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Guide to breastfeeding

Guide to breastfeeding

Newborn babies are at their most awake immediately after birth, and they have a strong innate need to reach their mothers’ breasts to feed. When placed skin-to-skin on their mothers’ stomachs, newborns can move up to the breast and latch on independently if given the chance. Giving the baby a long feeding right after birth, regardless of how they get on the breast, will set them up for success during the extended slumber time that follows. Call and book your appointment for pregnancy with Dr. Amita Shah who is a renowned gynecologist and obstetrician in Gurgaon.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can be done in four different positions:

Cross-cradle holds– Place the baby on your chest, sideways, with his tummy turned towards you. Use your left hand to support the baby’s neck and tuck the baby’s bum into the crook of your arm when feeding on your right breast. Use your right hand to support and guide your breast into the baby’s mouth, as well as to reduce suction before removing the infant from your breast. On the left side, switch hands. This is the best starting position since it provides you with the most control over the baby’s head. This may feel weird at first, but it will help you get a jump start in nursing.

Cradle hold– Place the baby on your chest, sideways, with his tummy facing you. Use your right arm to cradle your baby’s head, chest, and torso into you while feeding on your right breast. Check that the baby’s entire body is aligned. On the left side, switch hands. This is ideal for experienced moms who need to use one hand to perform other duties, such as changing the channel or assisting with schoolwork. Of course, as you gain confidence, you can easily swap between the cross-cradle and cradle holds.

Holding the baby vertically facing you is referred to as a football hold. When feeding your baby on your right breast, bring him to your right side and hold him like a football, with your right hand supporting his neck and his body resting on a pillow beside you. If the other two roles aren’t working for you, this is an excellent place to start. This is especially beneficial for larger-chested ladies because it allows for more control over nipple placement.

Side-lying– Of all the positions, this was my best friend. When feeding on your right side, lie down on your right side and position your baby on his left side, facing your breast. While latching, use your left hand to support the baby’s neck. This is ideal for all cesarean section mothers and for when you need to rest. Just be sure you’re not going to hurt yourself if you nod off while feeding. I would recommend doing this on the floor or in a bed where the infant is not at risk.

Breastfeeding and Sleeping Habits

Because having a newborn may throw everything off, sleep is a major concern for new parents. You most likely aren’t sleeping as well as you were before your baby arrived! Overtiredness can aggravate stress, postpartum depression, and emotional outbursts, so try to stay grounded as you handle life while sleep-deprived.

Whether you co-sleep or put your baby to sleep in a crib or cradle, you’re certainly waking up regularly to nurse. Babies’ feeding preferences will vary during the first month. Some newborns will sleep for lengthy periods without waking up to nurse, while others will nurse for hours at a time. You shouldn’t be concerned about your baby’s “regular” routine as long as he or she is healthy.

Two Breastfeeding and Sleeping Tips

Co-sleeping or having the baby in the room at night helps some parents sleep better since they have less distance to travel to feed or comfort the infant. It is critical to base your decision on what makes you feel the most at ease.

You can start storing breast milk using your breast pump so that your partner can feed the baby during the night. This might help you and your partner bond while also sharing the responsibility of midnight newborn feeding. It also allows you to practice setting up and operating your pump.

Please keep in mind that you may be entitled to fresh breast pump supplies such as tubing and bottles every six weeks if you have insurance. It is a good idea to keep an extra supply on hand and to repair any broken parts as soon as possible.

What Is the Best Breastfeeding Diet?

You need to eat well while nursing since your body is working hard to create milk for the baby. You’re burning a lot more calories than usual to generate that milk, so make sure you’re eating properly and staying hydrated. Your infant may also develop responses to items you consume through your milk. Excess gas or discomfort from certain trigger foods, such as the brassica family, which includes broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, is not unusual in babies. Cow’s milk dairy products can potentially cause stomach issues in infants. If your infant has a severe diaper rash, talk to your paediatrician about what’s causing it and whether something in your diet is to blame.

