Even though breast-feeding is a natural process for your body, it may not feel natural or come to you easily. Nursing may cause slight pain and discomfort at first, but once you get used to the sensation, breast-feeding shouldn’t hurt as long as you position your baby correctly. Place him directly facing your chest and, when his mouth is open, pull him close to your breast. He should be able to latch on with his mouth, and his sucking should cause you to feel pressure and pulling. It’s fine to shift positions for your own comfort -- the important thing is to keep your baby directly facing you in any position you choose. Pain or cracked nipples are often a sign of incorrect positioning.
Most hospitals offer help for new mothers who are learning to breast-feed -- take advantage of these services after your delivery. There are also certified lactation consultants who can help you breast-feed. Ask your doctor or find one through the International Lactation Consultant Association (ilca.org). You can also get help from books specifically about breast-feeding, such as The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins.
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What a woman eats during pregnancy can have an important effect on her health and the health of her baby -- even when the baby becomes an adult. For more information on nutrition during and after pregnancy for yourself and your baby, read The Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating During Pregnancy.
Click here to join the group Harvard Med: Talking About Health on Gather
You can find the following related article on Gather:
Choosing to Breast-Feed or Bottle-Feed
How Lactation Works
Can a Nursing Mother's Diet Cause Allergies or Intestinal Problems in Her Baby?
Benefits of Breastfeeding and the Misconceptions of Nursing
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Comments: 2
I found that while I BF, I actually got more sleep than when I bottle fed.
I do however truly agree with you on finding someone who is certified by the ILCA as they are more up to date on breasfeeding issue of moms and babies than doctors are. I have learned that most physicians are too quick to put an infant on formula instead of correcting problems especially with new moms who are desperately trying to nurse.