WHILE it’s true that breastfeeding is an amazingly fulfilling experience for a mother, let’s face the hard truth: It’s downright tough.
Starting from chapped, sore nipples and aching breasts to the niggling worries of latching and expressing milk, nursing may become a struggle for you and your little one. Probably that’s the reason behind moms giving it up altogether or much before time, or, at least slacking on this baby essential. This is reflected by the fact that currently, only 39 per cent of babies worldwide are breastfed exclusively for six months. UNICEF estimates that if more mothers breastfed exclusively for six months (followed by two years of breastfeeding with complementary foods), a million lives could be saved every year.
The scenario, I am sure, will change, if mothers become more patient and take a more determined stand about breastfeeding. But this change is possible, only if the process can be made pain-free and a little less worrisome than it appears to be. From my experience as a lactation expert, I have found that the trouble blows out of proportion mostly in case of lack of guidance— proper, professional guidance. So, here is a nursing guide for new and would-be moms.
basics you ought to know
The challenges of lactating mothers are manifold but a little know-how will help you take charge of the situation.
Breast Crawl: Every newborn, when placed on the mother’s abdomen, soon after birth, has the instinctive ability to find the mother’s breast all on his own and to decide when to take the first feed. This is known as ‘breast crawl’. Encourage it. Research says, that babies who breast crawl, breastfeed for longer periods.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Focus On Good Health
As a mommy, you need to ensure that Baby is doing just fine. These tips will help you do just that.
Rain Bugs Go Away!
Monsoon is rife with water-borne ailments. With infants and children being the most susceptible, here's a ready reckoner to help decode your little one's symptoms and cures.
Baby, it's cold outside!
The cold, dreary days can expose your baby’s skin to dryness and even infection. Make notes, as our experts throw light on how to keep your tot’s skin healthy and supple throughout the season.
School Age 5-7 Years Power Struggles
Try these level-headed ways to avoid everyday battles with your little one.
12 Finger Foods That Don't Come From A Box
Skip highly processed finger foods for these natural, nutritious bites babies and toddlers will love to get their hands on.
Hyper Mom
With hypertension being ranked as one of the top obstetric complications hyper mom faced by women all over the world, it is essential to keep a tight watch on its insidious rise. Here’s a closer look at the key BP raiser
10 Mistakes You Don't Want To Make
You do all that it takes to keep those bumps and rashes away from your sweetheart. Yet, there they are—troubling her. Are you making any mistake while taking care of her delicate skin? It’s time to find out.
Help Baby Snooze Better
Great sleepers are made, not born. Take back the night with this 24/7 guide.
A Mom Who Eats Right, Feeds Right
Author of two books, including the latest Eat. Delete. Junior, and nutritionist to Bollywood A-listers like Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor, Pooja Makhija talks to Child about raising non-fussy eaters, her food rules, indulgences and much more.
A Head For Tales
Founder of Your Story Bag, master storyteller Rituparna Ghosh is known as much for her fun, interactive sessions as she is for training over 500 storytellers in nearly four years. She tells us how she found herself through her art.
