Who dreams of being a mother and also of breastfeeding, raise your hand! Well, when it comes to motherhood, what comes most to my mind is the image of a mother nursing her baby, but what nobody tells you when talking about breastfeeding are the difficulties that appear along the way between you and your baby. Not that they can’t be easily overcome — quite the opposite!
This post is meant to help mothers prepare for this moment more efficiently and thus prevent these setbacks from causing even more trouble, or even making the mom lose the desire to feed her child with all the joy that it should bring. Breastfeeding is essential for the baby; breast milk contains a range of antibodies that will protect your baby, which is why the importance of breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life cannot be overstated.
Then the nurse brings your baby for the first time to be breastfed, and if, like me, you just had a C-section, you will probably have to lie down, or if you had a natural birth, you can sit. Then she places the baby tummy-to-tummy with you and brings your nipple to the baby’s mouth. This is the moment you realize the greatest love in the world is right there! But it’s not always easy; many babies do not latch immediately or may reject the nipple because it is too small. This moment is crucial! That’s why I say you need to keep a calm mind and don’t panic if the baby doesn’t latch perfectly the first time.
Tips for Breastfeeding and Preparing to Nurse
Look for a calm environment. If the hospital room is crowded with people, it can stress both mom and baby. So, if you are a visitor, learn a bit more about the visitor etiquette rules and help make this moment easier. Don’t hesitate to ask for some privacy during this initial bonding for breastfeeding. It’s a moment of intimacy for both mom and baby. If you have a small or inverted nipple (it turns inward), it can make breastfeeding a bit harder at first, but it will certainly change over time. I, for example, have very small breasts and a small nipple, but I was able to breastfeed my daughter perfectly — so that’s no excuse, haha.
Prepare your nipple ahead of time! It’s very important that mothers prepare their nipples against cracks and fissures; these really hurt and can even bleed. And at that moment, my friend, it gets tough! I had a lot of pain when that happened, but I didn’t give up. Do frequent massages with a loofah sponge, the kind sold at markets. It helps to toughen the nipple so it won’t get hurt as easily when breastfeeding. Nowadays there are miracle creams on the market that bring a lot of relief in this initial and “painful” phase of breastfeeding — for example, Lansinoh cream helps hydrate and prevent nipple wounds and even works if there’s already a crack, plus it doesn’t need to be removed before nursing. They say breast milk is also a miracle cure for nipple cracks; I believe it, though I never tried it.
To make breastfeeding easier:
Tummy to tummy — that is, your belly always against your baby’s belly! This makes things easier and keeps the baby comfortable, and of course, calms them with the sound of mom’s heartbeat. The nipple must be completely in the baby’s mouth, as well as part of the areola so that mom doesn’t get hurt, but if you have a large nipple don’t worry, your baby will latch easily. When removing your nipple from the baby’s mouth, don’t pull! Gently insert your little finger into the baby’s mouth and pull it out.
Let your baby nurse until the breast is empty, as breast milk is released in three phases: the first quenches thirst as it is more watery, the second is full of vitamins, and the third fattens the baby — it’s at this stage that your baby is fully satisfied by feeding on the creamiest part of your milk. Also, try keeping a chart of your breastfeeding times and how long your baby nursed, as well as which breast they nursed from last time. There are even iPhone apps for this — just search the App Store. So remember: in the beginning it might be hard for some moms, but you need to stick to it. It is essential for your baby and it really, truly strengthens the mother-child bond. On-demand breastfeeding is pure love!
See also: How to Deal with Baby’s Colic
Photo: Daniel Lobo
