk comes in: Colostrum starts to produce while you are still pregnant. After about two or three days, your body will begin producing milk, but it can take almost a week for some moms to begin production. Don’t worry and be patient. If you are concerned, consult your doctor or a lactation consultant.
3. Your new bundle of joy will nurse a lot: With the a stomach, the size of their fist, it is no wonder that newborns are always hungry. Breastmilk is the best food their digestive health. Don’t worry if your little one is frequently feeding. You will have the supply to meet their demand.
4. Don’t worry about your supply: Like we said in tip number three, you will have the supply to meet your nursing child’s demand. Remember, newborns are always hungry, it is not that you are not giving them enough milk. Five to six wet diapers a day should be your check to make sure that baby is feeding enough.
5. Take care of tender nipples: Although you should never toughen up your nipples, tender nipples should be taken care of immediately. Nipples are already sensitive and breastfeeding will cause them to become raw. Although your breastmilk is the beast cure, find a remedy that works for you such as lanolin or teabag compresses.
6. Practice makes perfect: Breastfeeding will take time for both you and baby to figure out, so be patient with yourself and the process. You two will figure things out and you will realize that the learning curve will eventually be well worth it
