Dear new mothers, postpartum breastfeeding is a journey full of love and warmth, and it is also a crucial part of the baby's growth process. The correct feeding method not only provides sufficient nutrition for babies, but also helps establish intimate parent-child relationships. Today, we will introduce in detail how pregnant women can scientifically breastfeed their babies after giving birth.
Start breastfeeding as early as possible after childbirth
After the baby is born, breastfeeding should be started as early as possible, preferably within 1 hour after birth, allowing the baby to suckle on the nipple. This is because in the first few days after the baby is born, the mother secretes colostrum, which, although in small quantities, is rich in nutrients and immunoglobulin, playing an important role in the baby's intestinal development and immune enhancement. Early initiation of breastfeeding can stimulate the mother's mammary glands to secrete more milk, laying a solid foundation for subsequent breastfeeding.
(Source: World Health Organization Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding)
Correct breastfeeding posture
Cradle style
This is the most commonly used breastfeeding position. The mother sits in a comfortable chair, with her back straight, holding the baby in her arms. The baby's head rests on the bend of the mother's arm, and the body is in a straight line, with the abdomen tightly attached to the mother's body. Mom holds the breast with her other hand and guides the baby to hold onto the nipple and most of the areola.
Side horizontal
If the mother is weak after giving birth, a lateral position is a good choice. The mother lies on her side of the bed, placing the baby sideways beside her. The baby's head, neck, and shoulders are in a straight line, and the mother supports the baby's head with her arms, so that the baby's mouth and nipple are at the same level. Be sure to ensure that the baby's breathing is smooth and not blocked by the breasts in the mouth and nose.
Rugby style
This posture is suitable for mothers undergoing cesarean section, as it can prevent the baby from compressing the wound. The mother sits on a chair, placing the baby on one side of her body, using her arms to support the baby's head and neck. The baby's body is placed horizontally in the mother's arms like a rugby ball, and the mother uses her other hand to support the breast to help the baby embrace.
(Source: International Breastfeeding Association's "Breastfeeding Guidelines")
Let the baby correctly grasp the nipple
Correctly fitting the nipple in the baby is the key to ensuring smooth breastfeeding. Mom should guide the baby to open their mouth wide and put the nipple and most of the areola into their mouth. When the baby is correctly received, their mouth can be seen as circular, their lower lip flipped outward, their chin pressed tightly against their breasts, and rhythmic swallowing sounds can be heard. If the baby only holds the nipple, it is easy to cause nipple pain and cracking, which can also affect the extraction of milk.
(Source: American Academy of Pediatrics Parenting Encyclopedia)
Breastfeeding on demand
The baby's stomach capacity is small and requires frequent eating. In the early postpartum period, mothers should breastfeed according to their needs, that is, feed their babies when they are hungry, without strictly following time intervals. Generally speaking, newborns need to be fed once every 2-3 hours, and the feeding interval will gradually increase as the baby grows. To determine if a baby is full, one can observe their urine output, frequency of bowel movements, and weight gain. If the baby urinates no less than 6 times a day, has normal bowel movements, and steadily gains weight, it indicates that the baby has consumed sufficient breast milk.
(Source: Dietary Guidelines for Breastfeeding Women, Chinese Nutrition Society)
Precautions before and after breastfeeding
Before breastfeeding
Mom should wash her hands and wipe her breasts with a clean towel to keep them clean. You can start by gently massaging the breasts to stimulate milk secretion, making it easier for the baby to extract milk.
After breastfeeding
After breastfeeding, do not immediately put the baby down. Instead, hold the baby upright and place their head on the mother's shoulder. Gently pat the baby's back to help expel air from the stomach and prevent vomiting. Then, wipe the breasts with a clean towel to avoid bacterial growth caused by residual milk. If the mother feels that there is still residual milk in the breast, she can use a breast pump to suck it out, which can not only relieve breast swelling and pain, but also ensure the continuous secretion of milk.
(Source: Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines - Obstetrics and Gynecology Volume, Chinese Medical Association)
Handling of special circumstances
Cracked nipple
If a mother has cracked nipples, do not stop breastfeeding due to pain. You can apply a hot compress to the breast before breastfeeding to soften the nipple, and then apply a small amount of wool fat cream or pure sheep milk fat to the nipple after breastfeeding to protect the nipple skin and promote wound healing. Before breastfeeding next time, clean the nipple with clean warm water.
Insufficient milk supply
Insufficient breast milk may make mothers feel anxious, but emotional tension can also affect milk secretion. Mothers should maintain a relaxed mood, ensure sufficient sleep and a reasonable diet, eat more foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, such as fish soup, chicken soup, pig trotter soup, etc., and increase breastfeeding frequency to stimulate milk secretion. If milk is still insufficient, some lactation measures can be taken under the guidance of a doctor.
New mothers, although postpartum breastfeeding may encounter some challenges, as long as they master the correct methods, they can definitely provide the highest quality nutrition for their babies. Every breastfeeding is a precious moment of intimate contact with the baby, let us accompany the baby's healthy growth with full love.