Nursing Tips from a New Mom
Before my son was born, I never anticipated that breastfeeding would be so difficult for me. I thought because it was a natural process, it would come to me, well...naturally. For some moms, it is easy, but don't feel alone if you find the process difficult or even impossible. I have compiled some helpful tips below that should make feeding time easier.
Use hospital resources. I tried to learn everything I could from the lactation specialist at the hospital after I realized I needed help. Women who seek help have higher success rates, so talk to your child's pediatrician, or ask for the lactation specialists phone number before you leave the hospital.
Check out La Leche League. As stated on their website, www.laleche.org this organization's mission is to help mothers worldwide, breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. It is a great place to look for support and answers.
Prepare for the nursing session. Breastfeeding can take awhile. To ensure that you are comfortable, take a moment to grab something to drink, maybe something to read, or make sure the remote is close at hand, and don't forget to use the restroom! You will be surprised at how much taking a few seconds for yourself will relax you.
Frozen peas aren't just for dinner anymore! If your nipples are sore, a cold compress will help. When I was a ballet dancer (a long time ago), frozen peas were a great remedy for my sore knees. As a new mom, that same bag of peas is great for relieving sore nipples!
Warm compresses help the milk flow! No one ever told me my milk ducts would be engorged and even blocked. Warm showers help, but compresses might work even better for you. Try to heat up a washcloth or a flax pillow in the microwave and conform it to the shape of your breast for relief.
Happy nursing new moms!
