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It's helpful for a woman who wants to breast-feed to learn as much about it as possible before delivery, while she is not exhausted from caring for an infant around-the-clock. The following tips can help successful nursing:
·You may feel more comfortable and confident by placing a pillow on your lap to raise your baby to the right level for feeding.
· Most women feel thirsty while feeding, so keep a drink handy
· While feeding, always sit with your back well-supported.
· Try to relax while feeding as your baby can sense it and will settle for a feed easily.
· To encourage your baby to turn towards the nipple, squeeze out a few drops of milk and rub the nipple over the baby's lips.
· Always feed your baby on demand. This will ensure a plentiful supply of milk to match your baby's needs. · Always bring your baby to the breast and not the breast to the baby.
· Remember to offer and not push the breast into the baby's mouth.
· When the baby is feeding on one breast, it is common for the other breast to start leaking. Use a breast pad or breast shell to catch drips from the leaking breast.
· Never pull the nipple away from the baby's mouth to break the suction. Slip a finger between the jaws for this purpose.
· Alternate breasts for feeds so that both are equally stimulated to produce milk.
· If your breasts are engorged (big, hard and uncomfortable), the baby will have problems in latching on. It is best to soften the breasts by placing a warm flannel for several minutes before feeding. You can also use breast soothers.
· Wear a well-supported bra , all through pregnancy and breastfeeding. This will prevent your breasts from sagging.
· Use a moisturizing and specialist nipple cream · If expressing milk, it is best to express between feeds so that there is enough milk in your breasts for your baby's regular feed.
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