Great Tips For Breastfeeding your Newborn
The biggest learning curve for me as a mom has been one of the things I thought would come the most naturally: Breastfeeding your Newborn.
Hey Everyone! My name is Brooke Parker. My husband, Stephen, and I are brand new parents to a beautiful 4-week-old baby boy (Dawson). I am currently a fourth-year medical student but going to be graduating this spring and starting my psychiatric residency this summer!
To say we are in the thick of it is an understatement. We are constantly learning and adjusting to what our little guy and our family needs both day and night (goodbye sleep)!
Breastfeeding your Newborn
As a new mom, I just assumed that my little guy would come out knowing what to do and be ready to start breastfeeding. What I have learned is that newborns have the suck and rooting reflex to direct them. They still need to learn to breastfeed and some babies take longer than others.
When Dawson was born, he did not show any interest in breastfeeding. He also had a weak suck reflex! We had a lactation consultant who came in and was able to give us tips and tricks to improve his suck reflex and latch.
Improving suck reflex & latch:
- Try multiple positions when breastfeeding your newborn such as the cradle hold or football hold
- Support the babies head and upper back with one hand and then cup the breast in a sandwich hold with the other. Massage the breast to help get the milk flowing for baby.
- Keep the breast in a happy place when breastfeeding your newborn. Use a bottle and attempt breastfeeding again later when the baby gets frustrated
- Using a nipple shield if available and as directed by a lactation consultant or pediatrician (would need to learn how to wean back off shield)
Tips for bottle feeding if needed:
- Use a slow flow nipple such as a number 1
- Used paced feeding to better mimic breastfeeding
Tips for pumping prior to milk coming in:
- Pump after every feed to help milk come in
- Pump as needed when milk is in and supply is established
Breastfeeding your Newborn Conclusion
Even with all these tips for latching, we still had to bottle feed at times and supplement with formula if he wasn’t getting enough through breastfeeding. Which I was very happy to do because a fed a baby is a happy baby in my opinion!
It has been challenging but our little man has been improving every day and is gaining weight at every appointment. For other moms out there breastfeeding your newborn, breastfeeding may come easy or be challenging. If you decide that you want to breastfeed your little one, keep pushing because you will figure it out together! ❤️
-Brooke Parker
THANK YOU Brooke for sharing your story and this helpful information!
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What Is A Diaper Shower: A Fund For Diapers
Have you heard of the term “diaper shower” but are wondering what is a diaper shower? If you are a new parent or know someone who is expecting a child soon a diaper shower is for you!
A diaper shower is essentially a baby shower, but instead of traditional gifts like clothes and toys, guests bring disposable diapers, wipes, and other diapering essentials. The purpose of a diaper shower is to help new parents stock up on these necessary items for their newborn without having to worry about constantly restocking themselves.
An event like a Diaper Shower can often include games, gift openings, and food. On the other hand, diaper parties are typically hosted by men or couples, with male friends of the dad-to-be in attendance. The focus is on providing practical gifts like diapers and wipes rather than traditional baby gifts like clothes or toys. You can also host a Diaper Shower completely online!
Learn more or start a diaper shower for yourself of a loved on today!
