How to Ensure Breastfeeding is a Positive Experience
Before you became a mother or even while you were pregnant, you probably heard your share of both good and bad breastfeeding stories. Because of this, you may be worried that breastfeeding — which should surely be a great experience for you and your baby — may not always be a positive experience. You might especially be worried if you’re in the military or are a military wife, and don’t have the time, as well as everything you need to help ensure it’s a comfortable and rewarding experience.
Whether you’re a military wife, in the military, or are just a new mother, there are a variety of things you can do to help guarantee your experience is a positive one for you and your baby. Here are three of them:
Begin breastfeeding right after you give birth or as soon as possible.
When you hold your baby to your chest immediately after you give birth, you trigger your milk production and your newborn’s feeding reflexes. If you didn’t know, a lot of babies are interested in feeding and the most alert during the first hour after they are born. So, if you want to start breastfeeding off successfully, start feeding sooner to help keep you and your baby calm, reduce stress, and, most of all, continue strengthening the bond you two have.
Keep an eye on your baby and not the time.
Instead of keeping an eye out for a certain time to feed your baby, focus on finding the signs that indicate your baby wants or needs to feed such as putting his or her hands to the mouth and licking lips. This way, you will make sure your baby is getting enough milk and not too little because you feed him or her at a certain time.
Talk to friends and family members who’ve had children.
If you keep in contact with other mothers, you’ll feel more confident about breastfeeding. That way, you won’t have to keep concerns you may have to yourself. And, if you don’t know any mothers, you can always reach out to a lactation consultant. In the end, keep the lines of communication open, and don’t be afraid to talk about breastfeeding. This can help ensure breastfeeding is a positive experience for you.
Here at The Breastfeeding Shop, our goal is to help all mothers, especially those in the military, obtain electric breast pumps they can count on while they breastfeed and help them have a superior breastfeeding experience. We offer electric pumps from brands like Medela, Ameda, Ardo, and many others that you will find listed on our site. To see all of our products or learn how you can acquire breast pumps through TRICARE, please browse our website or email CustomerService@TheBreastfeedingShop.com. You can also follow us on Facebook. We want to help ensure breastfeeding is a positive experience for you and your baby.
