Tips for Breastfeeding Success: Part 2
- Seek professional help. See a lactation consultant both for problems and for reassurance that you are on the right path. The lactation consultant can weigh the baby before and after you nurse so you can know exactly how much milk your baby is getting during each feeding. Your pediatrician is (well, should be) a good source for breastfeeding troubleshooting and the practice might even have a lactation consultant on staff.
- Educate yourself. Take a breastfeeding class, visit a La Leche League meeting, listen to PREGtastic podcasts, or read books. You might not get it until you do it, but more knowledge about breastfeeding cannot hurt.
- Massage, massage, massage. Massage as you nurse and massage as you pump. Massage from the outside of the breast toward the nipple, helping to drain the ducts and soften and hard spots. This will help prevent engorgement.
- Learn the signs and symptoms of mastitis. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms of mastitis.
- Learn to hand express or use a pump during pregnancy (at least look at the directions). It will be easier to learn these techniques before you are also learning to take care of a newborn.
Breastfeeding Resources:
What breastfeeding tips do you want to add?
You might be interested in Tips for Breastfeeding Success: Part 1.