How painful is it to breastfeed?

Many friends may not understand what breastfeeding means. In fact, breastfeeding is the first time a baby drinks milk after birth. The earlier you start breastfeeding, the better, because the earlier you try, the easier it will be. Generally, breastfeeding should be started within 2 hours after the baby is born. Colostrum is a substance that is rich in nutrients and can enhance immunity. It has many benefits for children in terms of nutritional supplementation and intestinal development.

Is breastfeeding more painful than giving birth?

The first milk a baby drinks after birth is called breastfeeding. The earlier you start breastfeeding, the better. Generally, breastfeeding should be started within 15 minutes to 2 hours after the baby is born. Mothers who have undergone caesarean section should try to start breastfeeding within 24 hours because of the wound. Normal newborn babies already have a strong sucking ability as soon as they are born, and the first breastfeeding can begin in the delivery room. It is indeed painful to start breastfeeding, but it is bearable and no more painful than giving birth.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding

1. Obtain colostrum, which is rich in nutrients and immune-enhancing substances, helps the development of intestinal function, and provides immune protection.

2. Relieve the emotions of mother and baby, promote milk secretion, start breastfeeding early, increase parent-child contact, and stimulate milk secretion, forming a virtuous circle of breastfeeding.

3. Prevent milk congestion and protect mothers from discomfort such as breast engorgement and mastitis.

4. It is beneficial to postpartum recovery. The baby's repeated sucking of the nipple reflexively stimulates the mother's uterine contraction, which is beneficial to the rapid recovery of the uterus, reduces the chance of postpartum hemorrhage and postpartum infection, and is more conducive to the mother's early recovery.

Starting to breastfeed is a process that every new mother needs to go through. Even if the process is painful, mothers will try their best to overcome it for the sake of their babies. Correct breastfeeding is very beneficial for both mothers and babies. Moms should not be alarmist. Just adjust your mindset and look at breastfeeding positively and objectively.

Don't miss the breastfeeding time

1. Early sucking and early milking

It is generally recommended that the baby should have the first sucking within one hour after birth. The earlier the better. The baby's sucking reflex is usually strongest within the first hour after birth. Even if there is no milk secretion during this period, the baby should be allowed to suck, so as to promote milk secretion.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborns should be fed 8-12 times (or more) every 24 hours.

If you insist on letting your baby suck frequently, your milk supply will gradually increase, which can not only increase your confidence but also meet your baby's future milk needs.

Unless there are special circumstances, do not let your baby come into contact with the bottle too early. The way of sucking on a pacifier and sucking on the mother's nipple is very different, which may cause nipple confusion in the baby. Moreover, sucking from a bottle is much easier than sucking from a nipple. Once the baby is used to sucking from a bottle, of course he will not be willing to put in a lot of effort to suck from a nipple.

2. Correct breastfeeding posture

When breastfeeding, the "three touches" should be achieved, that is, the baby's abdomen should be against the mother's abdomen, the baby's chest should be against the mother's chest, and the baby's chin should be against the mother's breast. This breastfeeding posture helps the continuous secretion of milk, allowing you to instantly feel like a mother.

3. Scientific diet therapy to promote breastfeeding

Mothers who have just given birth should avoid taking tonic soup immediately after giving birth. These foods must be consumed after lactation begins, otherwise the breasts will become more swollen and it will be very painful.

You should pay attention to replenishing water and eating light liquid food that is easily digestible.

One week after delivery, you can eat more soups that are good for milk production to promote milk secretion. If your milk supply is really low, you can also try to promote milk secretion through medicated food. However, it is best to do so under the guidance of a professional and not eat it casually.

4. Lactation consultant

You can hire a lactation consultant. Usually an hour of massage will be effective. The lactation consultant will also teach you some methods to promote lactation and baby feeding.