If you are a new mother, chances are that you will be inundated with advice on breastfeeding from all quarters even on the Internet, which might leave you all the more confused. Here are some proven tips on breastfeeding that will surely be helpful for you.

Dos

• Skin-to-skin contact with your infant is beneficial because it encourages proper suckling, less sobbing, comfort, less distance, and obviously, nursing!
• Meet with a lactation consultant. They can provide you with pointers and advice to assist you to become used to the process. Most insurance plans cover both in- and out-of-hospital visits, and every speciality has a specialist and also a support system for nursing mothers.
• Keep track of your baby’s feeding schedule. Never procrastinate. Even if your baby isn’t crying for the feeding, you should stick to the routine. Making a feeding schedule is quite beneficial in the long run. Crying is the last and most severe indicator of hunger. Early signs may include your kid pushing out his or her tongue, licking his or her lips, bringing his or her hand near the mouth and licking it, or opening the mouth in left and right directions.
• Breastfeed your baby primarily for the first six months, then introduce supplemental foods around that time. Then, if you’re already up to it, nurse for a year (or two, three, or more)! Also, make sure you consume a well-balanced diet so your kid gets the most nourishing milk possible!
• Consume a well-balanced diet rich in protein, vegetables, and fruits. You just require roughly 300 additional calories per day, so don’t feel obligated to overeat. Bear in mind that whatever you consume, your baby will eat as well, so avoid caffeine and spicy foods.
• Employ a backup birth control technique. The Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) may be beneficial for the first 6 months, yet it is no longer useful after that. This implies you could become pregnant again while breastfeeding!

Don’ts

• Give a pacifier to your infant whenever he or she is at least a month old and nursing is fully established.
• Switch breasts too soon. Allow the infant to completely drain one breast before going on to the next. The “foremilk,” which is watery, is the first milk produced by your breast. Your infant also requires “hindmilk,” which is higher fat and more nutritious than “top” milk and is referred to as “base” milk.
• Drink or smoke. Certain meals can bother your infant, so eat frequently and well to maintain your milk supply up.
• Nursing when you’re furious or depressed. This is one of the most crucial suggestions that is frequently overlooked. This procedure is heavily influenced by your mood. Your infant can detect your negative mood, which can have a direct effect on your milk flow.
• Feel discouraged. If you’re nursing and it aches, try relaxing. Keep in mind that developing a pain tolerance and finding the optimal position can take some time.
• Disregard your pain when you have sore nipples. Consult your doctor about the best ointment or cream for your sore nipples, and in the meantime, wear a breast shield.