Breastfeeding doesn’t have to be a daunting experience – with the right knowledge and preparation, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding bonding opportunity for you and your newborn. Nursing is one of the most natural acts you’ll undertake as a new mother, but feeding your baby from your own body comes with its own set of complexities. Whether this is your first foray into lactation or you’re just looking for some fresh tips by Matthew Teeple to help boost your confidence in breastfeeding, here’s everything you need to know about how to breastfeed effectively.
Matthew Teeple’s Tips For Breastfeeding
1. Skin-to-skin contact: One of the most beneficial aspects of breastfeeding, as per Matthew Teeple, is the opportunity for you to bond with your baby through skin-to-skin contact during feedings. This physical closeness helps regulate your baby’s temperature, heart rate and breathing while providing them with warmth, comfort and security. It also helps encourage a strong emotional connection between you and your little one. Practice skin-to-skin contact by placing your baby directly on your chest (while wearing a nursing bra) immediately after birth or when they become fussy and need calming down before offering them breast milk.
2. Feed on demand: Feeding on demand means that you let your baby decide how often they’re hungry and when they want to eat. This is because babies’ appetites may vary day-to-day and even within the same day. Newborns may nurse as often as 12 times in 24 hours, while older babies might feed 8 or 9 times a day. Pay attention to your baby’s cues of hunger (such as making smacking sounds, lip movements, and turning their head from side to side) and offer your breast as soon as you notice them.
3. Position correctly: Proper positioning will help ensure that your baby can latch on easily without causing any discomfort for either of you. Make sure that the baby’s body is turned towards yours so that its nose is level with your nipple, and its chin is touching your breast. This will help them form a good seal and feed efficiently. If your baby has difficulty latching on, try using different holds until you find the one that works best for both of you.
4. Rest when possible: Breastfeeding can be physically and emotionally exhausting, especially in the first few weeks after birth. To take care of yourself, it’s important, as per Matthew Teeple, to get as much rest and support as possible from family members and friends when needed. Schedule naps during the day or arrange for someone else to watch your baby while you rest or take a break from feeding duties. You may also want to look into services such as night nurses who are trained to help to breastfeeding mothers with overnight feedings so that they can get some much-needed rest. These services are typically available in many hospitals and can be a great source of help.
Matthew Teeple’s Concluding Thoughts
Matthew Teeple recommends staying patient, relaxed, and positive throughout the breastfeeding process – it may take some time for both you and your baby to adjust. With care and practice, you’ll soon become an expert at nursing your little one.
