There are no hard and fast rules to motherhood, which is exactly what makes this journey just as messy as it is beautiful. The only real trick to making the most of motherhood is to explore your options and find what works for your baby and your body. When it comes to feeding times, some women choose to breastfeed, others formula feed and some women use a hybrid of both feeding methods. If you decide to incorporate breastfeeding into your newborn’s feeding schedule, things can get a little messy. Here are four things you should remember if you’re breastfeeding.
Take care of yourself
Motherhood is a whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities--especially in the first few months. Take care of yourself, stay rested and fill up on wholesome nutrients to keep your body healthy because you are the food supplier after all. Continue taking your prenatal vitamins, stay hydrated and load up on calcium to stay healthy during your breastfeeding phase.
Learn to relax
Relaxing is easier said than done when you’re trying to breastfeed your newborn. However, lower stress levels can help activate milk production and encourage letdown. Take a few deep breaths or turn on your favorite playlist before you begin to breastfeed. Still struggling to relax when nursing? There are even podcasts out there to help promote letdown when breastfeeding--give them a try!
Positioning matters
The way you sit and the way you hold your baby affects how easy your baby can latch. Your nursing position should be comfortable for both baby and mommy, but feeding postures feel different for everyone. There is no universally right way to hold your baby. Try a few different breastfeeding positions and stick to the one that works best for you and your little one.
Breastfeeding is different for everyone
Likewise, motherhood is different for every woman, and it’s important to remain patient with yourself when things don’t seem to go as smoothly as you think it should. Just because your best friend told you that she had the easiest time breastfeeding her newborn does not mean you will too. Be patient when things get messy because they will. You know what they say--there’s no use crying over spilled milk.
Sometimes motherhood is sunshine, rainbows, sweet moments and happy babies. Other times, it’s dirty diapers, tantrums, messy cars and leaky boobs. Happy motherhood!
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