Womama's Top Ten
Breastfeeding Tips
Breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding experience between the mother and baby. It completes the pregnancy process from nurturing in the womb, to nurturing in the outside world. Breast milk has many benefits to a new born baby. Breastfeeding is not only important for a baby, but also assists the mother's physical and mental well being.
We promote "breast is best" and our collection is designed to facilitate breastfeeding through comfortable, functional, and stylish clothing.
1. Make a space that is comfortable for you to feed in
Provide for yourself and baby a space that is free from distraction, take the phone off the hook. Position yourself, sit in a comfortable chair or sit up in bed. Use pillows or cushions to support yourself and your baby so you are relaxed with no muscles straining.
2. Favourite Music
Have your favourite music playing in the background. Even listening to something relaxing at night time can be enjoyable and soothing for your baby. Babies respond well to Beethoven and Mozart.
3. Position your baby correctly
Position your baby so you get a great latch. Being relaxed will help. Lie baby on its side, with whole face facing you, head resting on your forearm, not in the crook of your elbow. Your babies back should be supported with your forearm and you can even hold their bottom or upper thigh.
Poor positioning can cause nipple pain and damage - so it is important to try and get it right from the start. If in doubt, take your baby off by gently unsealing the latch with your little finger and try the latch again.
Latching your baby takes a few steps;
* babies head flexed back
* your nipple is tilted up above the top lip - in line with the nose
* whole nipple area goes in babies mouth
* babies chin to breast
* babies chest is held close to your body
4. Help! I have engorgement
Cabbage leaves in the freezer or fridge before baby is born will provide great relief after baby is born and your milk is coming in. Pop a leaf or two inside your bra or breastfeeding singlet. Alternatively frozen ice block sticks shaped into circles, or broken up and placed next to your skin works wonders also (do not place directly on your skin - use a muslin or flannel between). When you have a shower gently massage your breast and express to remove any lumps.
5.Herbal Teas to drink
Nursing teas are fabulous for maintaining milk supply. Weleda Nursing tea or Artemis are just a few you could try. Drink plenty of water and always let your lead maternity carer know what you are taking in those first few weeks under their care.
6. Breast Massaging
While in the shower gently massage your breasts and check for lumps. Blocked milk ducts can lead to mastitis an uncomfortable breast infection if left, cured by antibiotics. Massage out any lumps in the shower and feeding regularly also helped to drain off lumps.
7. Breastfeeding can be hard work
Remember that women everywhere have become new mums, at hospitals and at home - all learning how to breastfeed. Both of you are learning and it does take time. For some mothers it comes really easily and for others it is one of the toughest parts of becoming a new mum. Don't give up, ask for help from a support network of experts www.lalecheleague.co.nz
8. Ouch! I have cracked nipples
It is quite common for Women to get tender or cracked nipples which may bleed in the first few weeks - check your positioning and latching. A small amount of breast milk massaged into your nipples can help them heal. Don't use soap! Your local hospital may offer ozone treatments or natural sunlight and air.Specific Nipple lanolin creams are available from pharmacies and work to sooth and protect cracked nipples. Seek advice from your midwife of Doctor before giving up.
9. Buy a comfy, supportive Bra
Your breasts have expanded to a new size that you may never of thought possible. It is important to purchase a bra that not only makes you feel good but is also comfortable and supportive. Womama garments are great to wear throughout your pregnancy as they mould and shape to your ever expanding breasts. It is recommended that you purchase your nursing bra in your third trimester, allowing room for your milk to come in.
Tip: Make sure you can easily fit two fingers into the top of the bra cup - this will ensure you have room to grow when you milk comes in. A bra that is too tight may lead to mastitis. A bra that does not have enough support in it may lead to back strain and stretched breast tissue. Check your bra has a wide bar hook adjuster at the back, a full cup style in the front and double power mesh side panels for strength and durability. Be fitted by an expert - see our list of stockists on our 'Where to Buy' page.
10. Expressing Breast Milk
You can express by hand into a sterilized bowl (rinsed with boiling water and leave to cool) and then pour into containers, alternatively purchase one of the many hand or electric breast pumps on the market. Having a supply of frozen or fresh breast milk on hand is great if you want to share the experience of getting up in the night to feed with your partner. Perhaps you can even escape for a little time out and let someone else feed baby - even an uninterrupted bath is bliss.
