How to Breastfeed The Baby

Breast feeding
Most nursing women erroneously think that there is nothing to learn about breastfeeding since it is a natural act. Breastfeeding is much more than feeding the baby with breast milk. There are other things involved in the act. But experience has shown that some mothers do not know the best breastfeeding manners or how to breastfeed their babies. Indeed, there is a lot to learn about breastfeeding. Below are some tips to follow-on how to breastfeed.
Breast feeding

 

The first thing you should know about breastfeeding is that your position does not actually matter in so far as you are comfortable with it and that it does not pose any threat to your baby. You can lie down or sit or even stand. Any position is ok if you are able to make your baby breastfeed comfortably.

Latching on properly

Knowing how to latch is very important in breastfeeding. Latching on has to do with the relationship between your breast and the mouth of your baby. Here are some tips to apply in order to latch properly.

  • Use a pillow to support your baby so as to allow some freedom to your hands and also to bear the weight of the baby comfortably.
  • Help your baby to scoop in a mouthful of breast milk by bringing the baby closer to the breast allowing the lips to touch your nipples.
  • Help the baby to suck enough breast milk by pressing your breast.

Gauging your success

You will be able to tell when you have successfully helped your baby to latch on properly. Feeling a pulling sensation on the breast the baby is sucking from shows that the baby is rightly latched. If it seems that the baby is biting or pinching you on the nipple, then you have not got it. The baby is not properly latched.

Before beginning to breastfeed your baby, it is normal for your breast to feel fuller and firmer. However, it will soften after breastfeeding; this indicates that the baby sucks enough milk. You can find out whether your baby feeds very well from the stool. The stool of a well-fed baby should be seedy, loose and yellowish in color. Another sign that your baby is feeding well is the number of diapers wetted on a daily basis. Your baby may wet at least 6 diapers on a daily basis.

Weaning your baby

Here are some steps to follow when weaning your baby.

  1. Wean at the right time (six months after birth is okay for exclusive breastfeeding but you can extend as you like)
  2. Don’t wean when your child is not feeling okay
  3. Introduce the change gradually and don’t rush the weaning process
  4. Replace breast milk with iron-fortified food or baby formula

All about proper breastfeeding is not just allowing your baby to suck your breast. 

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