There are some things no one can prepare you for as a new mom. You will love your little bundle of joy more than anything in the world, and the feeling is mutual.
Your baby will know that they are loved from the moment they see you and smell you. But what comes after that?
How do you keep producing milk? How often should you feed them? And how do you deal with cracked and sore nipples?
All these questions and more are answered in this article…
When Will My Breasts Producing Milk?
One of the first questions new moms have.
When will their milk come in? The truth is, milk production happens in stages, rather than all at once. The process starts with your hormones activating hormone-producing glands called alveoli located in each breast. These alveoli secrete a fluid called colostrum that helps your baby digestive tract get accustomed to solids.
Next, your milk will come in.
When Are My Breast Drained? Your breasts are like sponges, collecting milk to be excreted. As your baby nurses, he squeezes your breast, causing it to contract (or squeeze). The longer and more frequently he nurses from that breast, the more milk is squeezed out. He will empty one breast before moving on to the next.
What Can I Do To Help with Sore Nipples?
Nursing can be painful at times, but if you are experiencing discomfort or nipple bleeding, you might have an infection. Infection can be treated with antibiotics and it is important to get it treated as soon as possible.
If you think you might have an infection, consult your doctor as soon as possible. If you are experiencing pain, there are a few things you can do to help.
- Apply warm compresses to your breasts before and after breastfeeding.
- Breastfeed on demand.
- Try different breastfeeding positions.
- Use a nipple cream.
- If you have mastitis, antibiotics will help.
- Take a break from breastfeeding.
How Often Should I Breastfeed My Baby?
Breastfeeding is natural, which means every baby and mother will be different. Some babies will want to nurse every hour, while others will only want to nurse once every few hours. The best way to tell if your baby is getting enough milk is by watching his diapers. If he is urinating 6-8 times a day, he is getting enough milk.
If your baby seems hungry, you might have low milk supply. There are a few things you can do to increase your milk supply.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat foods high in folic acid like leafy greens and other veggies.
- Take probiotics.
- Get enough rest.
- Avoid nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol as they can decrease your milk supply.
Tips For Finding Time To Nurse
Breastfeeding is a full-time job, but that does not mean you can not find time to squeeze in a few other things. Here are a few tips for finding time to breastfeed.
- Talk to your partner about how to get help.
- Find a breastfeeding support group.
- Get a baby sitter.
- Take short walks.
- Learn to multi-task.
- Pump before you go out.
- Practice relaxation breathing.
- Ask for help.
Bottom line
Breastfeeding is a beautiful thing, and can be a very rewarding experience. While it is true that you will have to learn to juggle all sorts of things, and that it is not always easy, it is worth it.
It is a great way to bond with your baby, and a lot of studies are showing that breastfed babies are healthier overall, and have a lower risk of allergies, obesity, etc. If you are having trouble breastfeeding, don’t be afraid to talk to a lactation consultant.
They can be very helpful and they want you to breastfeed successfully. If you are worried about your supply, do not give up. Every mom is different and you may just need a few tips to get your supply going.