Breastfeeding: 5 golden rules every mother should know

For any new mother, breastfeeding can be a daunting task. They find themselves swamped with questions related to successfully feeding their little ones. While feeding the little one seems like a natural process, it does not come innately to all mothers and babies. Everyone has their ups and downs, which serve as a lesson to make necessary changes in their technique for a successful breastfeeding session. It is difficult to predict what will work for one and what will not. However, knowledge about the basics of breastfeeding can help them adjust quickly. Here are five things every mother must know about nurturing their babies.

People around you might have suggested techniques for breastfeeding correctly, but do not try to apply them rigidly when you start feeding your baby. It is vital to be open-minded and see what works better for you and your baby. In the beginning, it is all about testing and trying. Read books and articles to understand more about the process of breastfeeding, rather than just relying on people's suggestions. Be open to experiments.

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Babies are exclusively breastfed for the first six months. Breast milk provides them with all the nutrients and helps to build immunity. For that, you need to eat well and stay hydrated. Whatever you will eat will be passed on to your baby in the form of your milk. If your diet is low in nutrient content and you are not well hydrated, not only your health will suffer, but its negative effect can also be witnessed on your baby's health.

Both you and your baby need to get into a comfortable position for a successful breastfeeding session. It is essential to learn how to hold your baby correctly. You can experiment with positions like cradle hold, crossover hold, football hold and side-lying position. Proper positioning during breastfeeding helps your baby latch in the right way and also prevents the problem of nipple soreness often experienced by nursing moms.

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If you are struggling with breastfeeding and often feel anxious, try to relax. You can do that by setting the mood by playing your favourite music or podcast to relax. It will help you feed your baby in a better way and your flow of milk will be sufficient. You can also try a breast pump to take a break from the feeding session.

Even if you think that you are armed with knowledge, not everything would go according to the plan. Some days you may be feeling disappointed and frustrated. Do not be harsh on yourself. Take help if required to take care of the baby and indulge in some self-care sessions. Go out to meet friends, take a long shower or watch your favourite. Things will fall in place with time. You just need to be a little patient.