Breastfeeding Tips

If you are expecting your first baby, chances are you do not know that breastfeeding can turn out to be very painful if your baby is not latched on well. For someone who had a smooth delivery and no tears and complications, I had to be kept in the hospital for two days because I did not know how to get Jeremiah to latch on and boy, was this a painful experience for me! After surviving complications, little did I know that what I was to face in the coming weeks was one of the most frustrating and depressing experiences I was yet to encounter! Every time he would start a feed, I felt like he was biting me, my nipples would bleed and I dreaded the thought of breastfeeding. Of course this made me depressed and made me feel like a failure. Seeing other mothers do it seemed very natural, so why couldn't I feed my baby. I could not bare the pain and at times I even cried! Feeling helpless I introduced formula. After my in-laws left I asked for help from my friend's mum who is a midwife. She came to the house to help a few times and recommended I attend breastfeeding classes / sessions. On my arrival with my baby, I was surprised to see that many mothers were in the same situation as I was. Some were even struggling with their second baby because with the first it came naturally. On my return from the UK, I told myself that something needed to be done because we do not have much information and help out here in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. So I hope as you read this post you will find the following information helpful.

Try to learn as much about breastfeeding as you can from other women who have done it before. Go along to breastfeeding classes before your baby arrives. These classes are sometimes offered by the hospital. Your nipples release oil that naturally lubricates your nipples but if you find you are too sore get some Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream, this product works wonders. Most pharmacies like boots sell it so I would recommend you get someone abroad to buy a few tabs for you. Health Plus have an alternative available (Philips AVENT Moisturising Nipple Cream). A lot of skin-to-skin contact with your baby will help to get them started and increase the length of time you breastfeed.

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/breastfeeding-positioning-attachment.aspx#close

http://www.buzzfeed.com/carolynkylstra/breastfeeding-tips-for-new-moms#.tu146qeQxr

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esOpt9uGpcU

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