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Nursing 101: All About Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding may be a natural thing, but that doesn't mean it comes naturally. Here's how to make it work from the start.
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Women have been breastfeeding their babies since the beginning of time. That doesn't mean, however, that it's something that just happens on its own. After all, you've never breastfed before, and your newborn has never eaten before, from a breast or otherwise. So before you pack your bag for the hospital -- or get frustrated with breastfeeding postpartum -- become acquainted with this important new job.
Nursing may be tough in the beginning, but with patience, effort, and lots of support, both of you will get the hang of it. The best part? Your baby will thrive on your milk and the cuddly closeness that breastfeeding offers. Trust us -- and trust in your body!
It's a good idea to try breastfeeding in the hospital as soon as you can, preferably with a nurse or lactation consultant on hand. Though a newborn knows instinctively how to suck, getting his lips and your nipple in the right position (called "the latch") may take some trial and error: The nipple may slip out of baby's mouth, he may not know what to do with this big thing in his face and cry, or he may just be too sleepy from the birth process.
Don't get discouraged; the nurses and lactation consultants can help you position him properly. And even if you don't get it right for several hours (or a whole day!), your baby won't starve. He's born with extra energy stores to get him through this phase.
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Comments Comments ( 12 ) Add your comment
most young ppl my age dont breastfeed (18). in the begining i wasnt sure about it, but now im so happy i did. it was frustrating at first but gets so easy after you get the hang of it. i would recommend everyone to give it a shot and be patiente with it.
11/20/2009 10:27:27 PM Report AbuseI have two children... one that I'm nursing now. It was painful in the begining which resulted in sore/bleeding nipples. I found a way to relax my body and trust it to produce the right amount of milk. I applied warm washclothes to my breast to ease the pain and let them air dry. To help heal my nipples I pumped in twick daily to give my breast a chance to heal. Upon healing, I was able to nurse regularly again. Stay encouraged... the milk will come. Don't give up.. it's worth trying.
11/15/2009 12:19:54 PM Report Abusei breastfed all of my children I have 5 and the only one that my nipple were so sore and started bleeding was with my daughter and it actually was the way that she was latched on I started to try to lift her higher ane allow her to take the entire nipple and as much as she can get in her mouth and that seemed to help me
11/11/2009 07:58:00 PM Report Abuseit is all about the proper latch! You shouldnt have sore nipples if you are using the proper techniques! Definitely attend a lactation class! It is worth it!
11/10/2009 08:13:17 PM Report AbuseI want to encourage moms of premature babies, all three of my boys were preterm and I breastfed. You can do it, it just takes time and a little bit of work!!!
11/10/2009 09:21:15 AM Report Abuse