Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies because it contains exactly what babies need for nutrition, energy and antibodies to fight disease. Without prompting, your body will prepare your chest for breastfeeding on its own. However, there are some things that you need to learn and prepare to be able to breastfeed smoothly.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparation for Breastfeeding
Step 1. Massage your chest gently
Massaging your chest will help you stay relaxed and prepare yourself in case the milk has to be removed manually.
- Massage should be done gently without pain. Start at the top of the chest and massage in circular motions towards the nipples. Then, move it back out of the chest in a different area and repeat the circular motion toward the nipple again. Do this until you move all the chest.
- Don't "rough" your nipples by rubbing them on a towel. The natural oils produced by the chest will be removed and your chest will feel sore.
Step 2. See if you have an inverted chest
Some women have inverted or flat nipples that appear to have an indentation in the middle. You can determine your nipple type by pinching it:
- Pinch your chest with your thumb and forefinger on the areola, the dark area that is about 2.5 cm above and below the nipple.
- If your nipples are erect, your nipples are not inverted. If the nipple goes deeper into the chest, your nipple is inverted. Women can have one inverted nipple and one protruding nipple.
- The number of inverted nipples may vary.
- Your doctor will be able to tell if your nipples are inverted or flat.
Step 3. Don't worry if your nipples are inverted
Many women with inverted nipples can breastfeed without encountering any problems. However, there are tools and techniques that can help you be prepared in case your baby has trouble breastfeeding:
- Push the nipple out with the chest shell. The chest shell is a plastic device that presses against the chest so that the nipples come out. You can prepare your chest by wearing this device before birth and then after birth for about 30 minutes before feeding time.
- Use the Hoffman technique to stretch the nipple and ease it out. Place both thumbs on either side of the nipple and press toward the chest while the thumbs are moved away from each other. Do it on both your nipples twice a day and increase to five times a day. Continue to do this technique after birth.
- Use a chest pump to remove the nipple before feeding.
- Try the Evert-It Nipple Enhancer tool. This tool sucks the nipple out of the chest.
- Stimulate your nipples until they are erect before feeding. Massage your nipples between your thumbs and index fingers until they stick out. You can also use a cold compress, but only briefly. If the nipple is numb from the cold compress, it will be difficult for milk to flow.
- When your baby presses his lips to drink, squeeze your chest or pull the skin back so that the nipple sticks out.
- Try nipple shields with guidance from a lactation specialist. This shield is worn on the chest and passes the milk through the opening to the baby. If your baby is having trouble sucking the chest with his mouth, this device can help. However, do not use it without professional supervision to ensure the tool is used properly.
Step 4. Keep your chest clean, but don't use harsh soaps
Clean your chest with clean water to keep it hygienic.
- You don't need lotions or lubricants unless your nipples are very dry.
- If you have psoriasis or eczema, ask your doctor about medications you can take while breastfeeding.
- Wash hands before feeding or expressing milk.
Step 5. For adoptive mothers, use a chest pump to induce lactation
Adoptive mothers can also breastfeed by stimulating the chest to produce milk.
- Stimulate your chest with a pump every 2-3 hours around the time the baby is born.
- Use the Medela Supplemental Nursing System or the Lact-Aid Nurser Training System to give your baby extra milk while your body is stimulated to increase your milk supply.
- The quantity of milk that can be produced by adoptive mothers varies greatly. Maybe the child still needs to be given formula milk.
Part 2 of 2: Getting Additional Help
Step 1. Talk to a trusted friend or relative who has breastfed before
They will be able to provide advice and assistance for you.
Difficulty breastfeeding is common enough that many people have had problems similar to yours
Step 2. Discuss breastfeeding with your doctor
Many maternal and child hospitals have staff who are always on hand to assist new mothers.
- Talk to your doctor about any medications, herbs, or supplements you plan to take while breastfeeding. Ask your doctor if these medicines are safe and will not harm the baby.
- If you have had plastic surgery or breast implants, ask if they have affected your ability to breastfeed.
Step 3. Attend a breastfeeding course
You will learn good breastfeeding techniques, including how to hold your baby so that his mouth is latched properly.
- Most courses encourage couples to attend classes so that couples learn what they can do to help breastfeeding mothers.
- Ask as many experts as possible.
Step 4. Contact a lactation consultant
Even if your baby is not yet born, you can visit a consultant to discuss your concerns and build a trusting relationship.
If you need help learning how to breastfeed, a lactation specialist may be able to come to your home and help you
Step 5. Join a support group
Your doctor may be able to recommend a support group in your city. If not, try searching the internet.
La Leche League Indonesia has a great support group and information session for breastfeeding moms to try
Warning
- If you are taking medication, herbs, or supplements, ask your doctor if your baby can still be breastfed. Some drugs can harm children because they are transmitted through breast milk.
- If you have AIDS/HIV or other diseases that can be transmitted through breast milk, consult your doctor first.
