The right equipment for breastfeeding
20.6.2017
Translation: machine translated
Breastfeeding should be a pleasure, not a painful burden. It is also important to position the baby correctly from birth. Midwives will help you, but the right accessories can also help you when breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is not just about feeding the baby, it also fulfils the baby's desire for warmth, contact and a sense of security. For many mums, this is the time when they devote most of their time to their baby and when they can strengthen the mother-child bond.
Like children, each breast and therefore each breastfeed is unique. In other words, there is no universal method that can help every woman. There are various products that can help make breastfeeding easier. The right position and the right care help prevent engorgement or mastitis. With a lot of patience, you'll find a breastfeeding rhythm that's ideal for you and your baby. A routine will set in and breastfeeding at home and in public will become easier and less awkward.
Sit back comfortably
A nursing cushion or a chair with armrests and a cushion takes the strain off your arms and shoulder muscles, and makes breastfeeding easier. You're more relaxed and can give your baby time to drink. Even if he falls asleep on your arm, you're not on the verge of cramp. Nursing pillows also allow you to place your baby firmly against your nipple and make it easy to change the breastfeeding position. This way, you can avoid nipple irritation due to poor feeding.
Take care of your breasts
Nipples are very sensitive and good care is essential. If they're not looked after properly, feeding the baby can quickly lead to sore nipples. Massaging the nipple with a drop of breast milk, using lanolin-based ointments and soothing pads offer the necessary protection. In this way, the nipples can recover a little and the remedies ease the pain of dry and/or cracked breasts. Soothing and stimulating pads can also be used. Used warm they stimulate the milk to come in and cold they soothe engorged or sore breasts.
Mother's milk in abundance
Feed your baby before pumping. If you already have sore nipples, nipple shields help to ease the pain a little. If your baby doesn't finish the breast, if they are too sore, or if milk is present in abundance, pumping becomes essential. Pumping also helps prevent engorgement and mastitis, which are very painful and can also lead to premature weaning. There are two methods: manual pumps and electric pumps. If you want to pump milk on the move or at work, we recommend you opt for a model that can also run on batteries.
Hygiene for breast milk
If you're already taking the trouble to pump your precious breast milk, it should also be able to be digested by your baby. So remember to sterilise the bottle and milk pump accessories before using them. There are a number of special sachets and jars available for storing milk hygienically. Pay attention to the different storage times depending on the type of method used (room temperature, fridge or freezer).
On the move with no unpleasant surprises
Nursing pads make sure your T-shirt stays dry and doesn't get soaked with milk. Here, you can choose between reusable silk and wool models or disposable ones that can be easily changed at any time. As well as the pads, the nursing bra offers good support for your breasts.
Header image: Breastfeeding must be learned. With the right aids it becomes a pleasure.
I’m the cook, cleaner, police officer, nurse, entertainer, motivator, author, storyteller, coach, organiser, chauffeur, lawyer and judge. To put it simply, I’m a mum to a daughter and not just a (Content) Manager at the office but also at home.
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