Best Start for Breastfeeding Success

Best Start for Breastfeeding Success

Contributed by Elina S. Arulraj, MSPT, IBCLC

Elina leads a weekly breastfeeding support group at the Yummy Mummy Store in NYC every Tuesday at 11:30.

Breastfeeding your baby is a different experience for every new or seasoned mom. What works for one mom and baby duo may not for another. For many moms, breastfeeding starts off without a hitch or very little difficulty so it is best not to psych yourself up beforehand!

The best advice I can give to all new mothers is to nest in with your new little one as soon as possible after birth. Do a lot of skin to skin with your baby on your chest which helps both of you to get back in sync with each other after a delivery or c-section.

Feed your baby frequently the first few days in the hospital and if it hurts get help as soon as you can to get the baby latched on deeply and avoid complications down the road.

Try to catch the baby when they demonstrate early hunger signs such as rooting, placing their fingers/hands in their mouth or making cooing sounds. Crying is a late feeding cue and it is always harder to latch a baby properly when they are too hungry or upset.

Take note of the time the baby starts feeding but try to pay attention to baby’s active sucking more than the clock!

And remember what goes in must come out! Keep track of your baby’s wet/poop diapers and consult a Lactation Consultant or a Pediatrician for guidelines to know how many you should be looking out for or for any other specific problems you encounter.

While breastfeeding may take some work initially, it is an amazing way to bond with your little one and it is a lifelong gift you are giving your baby and yourself.

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