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Breastfeeding

What to Do When Baby Bites While Breastfeeding?

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One of the struggles that mommy faces during breastfeeding is whenher baby reaches infancy and has discovered the comfort he could get when he bites mommy’s nipples. This could be really painful and would really cause mommy to hesitate continuing her breastfeeding journey. Trust me, i know a few moms who did stop, and it makes me sad because it could have been avoided and corrected if only they knew what they should do in times their baby would be triggered to bite. In this article, let me share to you few tips on how to make baby stop biting or what you should do when baby bites.

How to Make Baby Stop Biting Your Nipples When Breastfeeding

•Put your finger in between his upper and lower gums and try twisting your hand so it will create a bigger gap and he could then let go. Most babies start biting thei mommy’s nipple when they are teething. They find it soothing their discomfort when they bite on to something.

•Press your baby’s face a little gently into your breast. He will let go of your nipple as soon as you do that because he will then open his mouth or move his face away from your breast so he can breathe.

•Stop breastfeeding him for a moment because he will then observe and look for your reactions. For babies, when you react like laugh or flinch or make a face, he will assume that you like what he’s doing and he will repeat doing it as he gets wrong message.

•Put him down whenever he does that. You need to make him realize that what he did is not right and it comes along with a consequence (stop feeding). If you have done that for a few times already, it will occur to him that whenever he bites you, you will not continue breastfeeding him. Thus, he will try to avoid doing that.

•Use nipple shield if your baby is really stubborn and persistent in biting your nipples. Even though you failed in making him stop, at least it will not be as painful as it was when there is no nipple shield.

•Give him something to bite on before breastfeeding. Cold teether or even homemade fruit popsicles could help your baby soothe his gums. This lessens the possibility that he will bite your nipples again when you breastfeed him after he plays with his teether or ate his popsicle.

When babies reach indancy and toddler life, most breastfeeding mommies will introduce mix feeding with formula already to avoid instances when babies bite during teething periods. However, since breastfeeding is still the best kind of feeding for up to 2 years of age, i suggest that you try to work it out first. Look for other ways to make your baby stop biting. Never use it as a reason for you to stop breastfeeding him.

Why breastfeeding is best until 2 years?

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/extended-breastfeeding/art-20046962

Here is an article too that could give you motivation to continue breastfeeding beyond infancy.

Why do Babies Twiddle When Breastfeeding?

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Among all the exciting, fun and essential activities we share with our little one, breastfeeding is one of the most memorable and yet, challenging. During breastfeeding, the bond between the mother and child strengthens in all levels. However, about 85% of breastfed babies do nipple and breast twiddling while nursing. Twiddling refers to fiddling or playing negligently, rotating something idly. Most moms feel very uncomfortable with it, but has chosen to give way for their baby’s benefits.

To understand more as to why babies do twiddling while breastfeeding, here are the reasons and some of the benefits of twiddling that might change mommy’s mind about it.

Why Babies Twiddle

•Twiddling their mommy’s nipple or breast makes it easier for them to concentrate on breastfeeding

•It makes the babies feel more relaxed and comfortable

•Twiddling helps baby to nurse well

•Twiddling makes baby fall asleep much easier

Benefits of Baby’s Twiddling

•When babies twiddle their mother’s nipples, the stimulation causes brain to release hormones called oxytocin which helps increase the mother’s milk production.

•Since twiddling makes babies feel more soothed and relaxed, it makes breastfeeding a lot more easy and less fussy.

•Letdowns of milk happens frequently if baby is twiddling. Thus, emptying breasts more effectively. This is beneficial for mothers in a way that they can avoid having engorgements, clogged ducts and sore breasts.

Even though most mothers consider twiddling as simply annoying part of breastfeeding, there are also mothers who decided to consider making their baby stop breastfeeding because of the discomfort and frustration brought to them by baby’s twiddling, fiddling and even pinching of nipples during breastfeeding. If so, here are some tips that could help your baby to stop twiddling.

How to Make Baby Stop Twiddling

•Attempt to discourage twiddling as soon as baby starts it.

•Keep the opposite breast covered so that baby won’t have easy access to it.

•Give baby something to hold and play with so that his hands will be kept busy.

