Overview
New mothers often struggle with breastfeeding their baby’s. They don’t know how to prepare themselves in the course of breastfeeding. They often pay attention to the things that they should do and follow during the breastfeeding process but often neglect the things that they should do before breastfeeding. As a matter of fact the prep you do before breastfeeding is even important to ensure a smooth breastfeeding experience for both the mother and the baby. This would result in a pain free method.
How to prepare yourself before breastfeeding
Breastfeeding process can get really difficult if you don’t prepare yourself for it. Sometimes mothers experience engorged breasts which makes it even hard to feed baby’s. There are few ways that you can take to prep you and your baby to ensure a smooth breastfeeding experience and most importantly to avoid a cranky baby.
-Take a warm shower. By taking a warm shower you are basically promoting the flow of milk in your body. It is said that you tend to lose a little milk in this process but if you are a mother who nurse regularly then this should not be a problem to you but if you are a beginner or in your first few weeks just place a warm compress on your breast rather than taking a warm shower
-Use nursing pads. Nursing pads are basically a pad made out of cloth which is worn during the breastfeed. Best nursing pads are used against the nipple and the breast area while you are at it. It works in absorbing milk that may leek in the process of breastfeeding. It will create a mess free alternative in cleaning leaked milk.
-Lie on your stomach. While mothers have a hard time feeding their child, lying on the stomach soothes the pain and may even present pain due to the pull of gravity.
-Use cold compress. If you have really sore breasts, cold compress works wonders in elevating your pain. Simply place ice packs or if you can’t find ice packs you could place and bags filled with veggies in your fridge. There is an old wife’s tale claiming frozen cabbage in curbing sore breasts.
How to know if you have establish a good latch
You know you have established a good latch when you are able to see some of this feedback. First and foremost, you would not experience any pain on your nipple or breast. It would be very comfortable for you to feed your baby rather than being on a painful side. You are able to visibly see your baby swallowing milk and hear it for yourself. You know it is a successful breastfeeding session when this happens. Another indicator to which you know you have created a good latch is when your baby’s ears move slightly while you are breastfeeding. You could also notice that your baby’s mouth tends to open wide not just covering your nipple but your breast.
