There are many benefits to breastfeeding your baby. A mother can naturally provide her newborn baby with everything that he or she needs for a healthy start to life through breastfeeding. Studies have shown that babies who are breastfed have a healthier body weight and are less susceptible to illness than those that are bottle fed.
Although breastfeeding babies love to nurse, they will stop when they are full. Babies take in essential antibodies from their mothers? milk that will help to protect them from infection and other illnesses that can be harmful to a developing baby.
Not only is breastfeeding a natural and beautiful thing, but it also helps build the bond between mother and child. During the first few months of life it is absolutely essential that the mother and baby experience close and personal contact together. If this bonding does not happen both the mother and the baby could experience emotional distress.
A healthy start to life is something that every baby deserves, and breastfeeding is the best way to provide needed nutrition to your newborn. If you are pregnant and you are considering breastfeeding your baby here are some simple instructions which will help educate you on how to properly breastfeed your baby.
The first thing you will need to do is find a comfortable place to sit and position yourself with your back straight and your lap flat. If you feel more comfortable you can position a pillow on your lap to support your baby while you are breastfeeding.
Next you will need to position your baby for breastfeeding. Turn your baby?s body toward your stomach. Your baby?s bottom should be resting on your elbow and your baby?s head, neck and shoulders should be supported by your forearm and hand.
It is time to begin breastfeeding by positioning your baby?s nose directly in front of your nipple. Gently allow your baby?s head to tip back slightly and rub your baby?s lips against your nipple until his or her mouth opens widely. Next you should quickly bring your baby?s bottom lip and chin against your breast. Your baby should be able to breath easily in this position. You should be able to feel the baby?s mouth trying to find your nipple as you guide him or her to latch on to it and begin feeding.
Supporting your breast may help to make your baby more comfortable during breastfeeding. It is also important for you to be comfortable as well. You should be relaxed and you should be able to hear your baby softly swallowing. If it doesn?t feel right you should calmly stop your baby and start over.
For more information about breastfeeding, try visiting http://pregnancyandchildbirthinfosource.com where you will find tons of useful breastfeeding related information, advice and resources. |