While pregnant I spent a lot of time learning breastfeeding and to gather the best tips and tricks to be prepared. Here is my collection of breastfeeding tips.

1) Always make sure you drink a glas of water BEFORE you sit down to nurse.

2) To avoid getting sore nipples from breastfeeding you should make sure you are positioning your little one properly and that you have the nipple well into baby's mouth so that the mouth is covering at least 1/2 inch from the base of your nipple. Your baby doesn't really suck on your nipple, but on the Areola.

3) To avoid having baby's finger nails scratch your boobs, tuck one of babies hands between you and baby and hold the other hand. By the way - babies love the comfort finger holding while nursing (at least that is my experience).

4) When your baby latches on, make sure that the lower lip is rolled out and that she is not sucking on that as well. The exact method is described in Dr. Sears "The Birth Book". This will help you avoid a lot of soreness on your nipples.

5) Breastfeeding and pumping is tough. Remember why you decided to breastfeed. Have your hubby remind you why you breastfeed. Don't give up at 3.00 AM in the morning and get the formula out. Breastfeeding is the best you can do for your baby.

6) If the baby falls asleep while nursing, tickle the feet for change the diaper. Some babies continue to nurse even while sleeping.

7) Pay attention to your diet! Remember - You body is producing the milk and you need extra heathly calories. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. You will need to experiment what food your little one likes.

8) Experiment with new positions to breastfeed in, especially when your baby grows bigger. You'll find as their size changes, you can change the ways you position them. Being in the same position all the time can get pretty uncomfortable. The more ways you can change positions and continue feeding, the better off you'll be in the long run, especially for nighttime feedings.

More to come. Please add your own breastfeeding tips here.

Bumbelbee

Hey, this is an awesome idea. If you do not mind - I will add a couple more breastfeeding tips.

9) Make sure you go to the bathroom before you start nursing. With all the fluids you'll be drinking you'll need to go 'potty' a lot and there is nothing worse than breastfeeding your newborn when you feel the urge to pee the whole time.

10) Sore nipples. Get Vitamin E gel caps. Open them with a sharp knife carefully and squeeze the fluid on your breast. This is a natural way to avoid sore nipples and works as well as Lanisoh and it is not harmful to the baby.

I hope this helps.

Andrea

If you ladies do not mind - here are some more breastfeeding tips:

11) You should be breastfeeding your baby 8 to 12 times in a 24 hours time-frame. The amount of breastmilk your breast will produce is directly related to the amount of stimulation your breasts receive from the baby. You should offer both breasts to baby alternating to make sure each breast receives the same amount of stimulation.

12) Breastfeeding will be easier if you are comfortable and relaxed during the feedings. Make sure you do not get disturbed by the phone or the door bell ringing. Any outside interruption might lead to stress while breastfeeding.

13) Make sure your baby is not just sucking on the tip of your nipples.

14) Consider to weigh the baby before you nurse. Then weigh the baby after breastfeeding. A digital scale will often be able to give you a very accurate reading so that you know how much baby has eaten.

15) Just take your top and bra off and let mother nature do the rest. Relax and enjoy holding your baby feeling it on your skin. This warm feeling will also help baby to relax and to concentrate on eating.


Maybe the admin can make this topic a sticky? It would be well worth it.

Thanks.

Avri

This has been taken care of. Thanks for pointing this topic out to me.

Admin