Just like giving birth, you cannot prepare for breastfeeding in advance. We never know how our body and baby will behave and what they will need. Here are the most common problems that new mothers face when they start breastfeeding. If you are lucky enough to have one, we will try to advise you on how to deal with it.
The cause of the crazy pain in the nipples is said to be improper latching of the baby. How to properly attach the baby is a chapter for itself (and you can find it here - link to the next article), but it must be said that many mothers initially experience pain even when attaching the baby more confidently. So hang on and don't get discouraged! Pay attention to the correct position of the baby, insert the breast into his baby's mouth as thoroughly as possible, and the baby will gradually learn the correct grip, so your toes will stop curling.
For the first two to three days after giving birth, you may feel that you do not have enough milk for your baby. This is because the colostrum (primary milk that is produced immediately after birth) gradually turns into "mature milk" and the mammary glands are still adapting to the new demand. The baby may be cranky and hungry for sucking on these days. Indulge him, it's the best way to increase milk production. In addition, above all, drink a lot and cuddle with the baby skin to skin. There will be enough milk soon.
You may experience the feeling that your milk is not enough for the baby several more times when the so-called growth spurt occurs. Read about it so it doesn't surprise you.
Just when you stop thinking that you are low on milk, the opposite problem may surprise you. Breasts are filled to bursting, hot, lumpy and painful. What with this? Get into a hot shower, warm your breasts in it and massage the hardened areas. When the tissue loosens up, breastfeed and breastfeed, your baby will help you best of all. Between feedings, you can cool the breasts with compresses. A bra will help prevent excessive filling of the breasts and areolas (which are then harder for the baby to grasp). And if you feel that nothing helps, you can try Paralen or Ibalgin at night. Medications while breastfeeding are not the ideal solution, but they can get you through the worst overnight and prevent mastitis - link to next article
He is hungry, but as soon as he sucks, he falls asleep and just broods. Thanks to this, your nipples are torn to the point of blood, the baby is not gaining weight and is still calling for breastfeeding. What with this? Wake him up. Gently tickle him under his ear and under his chin until he begins to audibly swallow milk. If he sleeps like a log, remove his breast. When he falls asleep, repeat the action. A baby should eat whenever he wants and as much as he wants. But don't let him make a pacifier out of you - for the sake of both of you :)
The psyche is powerful, and sometimes even the only obnoxious nurse in the maternity ward or a nagging aunt can cause a new mother to finally give up breastfeeding. So, if you hear a message from someone like: "You will never breastfeed with these breasts", please let it slide like spit on a raincoat and don't let it into your soul! You are an amazing and capable mom, and your breasts are equally amazing and perfectly capable of feeding your baby. And if you still feel unsure, contact a lactation consultant. Many of them can almost make dads happy :)
We have our fingers crossed for you!