The feed
During a feed it is very important to find a comfortable position that allows good muscle relaxation. The classic position is one in which the mother breastfeeds sitting down, leaning against a pillow, with the baby lying crosswise against her torso and the baby's face in front of the breast. The baby will suckle effectively if they manage to press the areola with their tongue, emptying its contents in a rhythmic pattern; the mother will feel this as a small contraction.
To do this, the baby needs to take a good part of the areola into their mouth.
Breastfeeding on demand
Breastfeeding on demand means giving the baby free access to the breast, even many times a day. Breastfeeding on demand is the natural system by which the baby stimulates the mother's milk supply to match their nutritional needs. In fact, the more milk is removed from the breast, the more milk is produced. It is advisable to feed the baby at the first signs of hunger and, until breastfeeding has become established, to keep a minimum interval of two hours between feeds.
To know whether the baby has eaten enough, there is no need to weigh them before and after the feed.
It is enough to watch how the baby sucks, hear them swallow, and feed them until they seem satisfied. Also, from the 4th day of life, if the baby wets 5 to 6 diapers a day, it means they are getting enough milk.
If breastfeeding is on demand, after the first few weeks milk production «calibrates» itself to the baby's needs, and it is normal for the breast to feel «softer», because the baby becomes more efficient at draining it.
If you feel you don't have enough milk
- Rest as much as possible
- Breastfeed whenever your baby asks for it
- Drink whenever you are thirsty
- Call someone who can help or encourage you
- Give yourself some time to relax every day
- Meet up with other breastfeeding mothers
- Protect yourself from people who make you feel anxious or insecure
- Remember that suckling stimulates milk production
- Take galactagogue herbal teas on your midwife's advice
Maternal diet during breastfeeding
The diet of a breastfeeding woman should be easy to digest, rich in vitamins and minerals, and complete in terms of quality. It should be varied, without excess of any particular food.
It is not advisable to go on a diet while breastfeeding.
It is also very important to drink plenty of fluids.
Nicotine, alcohol and stimulants (coffee, tea...) in excessive amounts, besides inhibiting the milk coming in and reducing daily milk production, pass easily into the milk with possible negative effects on the newborn.