•Gently pull away and hold his hands during feeding to discourage him from twiddling.

Breastfeeding journey can only be successful if mommy and baby works on it together. It is important that both will be able to think possitively about breastfeeding. If mommy feels way too uncomfortable on breastfeeding, then she must decide what will be the best feeding method to work on. But of course, as a breastfeeding momma, I hope every momma will be able to make the best out of it and succeed on their breastfeeding journey.

How to Prepare for Breastfeeding Before Birth

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Today, more than 75% of new mothers breastfeed their newborns. Though breastfeeding is proven to be challenging especially during the first few days because both the mommy and baby are still under adjustment period, more and more mommies have decided to look into the benefits breastfeeding could give into their little one. Breastmilk is the best food for baby especially on his first 6 months of life. It is important to prepare yourself physically, mentally and emotionally for this very wonderful journey even before you give birth to your baby. But how do we really do that? How can we prepare ourselves so we can have a bigger chance of successful breastfeeding after giving birth? Here are some tips:

•Physical Preparation

When a women is pregnant, she will experience changes in her breasts as early as first trimester of pregnancy. Her breasts and nipples will become more sensitive. Some will experience soreness of breasts. Few weeks before your due, your body will start producing colostrum or the first milk to get ready for feeding your baby. What you can do is make sure to eat healthy foods, take your vitamins properly, attend to your prenatal check ups regularly. If you experience soreness of breasts and nipples, you can massage your breasts. Taking care of your body is one key to succeed in breastfeeding.

•Mental and Emotional Preparation

Talk to your doctor about your plan of breastfeeding your baby. Tell your doctor things that might hinder you from successfully breastfeeding your baby. Have a lactation consultant even if the baby isn’t born just yet so that you will be able to establish a good relationship already with your consultant and you will become much more comfortable by the time the baby arrives. Also join mommy groups and lactation groups that can give you support for you to succeed your breastfeeding goals.

•Other Things to Prepare

Take breastfeeding class so that you will be able to know how to properly do it by the time the baby arrives. Prepare for breastfeeding essentials that you would need to make things easier for you and baby on your first few days together. Discuss with your doctor the kind of birth control you would want to have. (If you plan to have one). There are birth control methods that might affect your breastfeeding journey such as those pills that might lower your milk supply. That’s why it is important to talk to experts about it.

Breastfeeding could be a tough adventure especially if you are a first time mom. However, if you are getting enough support from family, loved ones and professionals, and if you will have the full courage needed to pursue this wonderful journey, for sure everything will be worth it especially that you are getting ready to produce and feed your baby the best liquid gold there is, called breastmilk. Goodluck Momma!

What Essentials Do I Need for Breastfeeding?

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While its true that breastfeeding could really save you lots of money since you won’t have to buy milk, there are also some essential things you would need to purchase to make your breastfeeding journey successful. It doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to do breastfeeding without these things, but having them could make it a lot more convenient and easy.

Breastfeeding could be messy, frustrating at times and could cause you discomfort. It is never really that easy to begin with. So I’m going to give you an idea on what are the essential items that could be helpful for both you and your baby in your breastfeeding adventure.

For Breast Pumping

•Breast Pumps

•Milk Bottle (at least 3)

•Breastmilk Storage Bags (have a lot of this)

•Bottle Sterilizers

•Breastfeeding Pads

It is important to prepare breast pump and its essentials if you plan to make a good breastfeeding journey that will last for a long time. Pumping your milk is one way to increase your milk supply and it is a way for you to prevent having problems such as engorements or very full breasts, clogged milk ducts or worst, mastitis. Know how to properly store your breastmilk too so it won’t be put into a waste.

For Clothing

•Extra tank or top shirts and blouse that has chest opening for easy access to breasts.

•Nursing Bra(at least 3)

•Breast Pads

•Nursing gowns

•Nursing Cover (Optional. Useful when breastfeeding in public area)

As what I’ve mentioned, breastfeeding could be very messy. Your milk may leak from your shirt, may drip from baby’s mouth, so it is really needed for you to prepare extra clothings as well.

