subject: Breastfeeding Tips For New Moms [print this page] Breastfeeding is the best gift for your babyBreastfeeding is the best gift for your baby. If you are healthy and are up to it, there is no reason you shouldn't try breastfeeding. Scientists say that babies that breastfeed have a greater chance to develop a stronger immune system and live a healthy life. So if you are willing, you should know that you can breastfeed for as long as you like.
If you have taken the decision to breastfeed you should know a few things that will make it easier for you and for the baby. Try the first time in your house, sitting at a comfortable place and holding the baby properly. The whole thing will come naturally. Ask your doctor how long you should breastfeed and he will give you some simple instructions according to the baby's age. One thing to remember is that you shouldn't feel anxious or ashamed. Today the common thing is to feed the baby with a bottle, but breastfeeding is starting to win fans again.
You should use common sense to take care of these things. Don't feel intimidated just because you have never done it before. Check the amount of milk that you have. Sometimes the flow might be bigger especially early in the morning and others it might be slow. So the baby will probably adjust the time accordingly. You shouldn't feel anxiety over this behavior. Remember to rub your baby on the back for a while when you take a break from feeding. This will allow air to be removed and cause less gas and tummy pain to your baby.
Breastfeeding is a way to make the baby feel safe and secure and bond with you. This might seem a little strange, but babies actually feel safer when they are being held. This is why they stop crying, too! So when the baby is breastfeeding, the association of food, hug and the smell of the mother calms the baby down and this feeling can last for long. It is proven that babies that breastfeed are calm during the day, cry less and are happier. This is indeed due to the fact that they come in contact with the mother.
Now let's think about you for a second. Breastfeeding strengthens your immune system as well. You also have more time to relax as at the early stages of life the baby has to be fed every three hours something that leaves you no free time if you are always preparing a bottle. You can also go anywhere you want without having to think about preparing food to take with you. Another thing is that breastfeeding will help you lose weight. So if you have gained a lot of weight, here is your chance to get rid of it.
So try to breastfeed for as long as you can and as long as you and your baby feel happy. You are doing what is best for both of you.
