Breastfeeding 101: A Guide On How To Breastfeed After Birth
At Cheyenne OBGYN, we understand that breastfeeding can be a scary idea for new mothers. The mechanics of breastfeeding alone is confusing, leading to extra nerves that new mothers do not need. Breastfeeding is vital for your baby’s health, and it is important to understand the process and benefits of breastfeeding.
What is breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a method of feeding your baby naturally. Often within a few hours after birth, your baby will need to start breastfeeding. They will latch onto your breast and drink milk produced by your body. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to breastfeed:
- Skin-to-skin contact
After the birth, you may be encouraged to hold your baby close to you and have skin-to-skin contact. Hold your baby facing your chest so they can bond and feel comfortable.
- Express breast
Express your breast so you are ready to start feeding. There should be a few drops of milk that appear on your nipple.
- Position your baby
Once you are in a comfortable position, guide your baby to your nipple. You can support your breast from underneath to help the baby latch on. Keep them close and position them so they can easily access your nipple.
- Latching on
Aim your nipple just above your baby’s top lip and pull your baby onto your breast to encourage latching. Once they latch, their mouth should cover the majority of your areola. You will feel your baby squeeze the milk ducts under your areola, and they will begin feeding.
Benefits of breastfeeding
There are several benefits to breastfeeding for you and your baby. Your break milk contains antibodies that can help build your baby’s immune system. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of your baby developing certain illnesses, including asthma, obesity, eczema, ear infections, diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
New mothers also benefit from breastfeeding, as it helps them return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster and recover from childbirth. Breastfeeding also prevents other health problems, including heart diseases, breast and ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
What to expect when breastfeeding
Breastfeeding looks different to each mother and baby. Your baby’s eating schedule will change over time and there are no set amounts for when your baby will need to eat. If your baby shows signs of being hungry, breastfeeding them earlier on will help prevent crying and difficulty when feeding.
Healthcare experts recommend that mothers breastfeed their children for the first six months at least. Once that six-month-mark hits, you can start to mix solid foods into their diet while continuing to breastfeed. Some parents continue to breastfeed well over the baby’s first year, and some stop breastfeeding and switch to formula early on.
What to do when you are having difficulty breastfeeding
While we recommend breastfeeding, we understand that sometimes new mothers have difficulties with the process. If you are having problems, talk to your healthcare provider, midwife, or a lactation consultant. Visit Cheyenne OBGYN if you are struggling and we can provide you with helpful resources. Remember to be kind to yourself and don’t feel guilty if you are having trouble breastfeeding.
Take care of yourself
Remember to take care of your own health so you can ensure your baby is healthy. Eat a clean diet, stay hydrated, and don’t give up. At Cheyenne OBGYN, we have treatments and care for you post-pregnancy if you need any help or encouragement. We want you and your baby to feel safe, happy, and healthy, so never hesitate to reach out.