10 tips for happy breastfeeding
When it comes to breastfeeding, the most important thing you can do for yourself and your baby is to REST.
Resting allows for your body to produce nourishing breast milk. Often we feel a huge surge of energy after our baby is born. However, this energy is created to help the contraction of the uterus and to re-gain inner strength and vitality. If you use up your energy by rushing around, you will have little left for you or your baby. If you are tired, your baby will be fussy and demanding. Rest as much as you can for the first six weeks. I stayed in bed for two weeks after each baby. I know this made a huge difference to how I felt on all levels, emotionally, physically and mentally. I also had plenty of milk and my babies were able to adjust to life on earth in a calm, peaceful manner.Stress and worry can also cause your milk to dry up or become acidic.
If your milk is acidic, it can give your baby colic and make him difficult. If you are stressed and tired, your milk becomes thinner and less satisfying for your baby. Make sure you take time to relax, sit or walk outside in nature. The freshness of trees, grass and flowers actually help you to feel uplifted and are a great stress relief. If you are worrying about your baby, make sure to contact other mothers for support.Many women suffer from sore nipples when they first start breastfeeding.
Watch your diet and avoid eating salty, oily or hard, dry baked foods such as chips, cookies or toast. The juice of finely grated carrot is very helpful for soothing painful nipples. Rub a little over the them before nursing. I only experienced sore nipples with one child and it was extremely painful. I found that using a small amount of almond oil after the baby has nursed made a difference. Rubbing a little breast milk around the nipples can also help relieve soreness.Make an effort to toughen up your nipples before you have the baby by rubbing them briskly with a dry, coarse towel and then softening the area with a little almond oil. Another good idea is to change the position in which you nurse at every feeding. This puts the pressure of the baby's gums on a different spot each time. Try to nurse more often, but for shorter lengths of time. If you go longer between feedings, the baby will be hungrier and nurse too hard and make your breasts even sorer.
When nursing at night, burp the baby well otherwise, he will wake up again quickly.
Keep him well wrapped so he won't notice the temperature change when you put him back in his crib. Often the breasts leak at the early stages of breastfeeding. Place a towel on your side of the bed to prevent staining. I used to wear a bra to bed during the early months because it felt more comfortable. Some women like to drape a cotton cloth over their breasts instead. Breastfeed babies are all different, some sleep through the night at an early age and many continue to nurse through the night for a few months. It will be easier for your baby to get on a routine if you have a routine in your daily life.Certain foods help to make your milk rich and nourishing.
However, eating oily/greasy foods can make your milk too rich and effect your baby's digestion causing him to spit up often Mochi,, which is made from pounded, sweet brown rice, is very good for producing nourishing milk. Mochi is purchased in cake form and can be fried, steamed or added to soup. Mild miso soup with tofu, onions, shiitake and lots of greens is also beneficial. Creamy soups made from sweet vegetables such as onions, carrots, squash or sweet potato are very nourishing too. A wide variety of organic, natural foods are recommended during breastfeeding. Use fresh vegetables, whole grains, beans, sea vegetables, fish and fruit.Although I don't advocate drinking alcohol while breastfeeding, Guinness has been used traditionally to help bring in the milk. Sometimes it can take a few days for the first milk to come in and mothers often become very anxious which delays the process further. Guinness is very high in nutrition especially iron and a small glass can work wonders in relaxing the mother and providing the necessary ingredients to get your milk flowing. Drink one glassful everyday for three days. Some babies have digestive systems that are not fully mature, and spicy and gassy foods like onions, cabbage, broccoli or beans MIGHT make read more
