Breastfeeding Tips and Benefits
Give Your Baby All Nutrients

Fear of pain is a normal feeling during the first day you feed your baby. It does hurt for a couple of days, but it shouldn't be excruciatingly painful, it should just be uncomfortable.

Some moms have sore breasts in the first 2 weeks, but in some way that is considered normal. What it hurts most moms, is the engorgement of the breasts, which is also considered normal because you are producing a lot of milk.

Usually the breast pain is because of a latch issue; the most common latch issue is that the baby is not getting enough breast in his mouth. To solve that problem, your nipple should end up at the back of the baby's mouth, nearly down his throat!

However regardless of any discomfort, you should take into account the following breastfeeding benefits for your baby.

Breastfeeding Tips: Benefits for your baby

• Breast milk is ideal for the beginning of your baby and it has everything he needs for good growth during the first 6 months.
• Breast milk contains antibodies that help to fight infections. Colostrum has a high protein, rich in antibodies and easy to digest.
• Breast milk is easier to digest than formula milk and does not cause constipation, stomach discomfort or diarrhea.
• Your baby is less likely to develop ear infections and gastroenteritis.

Other proven benefits include:

• Better development of intelligence.
• A lower risk of allergies in families.
• A possible protection against diabetes.
• Babies who are breastfed tend to have lower cholesterol level and blood pressure, and less probabilities to develop childhood obesity in the future.

Breastfeeding Tips: Benefits for you Mom

• Breastfeeding makes you feel closer to your baby, providing moments of relaxation. It is a rewarding experience for both.
• Breastfeeding helps the uterus to contract and recover its shape more quickly.
• The fat accumulated in your body during pregnancy is converted into energy to produce milk.
• Women who breastfeed, have a lower risk of ovarian cancer, breast cancer and osteoporosis in the future.

Other benefits include:

Breast milk is sterile and it is always ready for your baby at any time and place, and the temperature is perfect, even in the middle of the night. And It's free!

Other Breastfeeding Tips

Have some help: If you can, ask your partner, your mother or friend to help you with food shopping, and housework during the first weeks, until you have set a peaceful rate for breastfeeding.

Get comfortable: Choose your favorite chair, bed or the place you feel more comfortable. If it helps to get more relaxed, dim the light of the room and put soothing music.

Be prepared: To avoid interruptions during breastfeeding, make sure to have a bib or a towel for your baby, something to eat and drink, a couple of pillows to hold your back and arms, and some warm compresses (towels) to help to increase breast milk,. Lower the sound of your phone, turn it off or have it close to you to avoid interruptions.

Eat a balanced diet: Women who breastfeed, usually are very thirsty. Water is the best liquid for your body. It is also recommendable to have soups, fruits, vegetables and milk. These nutrients help to have a greater milk flow. Avoid smoking and drugs, and do not drink alcohol or caffeine. If you have any questions, ask your doctor, midwife or pediatrician.

And Last but not least for Breastfeeding Tips!

Enjoy the moment: It's a good chance to enjoy your baby. Talk to him, sing him, it is the best way to tell him how much you love him.

If you have other experiences when breastfeeding your baby, click here to share with visitors to this page!

Having your first baby is the biggest change you will experience in your life, the first few weeks can be very exciting and you may be confused with other advice received from friends or family. My sincere recommendation is that, trust yourself, and if you get desperate, ask for help from your midwife or lactation specialist, or other mothers who are actually breastfeeding.

An excellent resource that I recommend is the “La Leche League”. This association helps mothers worldwide to 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.

Read also:

Breast During Pregnancy | Breastfeeding Positions | Breastfeeding Problems

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