7 Keys to Successful Breastfeeding for New-borns that Mothers Should Know
By: Everything Cj
Tags: Baby, Milk, Motherhood, Breastfeeding, Baby Care

7 Keys to Successful Breastfeeding for New-borns that Mothers Should Know

Photo by Dave Clubb on Unsplash

After giving birth, the next experience that you will never forget is breastfeeding your little one. In order for this new activity to run well, you need to understand how to properly breastfeed a newborn.

Because sometimes this period feels more difficult in practice than the theory, you know, Ma.

Especially if there is no support from your partner and family members around your mother. This can reduce Mama’s self-confidence, reduce milk production, and even increase the risk of baby blues syndrome.

1. Early initiation of breastfeeding (IMD)

New-born

As soon as the baby is born, it is best for you to do Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (IMD). Quoted from the website of the Indonesian Breastfeeding Mothers Association (AIMI) , most newborns can breastfeed themselves if they are placed on their mother’s chest immediately after delivery.

Research also shows that IMD has many benefits, not only for babies but also for mothers. Even though you need lots of rest after giving birth, IMD can still be done. Even IMD can be a wonderful first time meeting process for Mama, Papa, and also beloved children.

Papa can also use IMD moments to read prayers in your little one’s ear. So basically, the essence of this IMD itself is skin contact between Mama and the baby, which is then followed by the baby who will feed itself and this is very possible for babies born with cesarean section.

2. Find the right attachment position

New-born attachment

Actually, breastfeeding is not painful for you, provided that all parts of the nipple and part of the areola can actually enter the baby’s mouth (usually the areola at the top is still visible more than the areola at the bottom).

The position of the latching of the baby’s mouth to the breast like this makes Mama’s nipple very close to the soft palate of the baby. In this position, the baby’s chin is against the breast and the nose will be away from the breast, so the baby’s head looks like it is looking up.

This position can make it easier for your little one to suckle, Ma. In addition, pay attention to the position of the baby’s body. Try to keep the body, head and shoulders in a straight line facing Mama, so that the baby’s stomach is attached to your stomach or body.

If necessary, use a nursing pillow to help Mama find a comfortable position.

In essence, a good latching position is when you and your baby feel comfortable so that the breastfeeding process can run smoothly.

3. Don’t forget about Mama’s comfort

Mama’s comfort

A calm atmosphere and a comfortable place also play an important role when you learn to breastfeed in the early days of breastfeeding.

Unfortunately, at this time there are often too many relatives visiting to visit, yes. As a result, Mom’s time to focus on learning to breastfeed and find the right attachment position is sometimes interrupted.

If you also experience it, don’t hesitate to say that you need privacy to breastfeed first. Including if Mama was still being treated at the hospital.

Prioritize needs for bonding aka the little one bonding can occur more quickly between mother and baby. Conditions like this will usually be very understandable by visiting relatives,

If necessary, make an announcement that you are willing to accept visits at least 1–2 weeks after giving birth, so that you have enough time to learn to breastfeed first.

4. Avoid rushing to give a pacifier

pacifier

The difficulty of breastfeeding directly often makes new mothers panic and pessimistic about being able to provide breast milk for their children, so they choose to use a pacifier. In fact, not infrequently there are those who decide to give formula milk.

In fact, the production of breastmilk for new mothers is not much. Over time and the increasing frequency of your little one breastfeeding, the milk production will also increase.

Unfortunately, this often means that the mother’s milk is not enough and that the baby is introduced to pacifiers and formula milk. Even though the way a baby sucks on a pacifier is different from the way he sucks directly from the breast.

It takes more work on the muscles in the cheeks and tongue of the baby to get the milk out of the breast, so the baby’s mouth needs to be wide open to insert most of the areola and the entire nipple into his mouth.

Meanwhile, when sucking a bottle, the baby only needs to open its mouth slightly and the flow of milk from the bottle will easily come out.

Understand, Ma, that babies are clever and intelligent little creatures. If they are accustomed to having a heavier and faster intake of milk then they will prefer a bottle of a pacifier to feeding directly from the breast.

5. Do not hesitate to consult a lactation counsellor

obstacles

When you experience problems or obstacles while breastfeeding your little one, don’t hesitate to consult a lactation counsellor immediately. These experts will help you get the right latching position, find a comfortable position for you, and help with other breastfeeding problems.

In addition to mother and child hospitals, many lactation counsellors have now also established independent clinics, Ma.

If necessary, also invite your husband or other family members to accompany you. Because support is needed from people around Mama to smooth the breastfeeding process.

6. Recognize the baby’s breastfeeding habits

breastfeeding habits

Little by little Mama will begin to recognize your little one’s breastfeeding habits. Remember, Mom, avoid limiting the time to feed and the frequency of breastfeeding.

Often there is information that states that the baby should feed at least 2 to 3 hour intervals. Or other information that states that every hour a baby wants to suckle, it is a sign that the baby is spoiled.

According to AIMI, the two information is only a myth and is a misunderstanding, Ma. It is very natural that when a baby is born, he may breastfeed more often. Because he is also still in the learning stage to be able to get a comfortable breastfeeding position.

A baby who is well attached to the breast will not spend hours on the breast in a single feeding. So if she sucks on one breast for hours at a time, it is either a sign that her attachment is not good or that she is not getting enough milk supply.

7. Never give up

breastfeeding

Remember that no matter how big the problem you face in the early stages of breastfeeding your little one, never give up on the situation. Believe that every obstacle has a solution.

There is no need to hear harsh comments or criticism from other people who are not constructive or just make Mama feel bad.

Instead, surround yourself with supportive people. This includes finding time to regularly consult a lactation counsellor.

That way, the breastfeeding process will run more smoothly and can be passed properly.

That’s the way to breastfeed a new-born that you can do. Keep up the spirit, Ma!

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