Every new mother has it ingrained in her that breast feeding is the best source of nourishment for her child. This is Nature's gift that is abundant in nutrients, anti-bodies and nourishment. If you feel that it is inconvenient (like some mothers do), remember you are saved the hassle of sterilizing bottles, mixing formula in the middle of the night as well as it helps you get the rest your body needs and delays your menstrual cycle.
Before you begin breast feeding the child, wash your hands well. You will need to guide the nipple into your baby's mouth. Put it in as far as it will comfortably go. This will enable the baby's sucking motion to work on the milk ducts in your breast. You can help baby latch on by keeping its nose touching your breast. How you hold your baby's head when breast feeding is important. The baby should not have to strain to get to you. The cradle position says the baby's head should be in crook of your arm. The baby's back and bottom is supported on your arm and the child will be lying down sideways. Ensure your breast is right in front of the baby's face.
Another good position when feeding baby, is to tuck your baby under your arm like a handbag. Cradle baby's head in your palm and support the back and body with your forearm. This position is excellent for mothers recovering from C-sections. You could also lie down on your side on the bed propping yourself up on some pillows. Keep your baby on its side and facing you. This is a great position for those recovering from an episiotomy.
In the beginning you will have to keep feeding baby as many times as he demands. This could be as many as 8-12 times a day. Gradually the child will fall into a pattern and the feeding cycle falls into place. Breast feeding can also lead to sore nipples. This is largely because the baby is not positioned properly. Also be sure to check out Breast feeding the baby for more and extensive information about breast feeding the baby. Make sure you baby latches on in the right way. Also if you are using soothing creams like lanolin, make sure you wash it off thoroughly before you place your breast in the baby's mouth. All mothers worry about whether they will have enough milk to keep feeding the baby. A breast feeding mother should have a calcium heavy diet. Also include a lot of fruits and vegetables as well as cereals, meat, dairy and its products in your diet.
