Breastfeeding Dos and Don’ts for Newborns
New moms tend to feel overwhelmed with the ’overload’ of information on the subject of breastfeeding their newborn. Being educated on the subject is important, but most new moms sometimes just want quick answers and quick guidelines to follow. Although each woman’s situation is different, and each baby’s nursing ability will vary, we have composed a simple list of dos and don’ts that will apply to most women across the board.
• Don’t assume latching on your baby is supposed to hurt for the first couple weeks. A baby that is latched on properly will not hurt the mother.
• Do get help early with a lactation consultant. Babies, just like adults, get into ’habits’ that are hard to break. It is best to teach the baby early on what is the correct way to nurse.
• Don’t use creams on your nipples. Many breastfeeding creams contain lanolin or peanut oil which can make some baby’s mouth itch.
• Do use extra light olive oil if you feel you need to put something on your nipples after a feed. Olive oil is soothing and healing and in most cases do not cause babies’ mouths to itch.
• Don’t forget to take care of yourself while you are busy learning what it means to be a breastfeeding mother.
• Do find someone you trust to hold the baby so you have time to eat, nap and shower. A well-rested and fed mother makes you a better, calmer mother.
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