How to prepare for breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a very delicate period for moms and yet a very crucial skill to learn.

The pre-breastfeeding stage is generally a confusing time for moms who don’t know how to induce their milk supply.

Today I’ll be giving you the proper ways to prepare your breasts for breastfeeding and to avoid sore breasts.

Mirna Elsabbagh, Adult & Child Nutritionist - Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition

Question Number One: What are the right ways to prepare your breasts for breastfeeding and to avoid soreness?

The correct answer is: there’s no way at all!

Why? Because you shouldn’t feel breast pain in the first place.

The only way to avoid soreness or blood presence is by breastfeeding your baby is the right method. Positioning is very important while breastfeeding. Make sure you’re not leaning forward, that your baby has their mouth open enough (140 degrees), and is not covering the nipple.

Keep in mind that unlike you usually hear, breast soreness is NOT NORMAL, and facing these symptoms means there’s a problem that should be solved.

 

Question Number Two: What should I do as I wait for my milk to come?

The general time frame between your delivery and the presence of white milk is about 3-6 days. But that does not mean that you should replace your milk with formula until the sixth day.

Your yellow milk “colostrum” is VERY IMPORTANT. In fact, scientists have been trying and paying billions to create something similar to colostrum, but they always fail. Colostrum helps in boosting your child’s immune system and creates a protective cover for your baby’s stomach that helps diminish allergies and infections.

On the other hand, if you give your child formula instead of colostrum, your natural milk supply might be late, and with fewer production amounts. That’s because your body is formed to supply milk according to your child’s needs, and breastfeeding the colostrum in the first week after delivery is the main indicator for your body.

It is recommended that you feed your baby in the first hours directly after delivery, in a 1-2 hours’ frequency, and to follow the skin-to-skin guidelines. Also, make sure your doctor is a natural breastfeeding advocate. These tips also apply to women who had a cesarean delivery, even if your milk takes longer to come.

The bottom line is unless your child is losing weight in an abnormal range (7-10% of birth weight), feed them your colostrum and not a formula!

Eventually, don’t worry, trust your body, and follow only professional guidelines for breastfeeding!

You can find these breastfeeding tips and more in my FREE breastfeeding course, try in NOW.

Mirna Sabbagh Adult and Child Nutritionist: How to Prepare for Breastfeeding

 

I hope this was helpful!

Mirna Sabbagh, an adult and child dietitian, nutritionist, and lactation consultant. She also has several digital courses: Pregnancy Nutrition Course, breastfeeding course,  starting solids 6-12 months courseand also child nutrition for all children including picky eaters, that you can sign up for from the comfort of your home.

The courses are pre-recorded. As soon as you make the course purchase, you will receive a link to watch the course from your phone or laptop.

You can also e-mail Mirna for questions on info@mirnaelsabbagh.com

Mirna is no longer doing consultations. Her online courses and webinars cover 95% of parents common concerns.