Correct breastfeeding tips

Breastfeeding is a critical period in the growth of a newborn baby. The correct breastfeeding way will be more comfortable and healthier. At the same time, it is necessary to avoid some wrong breastfeeding methods and learn some breastfeeding techniques. The four correct breastfeeding postures are cradle hold, cross cradle hold, football hold and side-lying hold. Female friends in need can learn more about the relevant knowledge to better help themselves breastfeed healthily.

1. Correct breastfeeding posture

Improper sucking by the baby is the most common cause of nipple pain. Mastering the correct breastfeeding posture is the key to preventing nipple pain and cracking.

Before breastfeeding, the mother should take a comfortable position, apply a hot and wet towel to the breasts and areola for 3 to 5 minutes, and massage the breasts to stimulate the milk ejection reflex, squeeze out some milk, and make the areola soft so that the baby can suck more easily. First breastfeed with the breast that is less painful, and put the nipple and most of the areola into the baby's mouth. If you want to stop breastfeeding, the mother can gently press the baby's lower jaw with her index finger, and the baby will automatically spit out the nipple. Never pull out the nipple forcibly, as this will damage the nipple. If nipple cracks have occurred, squeeze out some milk after breastfeeding, apply it on the nipples and areola, and wait for it to dry naturally.

If nipple pain is severe and unbearable, you can stop breastfeeding yourself, use a breast pump to express milk, let your family participate in feeding the baby, and let the baby continue to enjoy breast milk.

2. Precautions for breastfeeding

Acute mastitis mostly occurs in lactating women, especially primiparas, accounting for 90.7%, and the onset is usually 3-4 weeks after delivery. There are two reasons for the disease:

1. Milk stasis. Milk is an ideal culture medium. Milk stasis will be conducive to the growth and reproduction of invasive bacteria.

2. Bacteria invade damaged or cracked nipples, allowing bacteria to invade along the lymphatic vessels, which is the main route of infection.

Clinically, it has been found that the combined treatment of manual massage for milk discharge combined with external application of Ruyi Jinhuang Powder, local ultrasonic drug penetration therapy, and systemic anti-infection has achieved very good results in the treatment of acute lactation mastitis. Professional massage techniques apply mechanical pressure to the breast with gentle force. Once the local milk congestion is relieved, the surrounding ducts gradually become unobstructed, allowing the local congested milk or infected milk to be drained, avoiding or reducing the factors that cause abscesses.

3. Four correct breastfeeding postures

1. Cradle hold method

Sit upright in a chair with armrests and hold your child in your arms, supporting his or her body and head with your forearms and palms. Use your left hand to support the baby when feeding on the right side, and use your right hand to support the baby when feeding on the left side. Place your hands under your breasts in a U shape. Do not bend over or lean forward, but let the child be close to your breasts. This is ideal for early feeding.

2. Cross cradle hold

Similar to the first method, but use the right hand to support the right side and the left hand to support the left side.

3. Football Hold

This method is more suitable if you had a caesarean section or have large breasts. Hold your child at your side with your elbow bent and your palm outstretched, supporting his head so that he faces your breast and his back rests on your forearm. For comfort, place a cushion under your legs.

4. Side-lying hug

You can breastfeed while lying down when you are tired. Lie on your side with your baby facing your breast. Hold your baby's body with one hand and put the nipple into his mouth with the other hand. This method is suitable for early breastfeeding and also for mothers who have undergone caesarean section.