Breastfeeding preparation

The success of breastfeeding depends, in large part, on the motivation of the mother to carry it out and the advice and information she receives during pregnancy and after delivery. It is a stage, especially in the first months of the child, of almost exclusive dedication to the baby, so the mother must seek the help of family and friends for the rest of the household tasks. A hard and stressful job, at home or away, can decrease milk supply. The mother should try to rest when the baby sleeps since at night the most common thing is that he cannot sleep at once, since the baby will wake up to eat.

The size of the breasts is not important in milk production, most women can breastfeed their children if they wish, regardless of the shape and size of the breast.

The rise of milk

It is called "milk surge" at the beginning of the production of breast milk that occurs 3 days after delivery. The first days colostrum is produced, which is a more yellowish milk and very rich in protein. During the rise the breasts are visibly more swollen, hardened and slightly painful. The best way to alleviate the discomfort is by placing the baby on the breast frequently to be emptied and applying warm compresses or a warm shower before feeding.

Mother's hygiene

The only hygiene the breast needs is the daily shower. Avoid putting soap in the nipple and areola area because it dries. Dry the chest very well after bathing. The use of cosmetics in the breast area is not recommended so that no component passes into the milk. Absorbent pads can be helpful and should be changed as often as necessary. It is highly recommended to use special nursing bras that support the breast loosely and have a suitable design that allows the mother to breastfeed the baby at any time.

The mother should wash her hands well before offering her breast to the baby.

Feeding

The mother does not need to vary her eating or drinking habits. It is common for the mother to be more thirsty, but it is not necessary to drink forcefully. Only in the case of allergies it might be necessary to eliminate some food from the mother's diet, always under the supervision of the pediatrician.

Traditionally it is said that there are foods that give milk a bad taste: garlic, onion, asparagus ... If the child does not reject milk, they should not be excluded from the diet. It is a good way to "educate your baby's palate" by familiarizing him with new tastes and smells.

Habits

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding is a good time to quit smoking. The nursing mother cannot drink alcoholic beverages or other types of drugs.
• It is highly recommended not to abuse exciting drinks or foods such as coffee, cola, tea or chocolate.
• Do not take any medication or vitamin supplements without consulting your doctor as some medicines or substances pass into the milk and could be harmful to your baby.
• It may be helpful for the mother to learn to express milk, either to store it and have another person feed the baby in her absence, or to alleviate the discomfort caused by excessive accumulation in periods when the baby suckles less.
• Breast milk can be kept in the refrigerator for five days and frozen for three to six months.