Breastfeeding Diet

Diet and Breast Milk Tips

Lipase, an enzyme contained in human milk, breaks down lipids so your kid can digest them. Lipase is sometimes overproduced, causing your milk to have a strong odour or flavour. Although an overabundance of lipase is not harmful to newborns, some will refuse to swallow it. If you are experiencing this issue, speak with your lactation consultant about what you can do to resolve it. They can advise you on how to safely remove the flavour from your milk.

Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided in excess as they can disrupt your baby’s sleep patterns. It has also been connected to infant colic and acid reflux. Also, avoid eating fish that may have high levels of mercury.

Breastfeeding has so many advantages that most health organizations suggest it for everyone for as long as possible, excluding medical conditions that prevent it.

Breast milk includes antibodies and other components that protect your baby against illness and chronic disease. Breastfeed your baby and support breastfeeding for your child’s healthy life. For breastfeeding counselling, contact Dr. Amita Shah’s global women’s clinic today.

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Ankush Gaur
Ankush Gaur
2024-01-08
Excellent
Geeta Upadhyay
Geeta Upadhyay
2024-01-04
I would highly recommend Dr Amita Shah to anyone in need of a gynaecologist. She is incredibly professional and always takes care of her patients. I have never had an issue with her and she has always been very responsive to my needs. I would definitely recommend her to anyone in need of a gynaecologist!
Sandeep Ranga
Sandeep Ranga
2024-01-04
I had been suffering from severe pain and heavy bleeding for so many years.My ultrasound showed a large cyst in the uterus .All doctors had advised open surgery but Dr Amita Shah advised Laparoscopic surgery.Surgery was very smooth,I had no pain and my recovery was very fast.I am very thankful to Dr Amita Shah.She is a very skilled surgeon and very polite and gentle with her patients.Highly recommended for Laparoscopic surgery.
Parul
Parul
2023-12-28
I have made all the pregnancy visits to Dr. Amita Shah, and my end-to-end experience with her has been wonderful. I was someone who was absolutely terrified of needles, but with Dr. Amita Shah's constant guidance and good consultation, I could overcome a lot of my stress and worries related to delivery as well as during the pregnancy phase. Both the doctor and her clinic staff are helpful and amiable. She was all ears when it came to even the tiniest of details and issues, listened calmly and resolved all my issues. She was also constantly available via phone and WhatsApp to clear any doubts that popped up in my head in addition to the in-clinic visits where she eased my mind and resolved plenty of my concerns. At the time of my delivery, she offered complete mental support and her presence itself offered calmness to me. I highly recommend Dr. Amita Shah for her professionalism, empathy and supportive attitude. By God's grace, we are blessed with a baby girl in December, and I have been on the path to a smooth and fast recovery since then.
monika agarwal
monika agarwal
2023-12-13
My end to end experience with Dr. Amita Shah has been very amazing. I found her trustworthy in the very first visit. The medications very limited and She handled the emergency of water break very diligently and ensured safe delivery of my baby. She is calm, positive and considerate and will make your pregnancy journey beautifuI with no stress. I highly recommend Dr Amita Shah.
M Grewal
M Grewal
2023-12-11
I have been visiting Dr Amita for 11 years now. She has helped deliver my kids and then for few other concerns. She is very kind, empathetic, and very gentle. She understands and a great listener. Trust her completely.
Zoya Khan
Zoya Khan
2023-12-10
I consulted Dr Amita for my Scar Endometriosis, she not only understood my problem but at the same time explained the entire ailment in detail. She assisted me at every step, her calm demeanour and patience made it very comfortable for me. The best part was she was so approachable although the process. I became a fan of her the way she did my dressings, removed my drain pipe with no pain extremely softly, she has magic in her hands .The best gynaecologist I have ever met. God Bless her always. Thank you so much.
Suchismita Adhikari
Suchismita Adhikari
2023-12-05
Our experience with Dr Amita mam and her clinical expertise has been fabulous. Her staff, Ms Komal and Ms. Ashu are very kind and cooperative. Dr. Amita operated on my mother with such finnese. Explained each and every step in detail. She is a very good gynaecologist. Happy we found her to treat my mom.