As the mom, you are in charge of your nursing success. Here in the states we send you home with your baby within 24 hours of the birth with little coaching on nursing. It is no wonder that moms get frustrated and give up on what can be a natural, enjoyable experience for both mom and baby.
If you are a new first-time mom getting ready to nurse for the first time here’s a few things to keep in mind(and handy):
- Be patient. The first milk is full of colostrum and is so good for the baby’s immune system.
- Make sure that you have eaten and are relaxed before starting.
- Play relaxing, soothing music.
- Have a comfortable chair, water and/or your favorite tea, and Mother’s Special Blend skin toning oil within hands reach.
Now that you are ready to begin–be confident and visualize that you will be successful. If available, make arrangements to have a lactation nurse visit you and coach you. Listen and trust your instincts, you will know what works for you and what does not. Again, be patient.
In the beginning when your milk comes in (it is called “letting down”) your breasts can become engorged, sore, and hard. A warm cloth compress is soothing, and expressing a little milk can relieve any discomfort. Use Mother’s Special Blend to massage your nipples and make them soft and pliable. Wipe off any excess oil and encourage your baby to seek, find and suck. Go slow. Remember Mother Nature makes this wonderful experience possible for you and your child.
If you are having trouble producing enough milk flow, eating watermelon and lots of it, believe it or not, will make more milk for you. It is a whole natural food and will not harm you or the baby. Don’t give up. You are beginning a new relationship and it is always a surprising challenge that is wonderful to experience. If your breasts get sore, massage with a little Mother’s Special Blend before and after, always wiping off the excess before nursing. If your breasts are very sore, a warm bath is helpful and relaxing and you can express some milk into the tub water, which will relieve the pressure, and you’ll enjoy a milk bath at the same time!
Nursing your baby is a special time for you and your baby. Enjoy the wonderful moments and time together as it will be gone soon enough. Either you or your baby will decide when. If returning to work, many moms express their milk for feeding the baby in their absence. It is easy to do with the equipment available today. Sometimes the baby will decide when to stop nursing. At 6-8 months when baby is introduced to food and can hold a sippy cup or even at a year or so when they start walking, are common ending times.
So, Enjoy!