6 breastfeeding tips that can prepare new moms for this very special moment (+ bonus)

Breastfeeding is very important for the baby’s health and can strengthen the emotional ties between the mother and the newborn. Despite this, this task can be quite challenging, because as the saying goes, “babies don’t come with a manual”. Therefore, the ideal is to be prepared to make the most of this moment and make it as comfortable as possible.

O incredible.club gathered some practical tips to help new moms when breastfeeding. Thus, it will be possible to avoid some mishaps and facilitate this task. In the end, we brought a bonus which can be very useful so that some mothers do not feel guilty.

Despite being something instinctive, breastfeeding is a process that needs to be developed, both by the mother and the baby. This was detected in a study with “first-time” chimpanzee mothers, who were less skilled than those who had already breastfed. Difficulties were greater for those who did not have a visual reference to learn. Something that many human mothers also experience.

Newborns are attracted to the mother’s smell and are born with the sucking reflex, but it takes some practice to express milk correctly, as it’s not just about squeezing the nipples and sucking directly. Your baby needs to put pressure on the areola and latch on properly—you’ll know it’s wrong if it hurts. So, to avoid trial and error and speed up this process, it’s interesting to have some references to become aware of the practice. This can be done by observing and talking with a friend, relative (grandmothers are excellent teachers) or, if no one is around, at a breastfeeding center.

In order for the baby to “lock” when breastfeeding, position him correctly. Line up his nose with your nipple and glue belly to belly. Once the mouth is fully open, bring it to the chest so that it covers the entire areola. This will prevent injuries. Then, insert the nipple deep inside your mouth. The lips should be bent outwards, like a “little fish”. The chin should already be leaning against the breast, so that he can move his tongue and extract the milk correctly.

To bring him closer to you, press between his shoulders. If it still hurts after the first few sucks, unhook and reposition. In the same way, if it is not good for the baby, he will cry. Pain and feeling of pressure are normal in the first few days, as the newborn sucks very hard. If the discomfort persists and the breast is injured, it is an indication that the position is not right and must be corrected. Also be aware of sounds and dimples on the cheek that may indicate air sucking. To adjust, slide your finger into baby’s mouth and start over.

It is recommended that the mother stay in contact – skin to skin – with the baby for at least one hour after birth; this is called the Golden Hour. At this time, it is possible to give only a few drops of colostrum, as his stomach is quite small. This attitude accelerates adaptation to life outside the womb, reinforces the immune system, strengthens affective bonds and helps to produce oxytocin, a hormone that helps in the contraction of the uterus and causes the mother to lose less blood after childbirth.

Breastfeeding soon after childbirth also helps the milk to flow through the ducts and educates the newborn for this moment of feeding. It also assists in the expulsion of the placenta, if this has not already occurred. It is worth noting that not all babies are prepared to suck, which may suggest that the mother is unable to produce milk (or produces little). There are also those cases of more sleepy children who are “too lazy” to breastfeed. But the fact is that it is important to stimulate contact and give a few drops, which will be enough in that first moment. Afterwards, if you want, the two of you can sleep together.

Breast milk changes in terms of thickness, color and nutrients in the first few weeks of breastfeeding. There are three stages of change: colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk. All of them are important and play a role in child development. Therefore, the best option is to avoid formulas, unless medically indicated, and only feed the newborn with breast milk.

The first type, colostrum, begins to be produced during pregnancy and lasts for a few days after birth. It is more yellowish, creamy and thick, with many minerals, vitamins and antibodies, providing protection against various bacteria and viruses. The transition milk lasts about two weeks and is rich in lactose, vitamins and fat, being more caloric than the previous one.

Finally, mature milk is what remains for the remainder of the breastfeeding period. It is 90% water and 10% protein, carbohydrates and fat, making it essential for your baby’s growth. It is divided into anterior and posterior. The previous milk is composed of water, proteins and vitamins. After it comes the posterior, which has more fat and less water, being important for weight gain. Also, the color of milk can be white, bluish or yellowish, but depending on what you ate, it can take on an orange, pink, green or brown hue.

Creating a support network with other mothers is very important to stay strong during the breastfeeding period and this can even be done over the phone. The intention is to exchange experiences and talk about the challenges and benefits of breastfeeding.

According to one study, talking to other nursing mothers made 75% of mothers continue breastfeeding for at least six months. However, only 69% of those who only received guidance at the maternity ward arrived at the same time. This exchange is effective because it is possible to solve doubts, standardize behaviors and raise questions. In addition, it generates a feeling of empathy, which motivates you to continue breast feeding.

Before the baby arrives, create a comfortable and functional environment, with utensils that make this moment easier and more enjoyable. You don’t have to spend a lot, just get an armchair or chair, normal or rocking, as movement helps babies calm down. Another tip is breastfeeding pillows, which support the baby’s weight and relieve the neck, arms and shoulders.

You can buy a custom one, use a sofa cushion or pillow, or even make one at home. Finally, put a table nearby, with snacks, water, breast pads, bibs and some distraction, after all, you will spend a good time there.

The ideal is to create an atmosphere of positivity. For this, it is worth decorating with plants such as gerberas, peace lilies and anthuriums, which filter the air of substances such as benzene, trichlorethylene and formaldehyde. It is also possible to paint the room or corner with colors such as violet, blue, pale pink, green, gray and white, which are calming and bring peace to the environment.

You can still use photographs, phrases and what else to collaborate to make her less stressed and the baby calmer. So it can be nice to get away from the noise, dim the lights and put on relaxing music in the background. You can also take this moment to read or listen to a book, write a maternity diary or even meditate.

Despite all the benefits linked to breastfeeding and direct contact with the baby, some mothers may not be able to feed their children directly from the breast. This can happen for several reasons, such as excessive pain, milk that has dried up, certain illnesses or even because they don’t want to. And that shouldn’t be a reason to feel guilty or ashamed, after all, it’s a woman’s decision. The issue was well expressed by presenter Fernanda Gentil, who a few years ago made an outburst and called attention to this situation.

So, if you go through this, the most important thing is to seek expert help and seek support, as something may be wrong and there are always ways to facilitate the process. This is important to avoid early weaning, common in our country, where breastfeeding lasts only 54 days, on average. It is also good to consult with more than one doctor. After all, even pediatricians can discourage mothers, giving a negative diagnosis while still in the maternity ward and prescribing formulas. Talk to a specialist doctor you trust.

Another tip is to seek help from a consultant, a milk bank — Brazil has the largest in the world — or support groups, such as the Virtual Breastfeeding Group or IBFAN. And if you don’t want to, you can feed your baby formula, which is recommended in many cases. Another option may be relactation, in which the baby suckles at the mother’s breast and receives formula through a tube. This causes production to be stimulated and provides the necessary nutrients.

Are you looking forward to breastfeeding or are you already an expert? Leave your expectations or breastfeeding advice in the comments.