Breastfeeding can be a challenging experience for new moms, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Get comfortable: Finding a comfortable position is key to successful breastfeeding. Experiment with different positions until you find one that works for you and your baby.

2. Nurse frequently: Newborns need to eat frequently, so don’t be surprised if your baby wants to nurse every 2-3 hours. This will help establish your milk supply and keep your baby satisfied.

3. Watch for hunger cues: Crying is a late sign of hunger. Learn to recognize your baby’s hunger cues, such as rooting, sucking on their hands, or smacking their lips.

4. Stay hydrated: Breastfeeding requires extra fluids, so make sure you’re drinking enough water and other healthy beverages.

5. Take care of yourself: Breastfeeding can be tiring, so it’s important to take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, eat a healthy diet, and ask for help when you need it.

Remember, breastfeeding is a learning process for both you and your baby. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek support from a lactation consultant or other breastfeeding resources.

New moms also have many breastfeeding issues, the benefits of breastfeeding definitely outweigh the disadvantages, here are
solutions to some of them;

Not enough milk

When a mom is unable to produce enough milk, for some reason, the baby may not be satisfied and start crying a lot. New moms can
find this very hard to handle.

What will you do then, you will need to learn easy ways to boost your milk supply, and also learn how to properly attach your baby;

• Improve your diet, including more fluids and foods rich in proteins.
• Breastfeed your baby often, and when your baby sleeps for too long, express some of the milk and store it appropriately.
• Breastfeed on both breasts for more milk.
• Manage stress, and anxiety, and consult on medications before you start to use them, as some medications can affect milk production.

Sore/cracked nipples

In this case, we are talking about the pain and discomfort related to cracked and sore nipples. When this happens, you are most likely
to think of stopping breastfeeding.

What will you do then;

• Learn how to prevent cracked nipples, by attaching your child well to the breast, both the nipple and Nemomsola should be inside the child’s mouth.
• Breastfeeding often, on demand.
• Even if your nipples are cracked, continue to breastfeed because if you stop, we might end up talking about not enough milk again.
• Also, prevent further damage by attaching the baby appropriately.
• Avoid too-ta ht clothing that may cause agitation.

Engorged breasts

Engorged breasts mean the breasts are too full, hard, and also very painful. Usually, because the baby does not feed often or is not used to it.

The problem should be solved as soon as the baby feeds more, and often

• Another appropriate solution here is to express milk when the baby is not breastfeeding well, by hand or by the pump.
• Expressing the excess milk will easily relieve the pain and also massaging the breasts can be useful.

Milk too much

I’m sure you wonder how is too much milk a problem, breastmilk is too good to be wasted.

When you produce too much milk, that should be a good thing, what you should learn is how to appropriately store the excess milk;

• Choose a good container, that has a lid and is easy to clean.
• You can store it in a refrigerator or at room temperature as long as it will be consumed as soon as possible. In the refrigerator, you can store it in cooler parks or freeze it.
• Remember to practice high standards of hygiene.

Breastfeeding your child exclusively for six months is important for your child’s overall health and these breastfeeding problems should not stop you from breastfeeding.

Important to note;

1. Initiation of breastfeeding in the first hour of birth.
2. Exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months of life.
3. Continued breastfeeding along with other nutritionally adequate complementary feeds.

Because the benefits of breastfeeding to both the mother and child can never be ignored.

Benefits of breastfeeding to a child;

• Contains all the important nutrients a child needs.
• Helps prevent infections and chronic diseases.
• Quick recovery from illnesses.
• Growth and development especially cognitive development.

Benefits of breastfeeding to the mother;

• Reduced risk of postpartum depression and ovarian cancer.
• It’s the easiest way to feed your child.

The Dos of Breastfeeding

1. Breastfeed within the first hour of birth, don’t be afraid to hold your baby, breastfeed and keep going.
2. Breastfeed your child in a peaceful environment, so avoid noise and unnecessary opinions from people that can get you distracted and then reduce the flow of milk.
3. Feed your baby on demand, and understand the baby’s signs of hunger, because waiting until the baby starts to cry simply means that you are too late. It can even be easier if you make a small feeding routine for your baby.
4. Position your baby well, the areola should be all in, if not you may end up developing sores that can be very painful.
5. Maintain high levels of hygiene, wash your hands, and wipe your breasts before every feed.
6. Sterilize your breastfeeding accessories like a breast pump.
7. Drink lots of water and other fluids.
8. Do not waste any breastmilk, if in excess store it well.
9. Eat healthy foods, because your baby eats through you, choose complex carbohydrates, high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and micronutrients.

The Don’ts of Breastfeeding;

1. Don’t eat too spicy foods.
2. Medicines and painkillers should be prescribed by a doctor as they can have a huge effect on breast mi
3. Don’t stop breastfeeding, don’t give up, keep going.
4. Don’t ignore painful nipples, ask for help.
5. Avoid anger when feeding your baby, set your mood right.