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Breast-feeding: What every mom needs to know
Gauge your success
When your baby is latched on successfully, you'll feel a gentle pulling sensation on your breast — rather than a pinching or biting sensation on your nipple. Your breasts may feel firm or full before the feeding, and softer or emptier afterward. Look for your baby to gain weight steadily, produce six to eight wet diapers a day and be content between feedings. Your baby's stools will become yellow, seedy and loose.
Take care of your nipples
After each feeding, it's OK to let the milk dry naturally on your nipple. If you're in a hurry, gently pat your nipple dry. To keep your nipples dry between feedings, change bra pads often.
When you bathe, keep soap, shampoo and other cleansers away from your nipples. If your nipples are dry or cracked, try an ointment containing lanolin. Rubbing olive oil or expressed milk on your nipples may help, too.
Think privacy
Many breast-feeding moms wear loose tops that can be partially unbuttoned — from the bottom up — for feedings. You can also use a receiving blanket to cover yourself and your baby while you're breast-feeding. If you'd like more privacy, ask someone to hold a baby blanket or stand in front of you while you get the baby settled.
Make healthy lifestyle choices
Your lifestyle choices are just as important when you're breast-feeding as they were when you were pregnant.
- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Rest as much as possible.
- Only take medication with your doctor's OK.
- Don't smoke.
Also beware of caffeine and alcohol. Too much caffeine can make your baby irritable and interfere with your baby's sleep. If you choose to have an occasional alcoholic drink, avoid breast-feeding for two hours afterward.
And if you're exclusively or partially feeding your infant breast milk, talk with your doctor about vitamin D supplements for your baby. Breast milk may not provide enough vitamin D, which is essential to help your baby absorb calcium and phosphorus — necessary for strong bones. Too little vitamin D may cause rickets, a softening and weakening of bones.
Give it time
If breast-feeding is tougher than you expected, try not to get discouraged. It's OK to have a slow start. As you and your baby get to know each other, breast-feeding will begin to feel more natural.
If you're struggling, ask a lactation consultant or your baby's doctor for help — especially if every feeding is painful or your baby isn't gaining weight. Although your nipples may be tender for the first few weeks, breast-feeding isn't supposed to hurt. If you haven't worked with a lactation consultant, ask your baby's doctor for a referral or check with the obstetrics department at a local hospital. Early support is often the key to breast-feeding success.
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