6 Good Tips for Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is considered to be the most natural thing about motherhood and is said to connect you and your baby and help you bond. What no one tells you is that breastfeeding can also be a challenge for many first time mothers. Here are some tips that will help you help yourself and your little bundle of joy.
1. Feed your newborn your first milk
The first milk is called colostrums. It is a fluid rich in vitamins, protein and immune factors to protect your baby. A newborn’s stomach is very small and cannot hold a large amount of milk and that is the reason why your early milk is very concentrated, making babies want to feed often in the beginning. Make sure that your baby has the first milk.
2. Feed your baby only milk for the first 6 months
It is proven that breast milk is so important that it is the only food or drink your baby needs for the first 6 months of life. Interestingly, as your baby grows, your milk will also change to keep up with your baby’s needs and continues to have just the right amount of nutrients. Breast milk also contains antibodies and other immune factors that help protect against infections and disease. These benefits last for a lifetime and cannot be replaced with baby food.
3. Look for signs of hunger
Newborns need to be breastfed every two to three hours during the first few weeks of their life. You need to read the signs of hunger such as restlessness, moving lips, stirring. Crying is usually the last signal that your baby is hungry.
