A calm breastfeeding experience
Breastfeeding baby for the first 6 months is a possibility. Breast milk protects against certain infections and provides the necessary nutrients for baby’s good psychomotor development. There are also many benefits for the mother. Breastfeeding nurtures a special relationship between mother and child.
Trusting each other
A mother instinctively knows what is right for her children, just as baby knows what is right for them. This is why they will spontaneously seek their mother’s breast in the first minutes of life. Let everything fall into place: you are naturally prepared to do the most wonderful job in the world. So trust yourself, all the mothers before you have managed! If the first 3 weeks are complicated, try and persevere. Breastfeeding will soon become a routine where you are expert.
A healthy diet
Whilst pregnancy can be very demanding in terms of diet, the diet required during breastfeeding is much simpler. There are no prohibited foods! So you are once again able to enjoy all the food that you really missed. However, whatever you eat passes directly into your milk. This is particularly true of energy drinks, which should therefore be avoided or consumed about 2 hours before a feed. A word of warning, however, during the first months baby will be hungry very often and sometimes without giving you any warning! It can be difficult to adapt to them. So don’t deprive yourself, but opt for moderation instead.
Good habits
Whilst breastfeeding, the only important thing is your comfort and that of your baby. There are no set rules, once again listen to your instinct. If you’re lacking inspiration, certain well-known positions, such as the Madonna or the rugby ball, have been tried and tested by women across the world. The key word here is being comfortable. Ensure that you change positions and the breast with which you feed in order to stimulate your whole body and avoid minor problems.
Take care of your body
You will realise for yourself that without taking the necessary care, your chest may become painful. So that breastfeeding remains a pleasant experience that you share with your baby, don’t hesitate to invest in the necessary equipment. Nursing bras, breast pads, silicone nipples… Little details that make all the difference. If breastfeeding continues to be painful, try applying cold compresses to your breasts, massaging them gently and then exposing them to gentle heat (such as a warm towel). It may be possible that you need extra rest if baby is very hungry or if they are applying too much pressure. Don’t hesitate to express your milk! In this way, dad can join in with feeding baby and you can take a break to ensure that your fatigue doesn’t begin to impact your milk production. Take care of yourself!
Other people
Nobody knows your baby as well as you do: so you know better than anybody else what is right for them. Listen to what others have to say, but most importantly listen to your heart and your body. If you do not wish to expose yourself to others, it is perfectly possible to breastfeed discreetly. Simply cover yourself and baby with a scarf and away you go! Surround yourself with well-meaning people and maybe other breastfeeding mothers to share your experiences.
