Breastfeeding

If you can, put the baby on the breast as soon as possible after the birth. It is very good for both of you, and is a wonderful experience.

It is a good idea to learn different ways of holding baby to feed him – in this way you can alternate positions with each feed, which is easier on your nipples. The main pressure of the sucking is then focussed on a different place each time.

The traditional hold is the one you will use most often once your nipples are feeling fine. For this hold you cradle the baby in your arm, and guide him toward the nipple. When he is close stroke his cheek and he will turn his face toward you. Tease the top lip with the nipple, and when his mouth is opened wide pull him quickly onto the nipple. He should take a good mouthful of nipple and areola, and other than an initial pain if your nipples are cracked, it should not be painful when he sucks. The milk will let down after a few sucks – you will feel this as a tingling or pain from your armpits down the breasts. Then you will hear him swallowing. When you breastfeed you release a hormone which makes you feel happy and loving. So gaze into his little face, know that he depends on you, that you are nurturing him and giving him all he needs, and glory in being his mother! Drink in his features, his trusting eyes, his soft downy hair, and delicate eyebrows. Try to imprint his image on your memory. He will not be this little for very long.

The next hold to learn is called the football hold. You put the baby's body under your arm, so his feet are completely opposite to where they were in the traditional hold. Support his back with your arm, and his head with your hand. For this hold and the traditional hold it is helpful to lie the baby on a pillow,

My seven-year-old and newborn

which supports your arm and brings him to the right height. I prefer a tri-pillow, which fits snugly around my tummy. Lastly, it is very useful to learn to feed lying down. Lie on your side, with baby in the crook of your arm, lying straight, on his side, and snuggled into your tummy.

His face needs to be in line with your nipple. Pull him toward you and latch him on to the breast closest to the bed. When you feed the other side there is no need to roll over and put him on the other side of you. Just roll your top shoulder toward him and you can feed him right where he is. This position is wonderful for night feeds, as it allows you to keep dozing while you feed. Some people like to sleep with their baby. I find we wake each other up, and I cannot sleep deeply with being aware of the baby next to me, so I prefer to have him in his own bed nearby. I use a quality disposable diaper at night, so that I do not need to change him (unless he has pooped). I simply feed him both breasts, then put him back to bed. I keep a spare diaper, wipes, bibs, a change of baby clothes, and a towel on my bedside table in case I need them in the night. Sometimes you do need to change a poopy diaper, and sometimes baby can puke all over everything! Most times you can quietly feed in the dark or semi-dark, no talking or playing (otherwise he learns this is wake-time), then back to sleep.

email Paulette: motheringadvice@gmail.com