For Comfort

•Breast Shields for sore breasts

•Nipple Shields for cracked nipples

•Nipple Creams

•Cold/Hot Packs

•Neck Pillow (helpful to support neck when breastfeeding while sitting)

These things are much needed especially at times when breastfeeding cause you problems such as sore breast and nipples. These things could provide comfort and cure so you can still continue breastfeeding.

For Milk Supply

•Lactation Cookies

•Lactation Supplements

•Oatmeals

•Soup/Water

These are some of foods or things to take in case your milk supply would run low. Along with regular feeding and pumping, I’m sure your supply would go up.

For Cleaning

•Baby wipe/wet wipe

•Handwash and sanitizers

•Bottle Sterilizers

•Liquid soap that are safe for baby’s bottle cleaning

•Bottle Brush

It is important to keep things clean especially those that are used for breastmilk. Uncleaned stuffs might have bacteria and it could harm your little one.

These are the most important things to invest with when you are breastfeeding mom. These provides all the necessary things you would need in your journey with breastfeeding. You may purchase these items little by little if having them altogether would seem to be costly for you. It’s not like you’re gonna use everything at the same time though. Most of these items can be used for a long time too so investing for these would be worth it. So there you go, enjoy breastfeeding Momma!

What are Problems You Could Encounter While Breastfeeding?

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World Health Organization (WHO) has advised that breastfeeding is always the best form of feeding for babies up to two years of age. Once a mommy has decided to do the breastfeeding adventure, for sure she has considered the goodness of breastfeeding benefits. Me, myself, had been through breastfeeding for the past 4 years now, for my 2 sons. I had been up in the clouds at first, but all through out, breastfeeding is not as easy as how most mothers think it is. There are breastfeeding blues that once in a while will make our breastfeeding journey seem hard, well it really is hard. But i assure you that after everything, the hardship can never really outnumber the goodness that there is in breastfeeding.

Common Breastfeeding Problems

•Cracked and Sore Nipples

This often happens to new mommies. Their babies are still in adjustment period of how to do breastfeeding successfully. In the attempt to get milk, their latch may be too forceful and tight and might cause nipples to crack. The pain won’t last for too long or all through out the feeding session though. What you can do is make sure that baby is positioned properly during feeding. Make sure he is properly latching so he won’t have to forcefully do it.

•Improper Latching

This is when baby is shallow latching and not getting the sufficient milk he intend to get. Make sure that when you are breastfeeding, most part of the areola is covered by baby’s mouth. Make sure that he is not latching just from the base of the nipple. When baby is hungry and he sense your nipple near his mouth, he will open his mouth and that’s when you get to bring your breast into his mouth and make sure he cover and latch the proper area so stimulate your breast and for milk to flow.

•Engorgement

It is when your breastmilk isn’t drained out properly and your breast becomes so tight and full. It might cause discomfort and a little pain. When breasts are so full, they might harden a little. This happens when your breast keeps producing milk but little one wasn’t able to fully drain the milk. What you can do is express or pump your milk if your baby is sleeping or away from you. When you breastfeed your baby, make sure he is properly latched and switch to the other breast every after 15-20 minutes of feeding so both breasts will be drained.

•Clogged Duct and Mastitis

When your breast is exposed to pressure like when you are wearing bra with underwire, or when you are sleeping and your breast is pressed to pillow or bed for too long, it can cause for your milk duct to clog. You will notice that it will become painful to touch, there is lump and redness in the area, and the flow of milk is affected. Mastitis is the worst of it. This happens when you already get bacterial infection in your breasts. For clogged ducts, you just need to have proper rest, drain breasts properly, massage or do hot compress to the affected area. It might last for 2 to 3 days. For mastitis, you need to consult your doctor for proper medication. You will be required to take antibacterial medicine for it too.

•Low Milk Supply

This is a common problem for mommies especially to those that are mix feeding or formula feeding and breastfeeding at the same time. Just keep in mind that breastmilk production is based on demand. The more you spend time breastfeeding your baby, the more milk will be produced by your body. You can pump your milk too or take lactation supplements. Drink a lot of water and soup. Eat healthy foods too so your body will be able to produce more milk.

Breastfeeding is not a walk in the park kind of challenge. Your patience, strength and courage will be put into test at most times. Remind yourself of your main goal so that you will never run out of reasons to continue breastfeeding even at times you will experience these breastfeeding problems.