Tips on breast feeding

During the early days the nipple is trying to get used to being taken into baby's mouth and baby is learning how to feed from the nipple, this can result is sore nipples and can put some woman off breast feeding.

It's important for both of you to be relaxed and comfortable, that is sometimes easier said than done but you may be feeding for an hour or so, make sure you at least have a pillow under your arm to help support the baby. A baby may not yet know how to open their mouth quite wide enough, if this happens, you can squeeze out a little milk from your breast, open baby's mouth with your clean finger, and put a little milk in to start baby off. Wait for the baby's mouth to open, then guides the breast in - not just the nipple. To suck properly, the baby squeezes the area behind the nipple with his or her whole mouth. When the baby finishes sucking the first breast, put your finger into the baby's mouth to release the sucking, and then offer the other breast. And next feed, start the other way round. When the baby has had enough, he or she will just usually fall asleep. It is important to use both breast equally as the child’s sucking stimulate the milk production. Each time you feed, you should stay on one breast until it feels empty that is usually at least ten to fifteen minutes. The main reason for this is that it is thought that the milk that comes at the end of a feed is much richer and more satisfying than what come at the start.

If your nipples get sore you can use ice to cool them, or a bag of frozen peas, there are products on the market that are safe to use for cracked and sore nipples during breast feeding but be sure to read the label before you use it you don’t want to poison the little mite!

Breast feeding, the benifits

It is recommended that women who don't have any health problems should try to give their baby’s breast milk for at least six months. Breast feeding offers many benefits to the baby, breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients to help your baby grow into a strong and healthy toddler. Some of the nutrients in breast milk also help protect your baby against some childhood illnesses and infections by boosting their immune system.
The most important period in establishing breastfeeding is the first week. Take heart the earliest days are the hardest, but with a little knowledge it does get better! The earlier you put the baby to the breast, the earlier the breast milk should come. The breasts work on a supply and demand basis. In the first few hours and days your breasts produce a thin, cloudy, yellow substance called colostrum and it is of enormous value to your baby. There is absolutely no substitute for colostrum in doing good for your baby. It gives him or her protection against disease that will last for several months. Don't let it go to waste! If you find it too difficult to breast feed try using a breast pump to retrieve this precious liquid.