Breastfeeding: A wonderful mix of warmth, nourishment, and love

Breastfeeding is something new that you and your baby discover together, it is a learning process for both of you. It can take a little time to get hold of this blissful journey. But, once you are into it completely, you will know how it can work wonders for both of you.

Apart from the fact that breast milk makes your baby healthy, exclusive breastfeeding for six months can protect your baby from various ailments such as asthma, obesity, ear infections, respiratory diseases, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), diabetes, and many more. It can also lower your risk of high blood pressure, ovarian and breast cancer, type 2 diabetes and helps reduce pregnancy weight.

Breastfeeding your baby

In whatever position you are breastfeeding, a good latch is always crucial. It will not only help you in establishing a good breastfeeding bond with your baby but may also prevent you from problems like sore nipples, blocked milk ducts, and mastitis.

But getting a good latch is not always as easy as it sounds. A step-by-step procedure will help your baby in a correct and comfortable latch. For a good latch:

-Ensure proper alignment of your baby’s head, neck, and spine. The chin should be up in a way that it touches your breast.

-Hold your baby close to your breast so its nose is level up with your nipple.

-Encourage your baby to open a wide mouth for which you can aim your nipple towards the top of his mouth.

-Ensure you can see a much darker part of your nipple above his upper lip than below his lower lip.

Positions you can try to breastfeed

Not every position is comfortable for every mother and baby, but some of the best include:

Cradle hold

The cradle hold is considered the superior position for breastfeeding. It involves:

-Sitting straight on an armchair or a couch for proper support at your back. Hold the baby in your lap with its head resting on your arm.

-Keep your baby turned towards you so that his belly touches your belly and the baby faces your breast.

Cross-cradle hold

This position is considered the best for newborns. It is much similar to the cradle hold position. But, in this position, the mother supports the baby with the arm and hand opposite to the breast from which the baby feeds.

Side-lying position

A side-lying position is best if you have given birth through caesarean as it helps avoid pressure on your stitches. It is also best for night feeding.

-Ensure that your baby is lying beside you on their side and its head on the level of your breast.

-You can support yourself and your baby with the help of back pillows. Also, ensure that your breast does not obstruct your baby’s nose.

Rugby or football hold

If you have issues like sore nipples or breast engorgement or have twin babies to feed, this position will be best for you.

It requires:

– Holding your baby like a football or rugby ball along your forearm, your baby should face towards your breast while his body should be on your arm.

-Support your baby’s back with your upper arm to align his body in position.

Remember, breastfeeding is the best time to cherish and nourish your bond with your baby. So, be patient to enjoy every aspect of it.

Stay connected to know more about breastfeeding in our upcoming blog.