Are you a new mom or a mommy-to-be? Then these tips will help (or might even be a life saver) for the first few months after giving birth, during which you might be breastfeeding.
Here are 5 things you should remember while breastfeeding your new-born:
1. Plan For Your Health
Eating right is key. Don’t go on a diet straight after you deliver. Your body needs the nutrients to recover from childbirth & your baby needs the milk too. You will lose weight naturally especially if you plan on breastfeeding and eating right
2. Foods to Eat When Nursing
Sooji (semolina) boiled in milk is a super breastfeeding food tried and tested.
You can make a simple sooji kheer and enjoy it from the comfort of your home!
Ingedients:
- 3 tablespoon sooji
- 3 cups milk
- 4 crushed cardamoms
- 2 tablespoon cashews
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- 4 to 4 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon ghee
Method:
- Add ghee to a pan and once warm, sautee the cashews
- Add sooji and fry for 5-7 minutes on a low flame.
- Add milk and stir. Then add in sugar and stir for a few more minutes. Let it simmer until it’s density and thickness is perfect for the perfect kheer.
- Then add in raisins and crushed cardamom
- Can be served hot or cold.
Also, go for the desi style Panjeeri. Keep in an air tight box at your bedside table and have some morning, night and day. The ingredients in Panjeeri are excellent for restoring bone health.
3. Nursing Pads
You will need these. You can buy washable or disposable ones that keep you comfortable and dry in between feeds
Get Philips AVENT Mother Breast Pads Here!
4. Breastfeeding Is Budget-friendly And Hassle-free
No expensive formulas, no risk of bacterial infection and a reduced incidence of allergies. These are the benefits of breastfeeding other than the time saving factor. No sterilising bottles or warming milk for mid night feeds
However, breastfeeding does mean you will have to be around your baby a lot for the first few months but the rewards are worth the effort. Plus the mother-baby bonding time is a reward we can’t talk about enough!
Working moms have often reported success with expressing milk. However. If you feel your lifestyle or your health won’t allow you to nurse your baby, do consult your doctor for the best possible alternatives.
5. What If I Can’t Breastfeed?
It’s always hard in the beginning. Ask any new mom. They will have stories to tell you about breastfeeding. How hard it was to get the baby to latch on. How the milk didn’t seem to be enough.
The thing about breastfeeding is, it gets easier once you’re past the first roadblock. Which is, to get a good supply going and you and your baby get time to bond with each other. Very soon, you will get it right. Consult a lactation expert if you’re not quite there. Motherhood is all about finding the solution that works for you as a family. There should be no guilt or judgement attached to this decision.
And if you feel this is not the right option for you, that is your choice as well. No one should be made to feel guilty about doing what they feel is right for their body. Consult with your doctor for the best breast milk alternatives on the market.
Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor or lactation expert if you are experiencing problems with breastfeeding your newborn.
