How to do it ? How to manage the milk flow? How do I know if my baby has had enough to drink? Our advice to start breastfeeding as calmly as possible.
Difficult, painful, tiring… breastfeeding is not always easy to approach and, due to a lack of practice and information, it can raise some apprehensions. But the choice to breastfeed or not belongs to young mothers. If you have decided to opt for this natural way of eating, here is 10 tips to help you get off to a smooth start. Manual.
1 – How to be well informed before the birth?
Misconceptions, fears, questions… If you want to opt for breast feeding but if questions are holding you back, or if you just want to be informed, now is the time to document yourself. Mainly think about maintenance of the fourth month of pregnancy, which is part of the birth preparation sessions: you have a great opportunity to talk about your breastfeeding project with a midwife who will answer all your questions, even the most personal ones. This interview is offered systematically in maternity wards. If this is not the case, do not hesitate to request this personalized interview.
2 – Baby is here: long live the welcome feeding
If possible, put baby to the breast as soon as possible! This will accelerate the onset of lactation. Within two hours of birth maximum, if all went well. Indeed, baby has a sucking reflex stronger at this time. It is during this period that he will be most receptive to learning, and therefore to that of suckle for food. Skin-to-skin contact after birth is particularly conducive to a baby’s desire to suckle. If however this was not possible due to a caesarean section, for example, do not worry: your lactation will be done anyway.
3 – Milk and its variations: get to know your milk
- At the very beginning, you secrete what is called colostrum: this thick yellow liquid is a real concentrate of antibodies and vitamins for your little one. Colostrum is present approximately from the first to the 4th or 5th day.
- It then leaves room for colostral milk, or so-called transitional milka thicker yellowish liquid made of colostrum and breast milk: it happens when the milk comes in.
- Then comes breast milk, rather bluish in color, whose composition changes according to the time of day (it is richer at night), the baby’s age and even during feeding (richer in water and lactose at the beginning because baby thirsty, then fatter during feeding).
4 – The rise of milk: apply some “tricks”
A rise of milk can be painful: your breasts are swollen, hot, heavy, tense… sensitive also ! Indeed, the influx of milk can cause engorgement. Put baby to the breast when you feel this milk surge. You can also perform small massages to relieve yourself: under a hot shower, massage your chest in circles. Start at the base of the chest and massage gradually to the center, gently. This will allow you to express the excess milk. During breastfeeding, engorgement may occur (too much milk production). The same advice remains valid, you can also massage your breasts during feeding so that the milk flows better. A breast pump can also help.
5 – Small inconveniences: take action!
For a few days, sucking the baby can be uncomfortable for the very young mother. If that is the case, check the correct position of your baby : belly against belly, he is turned towards you, his mouth covers the entire nipple, areola included. Her lips are upturned and her tongue placed under the nipple. You don’t lean over your baby, you sit comfortably. If his sucking hurts you, apply a drop of milk to the nipple immediately after feeding : very effective ! You can also apply a cream like castor equi, which poses no problem for baby feedings and will allow you to heal. But againit is the correct position of the baby at the breast that will allow you to avoid these inconveniences as much as possible. Against small milk leaks, you can provide small pads to slip into your nursing bra. Be sure to wear lingerie that gives you good support. To choose the right bra, plan for one more cup than the one you wear at the end of pregnancy. Also favor special clothes, which allow you to breastfeed without undressing too much, for more comfort.
6 – How often should baby drink?
On the rhythm side, you can put baby to the breast on demand. Babies are very different when it comes to feeding, but soon you will know the needs of yours. Some will suckle 7 times in 24 hours, others more! Your milk production will quickly adapt to its needs. When baby nurses, he stimulates your lactation by sucking. This is why it is important to put him to the breast often at the beginning and to leave him there as long as he needs it. Thus, you respond perfectly to his request. In terms of duration, some babies drink in 5 minutes, others will only be satisfied after an hour of indolent feeding. To know if he is drinking well, baby suckles more vigorously at first, we see his ears move, and we hear him swallow. Then the pace slows down, when he is less hungry.
7 – How to know if baby has drunk well?
A baby who drinks enough wets about 5 to 6 diapers a day, and has golden yellow stools with small grains. He takes on average 450 g per month or 115 g to 200 g per week, as explained by Mélanie Schmidt-Ulmann, author of 100 breastfeeding and doula reflexes. A weekly weigh-in is normally sufficient to ensure that the weight gain is good. Regarding your own diet, it must be varied, and you must drink a lot, but be careful: avoid coffee which is exciting and carbonated drinks whose bubbles can give your child colic. Eat everything in reasonable quantities: the taste of your milk will change depending on what you eat: a good way to awaken it to different flavors!
8 – What if the milk does not come?
Sometimes, the rise of milk is delayed! It will be all the more necessary for you to drink in good quantity. Besides, breastfeeding makes you thirsty! You can also try breastfeeding teas, some mothers see a galactogenic effect. However, do not consume it non-stop, because the effect could quickly dissipate. Use them when a need arises. For good breastfeeding, you also need… good sleep! It is tempting, when baby is sleeping, to fuss around the house: mistake! In the early days at least, it is better to sleep when he is also sleeping. It is essential for your milk production to be well rested. As much as possible, avoid supplement bottles, which can disrupt your lactation. If necessary, talk to a healthcare professional or a lactation consultant.
9 – Have confidence in yourself!
An entourage who accompanies you, a husband who supports you, that is what will help you. On your side, having confidence in your ability to breastfeed is important, stress does not mix well with breastfeeding. The more relaxed you are, the better it will go. Trust your baby too.
10 – Surround yourself!
To help you if necessary, do not hesitate to contact the medical staff or lactation consultants who will provide answers to any questions you may have. Do not hesitate to seek advice from your PMI. Consultations are possible, and you can have your baby weighed to reassure you of his good weight gain, or ask questions that may bother you during breastfeeding.