During pregnancy, you’ll likely receive a flood of parenting tips, advice, and personal stories about breastfeeding—both positive and challenging. Sorting through all this information can be overwhelming, especially since babies have no one-size-fits-all manual. Each baby is unique, with birth timing and maturity variations that can influence the breastfeeding experience. Fortunately, research has provided some helpful strategies and clarified common myths. A Lactation Consultant can provide personalized guidance tailored to your situation.

Here are 11 Tips from Lactation Consultants to help you get started on the right foot:

1. Enjoy Skin-to-Skin Contact:

Use the first hour after birth for skin-to-skin contact with your baby. This time helps regulate your baby's breathing and heart rate, facilitates their transition to the outside world, and encourages them to seek the breast. It’s a valuable bonding period for both of you.

2. Seek Help with Latching and Positioning:

If you have yet to attend a breastfeeding class, ask a nurse or lactation consultant to assist with positioning and latching. Wait for your baby to open their mouth wide, then bring them to your breast so they can take in both the nipple and part of the areola. If it’s painful, try again until you find a comfortable latch.

3. Understand Baby’s First Milk:

In the initial days, your baby’s stomach is tiny, so the small amount of highly concentrated colostrum you produce is perfect. Colostrum is rich in protein, antibodies, and carbohydrates, which is just what your baby needs.

4. Know What’s Normal:

It’s common for babies to lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first few days. This is due to the loss of extra fluids and is generally expected. By about two weeks, your baby should be close to or have regained their birth weight.

5. Follow Baby’s Cues, Not a Clock:

Instead of adhering to a rigid feeding schedule, watch for your baby’s hunger cues, such as hand-to-mouth movements or rooting. Babies typically need to nurse frequently, sometimes every couple of hours, especially during the newborn stage.

6. Monitor Diapers:

To ensure your baby is getting enough to eat, track their wet and dirty diapers. Initially, expect one wet diaper per day of life. By day four, your baby should have at least 6 wet diapers and 3-4 stools that are yellow and somewhat cottage cheese-like.

7. Understand Variability in Nursing Times:

The length of time baby nurses can vary. Some babies may nurse quickly, while others take their time. Look for signs like quiet swallowing to gauge if they are getting enough milk. Don’t be surprised if early feedings take 20-25 minutes per side.

8. Expect Growth Spurts:‍

Growth spurts, typically around 5-7 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, can make your baby seem extra hungry. These periods are temporary, and increased nursing helps boost milk supply.

9. Introduce a Pacifier at 3-4 Weeks:

Wait until your baby is 3-4 weeks old before introducing a pacifier. By this time, your milk supply will be established, and your baby will be accustomed to breastfeeding.

10. Ignore Outdated Stories:

Don’t be discouraged by older generations’ experiences with breastfeeding. Modern knowledge has greatly advanced, debunking outdated practices and emphasizing that frequent nursing and avoiding water supplements are beneficial for milk supply and baby’s needs.

Breastfeeding is a learning journey for both you and your baby. Use these tips to guide you, and don’t hesitate to seek help from a lactation consultant if needed. If you’re looking for personalized support, consider reaching out to a Lactation Consultant in Gurgaon. With the right guidance from a lactation consultant in Gurgaon, your breastfeeding experience can be a rewarding part of your parenting journey. Cherish this special time with your newborn, as the early days pass quickly.

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