How to breastfeed: Tips and recommended goods for breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is essential for caring for your baby. It's not just a meal for the baby, it's also an important time to strengthen the bond between mom and baby. I'm sure there are many questions, such as which is better, breast milk or formula, and are there any tricks to getting your baby to drink it properly? Let's solve them one by one.
Is breast milk better than milk?
Many mothers want to breastfeed, and it is true that breastfeeding can be beneficial for both mother and baby.
However, this does not mean that breastfeeding with milk is a bad idea. This is because both breast milk and formula are nutritionally appropriate for a baby's growth. Of course, you can also use them together.
Breastfeeding, whether it's breast milk or formula, is an important form of communication with your baby. Let's interact with each other in a relaxed and kind manner.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
Breast milk contains immune substances and hormones, so if you feed it even in small amounts, it will help protect your baby from illness. Breastfeeding also has positive effects on the mother's body, such as promoting uterine contractions and making it easier to regain weight.
At first, it may be difficult to produce breast milk, but don't worry, your milk will gradually start to flow as you interact with your baby and your baby sucks on your breasts.
On the other hand, the biggest advantage of using milk is that anyone other than the mother can breastfeed. If you want your baby to drink milk, be sure to actively try it too.
What is the best position for breastfeeding?
It is important that the baby's mouth and nipple are at the same height, and that the baby's face is in front of the nipple. Hold the baby so that the baby's entire body is facing towards mom and the body and head are straight, without twisting or bending the neck. Support the baby's body with the arm opposite to the breast you feed, and place your hand on the back of the baby's head to stabilize the baby.
This is something that moms do every day, and many times a day, so it is important for moms to find a position that is comfortable for them. It may be easier to sit or lie down so that you can fully bear your weight, but you can use whatever position is comfortable for you. However, if your back is distorted, it will put more strain on you than necessary, so be careful about that.
A hip seat is recommended for maintaining posture.
When adjusting the height of a hug, a cushion or towel is often used, but a hip seat is recommended because it has just the right amount of cushioning, is durable, doesn't get tired easily, and is easy to use.
The benefits of the hip seat include being able to hold the baby in a comfortable position, and reducing the strain on the mother's hands and arms as the baby's weight is firmly supported by the wide base. It also helps prevent tendonitis.
BABY&Me's baby carrier is characterized by its three parts that can be rearranged and used, and can also be used as a hip seat alone, so it is very useful from the moment the baby is born.
Any tips on how to drink it well?
In order to suck properly, the trick is to take the nipple deeply into your mouth, not just the tip. Bring the baby's face close enough that the baby's chin is firmly against the mother's breast. If your baby only feeds from one breast, the other breast may not produce enough milk, so alternate feeding from the left and right breasts.
If there is still some breast left after breastfeeding, squeeze it out. This will make it easier for your breasts to come out again next time.
How do I drink milk?
Use a sterilized baby bottle and nipple to make milk according to the instructions. The temperature when drinking is about human skin temperature. Adjust it so it's not too hot or too cold.
Just like when breastfeeding, take care to angle the nipple so that it is in front of your baby's face, and place it firmly and deeply in your mouth.
There are many types of baby bottle nipples on the market with different materials, sizes, and hole shapes. Choose the one that suits your baby's mouth and sucking power.
What if I finish drinking?
Whether it's breast milk or formula, the basics of breastfeeding are ``when you want it, just what you want.'' When your baby is satisfied, feeding time is over. Hold your baby vertically so that he is leaning against your mother's body, and rub or pat his back to make him burp. This is to allow the air you have inhaled to be exhaled so that it does not become painful.
Why won't you drink?
Your baby may not want to breastfeed even though he/she is not full.
There are several possible reasons.
The first thing to check is whether your posture is appropriate. Make sure your baby's face is straight against the nipple, and that their neck or body is not twisted or bent to ensure they are in the right position to relax.
If you are using a baby bottle, there may be reasons such as the nipple is cold and uncomfortable, you do not like the shape or material, or the size is not suitable. If you try changing the manufacturer or material, or warm it up to human skin, it may become palatable.
There is also a possibility that the mother and father's frustration and impatience are being transmitted to the baby. If you can't think of any other reason and your baby refuses to feed, you may want to take a deep breath.
☆The Children and Families Agency has released three types of breastfeeding support guides. It's explained in an easy-to-understand manner, so check it out if you're interested ↓↓↓
▼Breastfeeding preparation guide for pregnant mothers
▼"Breastfeeding Start Guide" for mothers who are about to give birth
▼"Guide to resolving breastfeeding difficulties" for mothers who are more than two weeks postpartum
