4 Ways to Prevent Breastfeeding Problems
Breastfeeding success can be greatly increased by following some easy tips. Simple habits established right after birth can prevent a good deal of challenges that could potentially become the cause for early weaning. Keep reading to find out these four recommendations that every mother willing to breastfeed her baby should know.
Build a Group of Support
Building a network of supportive people around mom and baby is crucial. This includes making efforts for having your baby’s dad fully on board with breastfeeding; educating family members and close friends about the benefits of breastfeeding; finding health care practitioners who are breastfeeding advocates and also knowledgeable; and getting around with other breastfeeding moms that could become a source of inspiration and support.
In Breastfeeding Things Need To Be Done Early and Often
La Leche League, a worldwide authority in breastfeeding, advocates for “Nurse early and often”, because nursing your baby right after birth and frequently thereafter helps establish breast milk supply and helps mom’s uterus contract, reducing the risk for complications as postpartum bleeding and other after-birth issues. Babies are usually ready to nurse within about 20 minutes of birth. Not limiting baby’s time at the breast, but rather breastfeeding on demand means mom will develop a healthy milk supply and avoid issues with plugged ducts or mastitis.
Avoid Artificial Nipples
Pacifiers are best avoided in the early weeks when the mom and her baby are still learning correct positioning. The same happens with artificial bottles and other kinds of artificial nipples that can disrupt the supply and demand balance that makes breastfeeding work. Another concern is nipple confusion -when the baby is no longer able to suck at the breast because he gets used to the artificial nipple-, that without proper support could lead to and end of the nursing journey. Despite what some Pediatricians and experts say, the experience of many mothers and breastfeeding experts over the years has shown that some babies have trouble switching from breast to bottle. Wait until the baby is several weeks old to introduce bottles, and delay its introduction for as long as possible.
Give It Six Weeks
While for some breastfeeding mom and baby couples the whole breastfeeding journey is straightforward, for other families it could come one challenge after another. But usually even for those experiencing nursing challenges at the beginning, breastfeeding ends up getting easy after 6 weeks. Take it one day at a time, but don’t get discouraged too soon. Very often, things unexpectedly improve when the newborn matures a bit. Get help from a breastfeeding support group, a Lactation Consultant, or another breastfeeding mom if you need it.
Happy successful breastfeeding journey!
