Daniela Knaan
UX/UI Designer at - AdobeOverview
Breastfeeding is very demanding… If you have a newborn, or if you have been breastfeeding for a while – you certainly feel that nursing your baby is quite a task!
Your body is hungry for important nutrients and sleep, and you most probably aren`t getting much of both. But besides that, your almost most important and working body part- your breasts- need some special attention and care!
1. Treat all breastfeeding problems that occur immediately
Even if you take care of your breasts well, you may face the all too common problems that happen to almost every breastfeeding mom…
Plugged ducts, engorgement, infection, and sore nipples are all painful and should be treated immediately!
Plugged ducts
Massage gently under warm water until you feel that the lump is loosening and the milk flows out. You can also pump or breastfeed, best after applying a warm cloth on your breast, to encourage milk flow. I like massaging in these situations because you can really aim at that one lump, but a combination of all works best.
Engorgement
Feed frequently and according to your baby`s demand, so your body will find the right balance of supply and demand, and engorgement will happen less frequently.
Infection and Mastitis
Stress makes our immune system less effective, and breastfeeding is also demanding on our bodies. Together with too little sleep, we simply are prone to infections.
If you feel pain in your breast and also have a fever, you probably have mastitis. This can happen as a result of a plugged duct or an infection in your breast. You may feel very unwell. Try to massage out the lump, breastfeed as often as possible, or pump. Rest is crucial for healing!!!
As soon as the lump goes away you most probably will feel better, if not, or if the lump does not go away, you may want to see a doctor.
Sore nipples
If your nipples are sore, you can treat them with breastmilk or honey. Apply and leave to air dry for a minute.
This is the treatment for acute sore nipples, but to avoid this from happening, you should make your baby latch on correctly. If you don`t know how you can seek help from a lactation counselor.
2. Avoid bras with underwire
They could put pressure on your breast and lead to plugged ducts which are dangerous, painful, and can lead to mastitis!
Stick to nursing bras, go without, or like I like the most, wear crop tops under your clothes…
3. The right latch
For successful breastfeeding, it is so important to find the correct position and latch.
The right position includes you sitting upright and bringing your baby to you rather than bending down. This way you protect your shoulders, back, and also your breasts.
For the right latch, you should bring your baby close to you, head, shoulder, and hip in one line, head straight and not turned. Chin should point to breast, nose slightly up. Now encourage the wide opening of the mouth by touching your nipple. Wait for your baby to open their mouth widely, then latch on while bringing as much of the areola into your baby`s mouth as possible. The lower areola should be covered slightly more than the upper.
You should practice latching in situations your baby is not hungry and crying but relaxed.
A good latch will make milk transfer better and protect your nipples.
4. Hygiene
Take a shower daily, and wash your hands before touching your breast. When showering, avoid soap on your nipple and areola. There are glands on your areola that produce natural, antibacterial oils that keep the area moisturized and protected from infections. With soap, you would wash those important substances away and leave your breast prone to infection.
5. Feed on demand
Feed your baby as many times and as long as they want to. This way your body will keep a balance and not overproduce. When your breast is properly drained, this protects you from plugged ducts.
6. Breastfeeding pads
They protect your sensitive nipples from rubbing against your bra or shirt and protect you from leaking. Change them a lot to avoid the growth of harmful bacteria or candida.
7. Peeling and moisturizer
A good body peel does always make you feel better. Especially in the demanding time of postpartum and raising a child, doing something for yourself regularly is as important as the many other things we do for our family!
Peeling exfoliates dead skin cells, improves blood circulation, and stimulates the growth of new skin cells.
You can buy peelings and moisturizers, but if you like to keep it natural, just mix some salt with coconut oil and scrub your whole body…Afterward, just wash with lukewarm or even cold water. You will be amazed by the outcome!
Conclusion
You and your breasts need special attention during this time! Your breasts produce the perfect food for a tiny human being! And that tiny human being will grow for six months entirely on your milk! Our body is amazing and deserves to be treated well and with attention. Take this as a serious duty, as much as you care for your family. We moms always put everything on a higher priority than ourselves… But even if you come last on that list of priorities, don`t skip it, but take good care of yourself!
