The breastfeeding stage is often neglected as a priority because we already have the newborn in our care. While during pregnancy we spend much of our time and energy eating a balanced diet, taking our vitamins, and drinking enough water, it seems that by the time our baby is born we forget that we are still the main source of nutrients through breastfeeding.

It’s easy to forget to take care of our bodies, get enough sleep, and hydrate, when there is so much to do to keep our little one healthy. But we must remember that breastfeeding care will result in a healthy, well-nourished baby.

Hydrate

During lactation the demand for fluids will increase, so it is important to drink enough water to satisfy thirst. 2 liters of water a day is recommended, also consume foods with high water content, such as watermelon, soups, milk, or tea. Avoiding sugary drinks will help in recovery and maintaining a healthy weight.

Nutrition

The main way to ensure that our baby receives all the necessary nutrients is through the mother’s balanced diet. It should be noted that during breastfeeding we should eat a varied and nutrient-rich diet, similar to that of pregnancy. It is not necessary to increase portions, since milk production will not require more calories than necessary during pregnancy.

It is important to mention that no food increases milk production, as many myths would have us believe, so the consumption of cow’s milk, beer, or atoles should not be encouraged. Milk production is directly linked to demand.

The mother should include plenty of vegetables, a variety of fruits, proteins, carbohydrates and good fats. Eat three meals a day and snacks that include nuts and seeds. In addition to plenty of fluids.

The only foods that should be limited are those that contain large amounts of caffeine, such as energy drinks. Moderate consumption of coffee and tea should not be a problem, one to two cups per day. Also oily fish with a high content of heavy metals such as swordfish, bluefin tuna, shark, mussels and pike. These fish can be consumed in quantities of 120 grams per month according to the Spanish Association of Pediatrics.

Avoid alcohol and tobacco consumption

Avoiding alcohol consumption is necessary during this stage, since alcohol is considered incompatible with breastfeeding and can negatively affect the baby’s health. If consumed, it is recommended that it be in small quantities (60 milliliters) and avoid breastfeeding for the next 3 hours. Co-sleeping should not be practiced after drinking alcohol. It is also recommended to avoid smoking due to the harmful effects of smoke on the newborn’s health.

Rest

As complicated as it may seem, the breastfeeding mother should have adequate rest so that her body can satisfy its needs and also produce enough food for the baby. The practice of co-sleeping is an excellent option for breastfeeding mothers, since it allows the mother to rest while feeding the baby.

Breastfeeding brings innumerable benefits for our little ones, but it should always be the mother’s decision to carry it out, since it implies a great effort on her part. We must also have good support around us to carry out a successful breastfeeding, as it is a team effort. The breastfeeding mother should receive support from her partner, close family, and lactation specialists if necessary. The main care we should take during breastfeeding is that of our person and always respecting our wishes regarding the duration.

La entrada Care during breastfeeding se publicó primero en yademasmama.

During pregnancy our body prepares for an unparalleled task, to maintain a life inside our uterus for 9 months and achieve its maximum development. For this reason we women focus all our energy on eating healthy, going to our medical appointments, and following all the indications.

And everything goes well until the day of the birth, at that moment we enter an unknown and little mentioned stage by maternity books and the women around us, the postpartum. The physical and hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy are interrupted and the body must quickly return to its previous state. All of this happens as we adjust to new life and take care of a newborn.

Postpartum is full of emotions and changes, it is common to wonder if you are doing the right thing, to doubt your ability to take care of your baby, and even to feel loneliness and sadness. And if we add to this the difficulties in establishing successful breastfeeding, the challenge becomes even greater.

To cope with postpartum and breastfeeding, in addition to the support of family and friends, there are many other tools and accessories that will facilitate this task. Here is a list of the essentials.

Compresses

After childbirth or cesarean section, heavy bleeding known as lochia is very common. Having large, absorbent pads will help you feel comfortable. 

Absorbent pads

Breast milk production during the first few weeks postpartum can be greater than the newborn’s demand, causing uncomfortable spills in the bra. Disposable or washable pads are a perfect choice.

Hydrogel pads

Although breastfeeding is known as a natural activity for all women, the reality is that it’s not always. That romantic idea of holding your newborn while he or she feeds from your breast and you smile is often nowhere near reality. If you do suffer injuries caused by poor latch-on, hydrogel patches can be your salvation in relieving the pain.

Breast pump

Milk production is not constant during breastfeeding, sometimes your baby will sleep more hours than usual and will not be able to completely empty the breast, the accumulation of milk in addition to causing discomfort can be painful. It is therefore advisable to have an electric or manual breast pump.

A breast pump is also useful for mothers who return to work and want to continue breastfeeding. This will help them maintain an optimal level of production during the hours they are away from home.

Breastfeeding pillow

Finally, a nursing pillow has been a lifesaver for women who choose to breastfeed their newborns. Achieving a comfortable position while holding a baby and trying to heal injuries such as a cesarean section, a tear, or an episiotomy can be challenging. U- or S-shaped pillows will be your best allies.

The postpartum period and breastfeeding have become idealized over time, but for many women they are difficult to cope with, where doubts and emotions are overwhelming. We must keep in mind that feeling this way is more normal than we think, and that our best option is always to seek help from those around us and have the right accessories to improve our days.

La entrada Essential during postpartum and breastfeeding se publicó primero en yademasmama.