Breastfeeding tips and methods

Breastfeeding helps improve your baby's immunity because breast milk is a natural nutritional supplement for your baby. During the breastfeeding process, mothers also have many things to pay attention to, because some breastfeeding techniques and methods can help promote the baby's body's absorption of breast milk. It can also effectively prevent the mother's breasts from showing signs of sagging, so what are some effective techniques during breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding positions

The breastfeeding posture is very important. Mastering the correct feeding posture is more conducive to the baby's nutrient absorption.

1. Side-lying (football) hold: Let your baby lie on one side of your body, support his back with your forearm, and let his neck and head rest on your hand. This is a good position if you are recovering from a cesarean section as it puts little pressure on the wound.

2. Side-lying holding method: You can lie on your side on the bed with your baby's face facing you, rest your baby's head on your arm, and keep his mouth level with your nipple. Support your back with pillows.

3. Cradle hold: Use the inside of your elbow to support your baby's head, keep his abdomen close to your body, and use your other hand to support your breast. Because only a small portion of the breast is exposed, breastfeeding will be more effective if you lift it out.

4. Rugby hold: The rugby hold is suitable for babies who have difficulty feeding. It also helps the mother observe the baby and adjust the baby's position while the baby is feeding. The steps are to let the baby lie on a wider chair or sofa, place him under your arms, with his head close to your chest, and support his head and shoulders with your fingers. Then place a pillow under your child's head so his mouth can touch your nipple.

Breastfeeding methods

I believe every mother knows that breastfeeding is good, but when you make up your mind to feed your baby with your own milk, do you know the correct way to breastfeed? Don't think that just sticking the nipple in your baby's mouth is the feeding method. There are certain rules for when to feed and what the posture is when feeding.

Breastfeeding method 1: Pay attention to hygiene

Before breastfeeding, mothers must wash their hands and nipples with warm water, and then dry them with a hot towel to prevent sweat, dirt and bacteria on the nipples from entering the baby's body through the mouth when the baby is sucking milk. In addition, before feeding, you should gently massage the breasts, squeeze out the first few drops of milk, and then start breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding method 2: correct posture

In the first few days after delivery, due to fatigue and physical weakness, you can feed your baby while lying in bed. In the future, you should generally adopt a sitting position, sitting on the head of the bed or on an armchair, with one or two soft cushions to support your back, try to relax your whole body, and breastfeed easily and happily. Hold the baby with one arm, pinch the upper part of the nipple with the index and middle fingers of the other hand, and press down slightly with the index finger. This will move the nipple slightly away from the baby's nose to avoid the breast blocking the child's nostrils. It can also prevent choking and spitting up of milk due to excessive milk and rapid sucking.

Breastfeeding method three: feeding time is particular

Many childcare experts say that in the first 3-4 days after the baby is born, the baby should be fed every 2-3 hours, about 8 times during the day, and possibly 2-3 times at night. When the baby reaches 3 months old, he is usually fed about every 4 hours, 5 times during the day and 1-2 times at night. It is recommended that mothers set a fixed feeding time to prevent missed feedings or overfeeding. In addition, it should be noted that mothers should not feed their babies as soon as they cry. They must find out whether the baby is crying because he is hungry, has urinated, or is uncomfortable, and then take corresponding actions.

Breastfeeding method 4: Add complementary food

Generally speaking, even if you are breastfeeding, you can start adding complementary foods when your baby is 6 months old. Complementary foods can provide more diverse and complete nutrients, including calories, iron, vitamins, and even trace elements such as zinc and copper. Giving different types of complementary foods gradually according to different ages can help your baby get used to a variety of flavors and avoid picky eating in the future.