Breastfeeding: 5 tips for success

Baby will be here shortly and questions are running through your head... Will I succeed in breastfeeding? Will I run out of milk? What to do with the pacifier? And the bottle?

Don't worry, the Prenato nursing team is here to guide you!

Here are 5 tips for a better start to breastfeeding:

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Recognizing hunger signals

Breastfeeding is meant to be a simple and natural gesture. However, to understand and normalize certain behaviors of your baby, it is essential to know some more theoretical aspects. First of all, during a birth without risk factors, it is recommended to offer the breast on demand. It is therefore important to recognize the signs of baby's wakefulness and hunger to know when to offer him a drink: breathing that quickens, arms and legs that move and stretch, hands brought to the mouth, eyes that move under the eyelids, sucking movements. These are signs that indicate the ideal time to attempt a breast. So there is no need to wait for baby to cry! An agitated baby is more difficult to breastfeed.

In general, respecting hunger signals, a baby will be breastfed 8 to 12 times a day. These feeds can sometimes be grouped together (group feeds) and you feel like you're breastfeeding relentlessly. Some moms will then think they are running out of milk. Don't worry, these group feedings are completely normal. Remember that at birth, your baby does not distinguish between the need to suck and hunger. He may therefore want to suckle only to comfort himself and try to recreate the intrauterine environment by being warm in mom's arms to listen to her heartbeat. It will also stimulate your lactation. Moreover, during periods of growth spurts, he will ask for the breast much more frequently. By offering him as often as he wants, milk production will adapt to demand and increase after 24 to 48 hours. For more information do not hesitate to consult the website of theNational Institute of Public Health of Quebec Or this small cheat sheet.

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Position yourself well

Effective positioning allows for milk transfer and efficient milk production, but also to avoid injuries and cracks. A baby that is not well positioned at the breast will cause pain for the mother and will not get enough milk. And this, even if the mother produces enough. Baby will therefore stay at the breast longer, making the pain worse and possibly even leading to injuries. To know the different positions possible during breastfeeding and to know how to recognize positioning problems, consult This document To be born and to grow.

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Respect the rhythm of 4^E Quarter

The arrival of a newborn is a intense period during which we can't wait to present our little wonder. Sometimes you forget that this is a period that should be devoted to rest and learning. It's time to snuggle up with baby, put him in skin-to-skin care regularly, learn to recognize his needs, and get used to your new role as a parent. Try to limit courtesy visits from family and friends to the hospital, the same goes for the first few weeks after returning home. You will need peace and rest in order to become familiar with breastfeeding. However, do not hesitate to ask for the help of a trustworthy person around you who can cook meals for you or support you in certain household chores.

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Ask for help

Don't hesitate to ask breastfeeding resources in your area for help. Several organizations organize breastfeeding days where you will have access to the support of breastfeeding sponsors, nurses and even breastfeeding counsellors. These meetings will allow you to correct your positioning, prevent or heal your injuries and normalize your difficulties by talking with other moms living in a situation similar to yours. To find out what breastfeeding resources are available in your area, refer to your CISSS.

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Deceit yourself

There are no instructions for feeding and caring for babies. Every baby and every parent is unique. It is important to determine what best fits your needs and values. Some moms can't breastfeed despite their will and efforts. For others, they will realize that they simply don't like to breastfeed. We can't deny the benefits of breastfeeding, but Prenato has the following philosophy: Happy mom, happy baby.

Know that at Prenato, all moms will get the help they need, whether it's breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, without judgment! Book an appointment with your Prenato nurse by email Or at 1-877-362-8602.

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