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The rhythm of the feedings
It is known that an infant generally sucks 8 to 12 times a day. Regarding the frequency between each feedings, there are no rules. Some will drink more in the morning, others more in the afternoon. The feedings are therefore more or less spread out. The important thing is to take your time and not to stress yourself out by calculating the time of your last meal. Over the weeks, he will reduce the number of feedings on his own. As for the duration of the suckling and the quantity of milk required, again difficult to generalize. We can say that it is the needs and desires of the baby that determine the rhythm. However, to be sure he’s getting enough milk, La Leche League has a trick: just look at how many diapers he wets. If he has six wet diapers a day, then he is eating well.
The process of breastfeeding
You must first find a comfortable position. Sitting or lying down, cushions or not, it doesn’t matter, the main thing is to be comfortable and relaxed. Latching the baby to the breast is a very important step because most of the cracks are due to the baby being improperly positioned. The baby’s belly should be against the mother’s, his chin against the breast, and the mouth at the height of the areola. He must have the nipple and part of the areola in his mouth to suck properly. The mother must not bend over to breastfeed, the baby must go to the breast. In case of pain, it is better to remove the baby from the breast by putting the little finger between his gums and then start again. It may take a while for the baby to learn to breastfeed well.
A good diet
The diet of a nursing mother should provide 2000 calories per day, even 2500, always well balanced in protein, calcium and iron, in order to keep energy because breastfeeding burns calories. So, we forget the diet! It is also important to drink to stay hydrated and promote lactation.
In video: How to breastfeed, how to settle down, Carole Hervé answers all your questions
Medicines, alcohol, tobacco, be careful!
Medicines should not be taken without medical advice because some pass into breast milk. Alcoholic drinks are to be avoided. It is strongly advised not to smoke while breastfeeding. If this cannot be done, it is best to do it outside the baby’s presence and to allow two hours to pass before breastfeeding in order to reduce the baby’s exposure to nicotine. As for coffee and tea, it is better not to overdo it because caffeine and theine also pass into milk.
Daily hygiene
Good daily hygiene is essential to avoid certain inconveniences such as cracks or small infections. For this, you have to soap her breasts every day in the shower, but with a mild soap.
Breastfeeding equipment
Theoretically, no specific equipment is necessary for breastfeeding. However, in some situations it may be useful to have them. The breast pump, for example, will be used in case of engorgement of the breasts, when you have a lot of milk outside of feedings or when you start working again. To continue breastfeeding in the event of a crack or breast infection, silicone breast tips can be used that are placed on the nipple during breastfeeding. Finally, breastfeeding cups (there are different models) can relieve friction on a damaged nipple (they are slipped between the bra and the skin) but also allow the milk that flows between feedings to be collected. Breast pads can also be used for leaks between two feedings.