Care during breastfeeding

We've all seen the serene image of a mother calmly breastfeeding while rocking her newborn and watching him or her tenderly, but is breastfeeding really like that?

The short answer is no.

Breastfeeding is a complicated process for many women and babies, sometimes requiring weeks of work to establish successful breastfeeding. And with that comes many doubts and difficult moments that complicate the already delicate postpartum stage.

Now we will see some care that we must take during breastfeeding to achieve the main objective which is to feed our little one, but in a healthy way for both the baby and the mother.

Feeding.

The main care we must take during breastfeeding has to do with the mother's diet. What we consume to nourish our body will continue to pass through breast milk to our baby, so it is important to maintain a balanced and healthy diet like the one we had during pregnancy.

Although for the production of breast milk our body requires about 500 extra calories, it is not necessary to increase food intake. The calories consumed during pregnancy should be maintained during lactation. The important thing is to choose a variety of foods with high nutritional value such as vegetables, fruits, proteins, and whole grains. Avoid ultra-processed foods, and excess fats or sugars.

Restrictions.

Remember that everything that enters our body can reach our baby through breast milk. That is why it is vitally important to pay attention to the medications we take, and to consult our doctor beforehand. Alcohol consumption should be restricted to a minimum or none at all. Blue fish such as swordfish, shark, pike, mussel, and bluefin tuna should be avoided due to their high heavy metal content. Avoid smoking; secondhand smoke can cause harm to your little one.

Good grip.

Proper latch-on will help your baby feed properly and avoid pain for you. Breastfeeding should not be uncomfortable or painful. If you experience pain, you may need to correct your baby's latch-on position. Place the nipple in the direction of his nose and allow part of the nipple and part of the areola to be inside his mouth. Correct as many times as necessary to avoid cracks.

Rest.

It sounds a bit fanciful to rest fully in the first weeks of your baby's life, when feedings are constant and diaper changes even more so. But it is important that you take time for you, the support of your partner and family will be crucial.  Remember to prioritize your rest over other tasks, sleeping when your baby does during the day is an excellent idea to recover the hours of sleep lost in the early morning.

Support.

Motherhood and breastfeeding encompass much more than physical issues, in addition to good nutrition and proper rest, you need to devote time to your mental well-being. The fatigue associated with breastfeeding a newborn may exceed your limits, remember to communicate your needs to your partner, there are many activities with which he/she can and should support you.