We often believe that breastfeeding a baby is something instinctive (and it is) but the reality is that many mothers find it difficult to adapt. That if the rise in milk does not arrive, that if the baby does not get hooked well, that if the nipples suffer... These are just some of the problems that every mother is, to a greater or lesser extent, before she can start breastfeeding. If this is your case, relax, arm yourself with patience and follow our advice.
Find the right posture
The first hours of your baby's life are crucial to start breastfeeding correctly. A bad posture or a bad hook of the baby to the breast can lead to problems of irritability and uncontrolled crying on the part of the baby and in cracks, mastitis or low milk production in your case.
To find the perfect posture It is important that you have a relaxed place, whose ambient temperature is neither too cold nor too warm and where you can sit or lie comfortably.
There are many totally valid positions to make your breastfeeding a beautiful experience. The first that all mothers try, the classic, is to place your baby with the head on the forearm, holding his back with your hand and with the body facing you, totally facing your chest. You can help with cushions or a nursing pillow so that her ass and legs rest on her and you are more comfortable.
At this point, it is convenient to highlight that so that the baby can get a good grip on your chest not only has to grab the nipple but also part of your areola. In this way, when sucking it will press the galactophon zone where the milk is produced and stimulate its output while manufacturing more quantity.
A good way to know if you have hooked well is check if your lips are everted, with special attention to whether the lower side is "turned out", if its chin is against the chest and if the nose is attached to your breast. If not, try these other positions:
Other postures to breastfeed
If your baby is premature or small You may find it difficult to get hooked with the traditional posture. Test cross position in which you will hold his head and back with the opposite hand to the chest that you are going to offer him.
Another popular position is called rugby position, especially if you have twins or if your delivery has been by caesarean section. As the name implies, it is as if you were holding a rugby ball. You will place your baby on the side with the feet back and the body below your arms.
For night shots, the perfect posture is lying. If you are lying on your back you can put the baby on top of you looking upside down or put both of you in profile.
Another reason why you have to change the posture to breastfeed your baby is if you suffer from mastitis. The baby should stop pressing the inflamed area with what, one of the options is, put yourself on all fours on the bed, place your baby lying on his back and lean until he can grab.
If you notice that your baby has regurgitation It is also a sign that you are not breastfeeding with proper posture. Try to straddle it, that is, sitting on your leg and facing your chest.
How to take care of your chest
The skin of the chest is especially sensitive and requires some care to prevent the nipple from cracking. For this it is very important to strictly follow very simple hygiene guidelines, such as always use protective discs to prevent the rubbing of the nipple with the textile of your clothes hurt them.
Always keep this area hydrated in the simplest way, that is, using your own milk which also has healing properties. In addition, it will be most soothing to massage this area as soon as you finish breastfeeding, especially if you have a principle of irritated nipple.
If despite proper hygiene you cannot avoid cracking your nipples, use Chicco Natural Feeling, ideal in these cases because it will relieve pain while allowing you to continue breastfeeding. In addition, it is also suitable in the case of flat nipples. You can find it in rubber and silicone and in two sizes.
Finally, follow the routine of take a daily shower. In addition to hygiene, water at an appropriate temperature acts as a relaxant, so you can fully enjoy your breastfeeding.
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