Panduan Lengkap Ibu Menyusui: Tips & Trik untuk Ibu Baru
The breastfeeding process is not easy, especially for new mothers. Therefore, Mom needs careful preparation so that the breastfeeding process for your little one runs smoothly. Although it cannot be denied that obstacles or challenges will definitely exist, with good preparation, all problems during the breastfeeding process can be overcome quickly. However, you don't need to worry because this article will provide the most complete information about a breastfeeding tutorial for mothers. Pay close attention!
Preparation for Breastfeeding the Baby
The breastfeeding tutorial for mothers begins with preparations such as paying attention to the mother's nutritional intake, various breastfeeding supplies, and seeking information from experts. Here is the explanation.
1. Breastfeeding Mother's Nutrition
The first preparation that Mom must pay attention to is the nutrition consumed during the breastfeeding process. Generally, breastfeeding mothers are advised to consume a balanced diet consisting of protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
In addition, Mom can consume breast milk boosters, especially natural ones, because they contain galactagogues such as fenugreek, garlic, katuk leaves, and oatmeal. Mom can also choose breast milk boosters in the form of pharmaceutical drugs/supplements, but it is better to consult with a doctor/lactation counselor first.
Don't forget to drink plenty of fluids so that the body remains hydrated and breast milk production runs smoothly. Prioritize drinking plenty of water, natural fruit juices, water-rich fruits, milk, and soups.
2. Breastfeeding Supplies
The next thing that is no less important to support the smooth process of breastfeeding is breastfeeding supplies. To support comfort, Mom can prepare a special breastfeeding bra, a nursing pillow, and a breast pump.
A breast pump is very important to increase milk supply during the breastfeeding process. Furthermore, regular pumping also ensures the breasts are emptied so that milk production runs smoothly. In terms of choosing a breast pump, choose a reputable and high-quality brand like the Hegen Breast Pump!
3. Self-Education
The final preparation that also plays an important role is self-education regarding the breastfeeding process. Mom can read various health journals or articles about lactation from various trusted sources via print or online media.
In addition, seek support from relevant health professionals such as midwives, obstetricians, and lactation counselors to get the right advice and breastfeeding guidance.
Read also: Early Breastfeeding Initiation: Benefits, Preparation & Success Tips
The Correct Way to Breastfeed
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Speaking of the correct way to breastfeed, there are 3 things that must be considered: breastfeeding position, correct latch, and the frequency and duration of breastfeeding. Now, you can see the further explanation below.
1. Breastfeeding Position
The first thing that must be understood to support the smooth delivery of exclusive breastfeeding is what breastfeeding position is comfortable for both mother and baby. It should be noted that there are several breastfeeding techniques that are commonly practiced, such as the cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying hold. Each mother may have a different favorite breastfeeding position. So, which one do you think is suitable for you to apply, Mom?
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Cradle Hold
The cradle hold position is one of the most common and simple breastfeeding positions. The baby is placed on one of the mother's arms, with the baby's head in the crook of the mother's elbow and the baby's body parallel to the mother's body.
Meanwhile, the other hand can be used to help guide the breast to the baby's mouth or support the breast if necessary. Then, the baby's head is directed towards the mother's breast, with the baby's nose parallel to the nipple. Generally, this position begins to be comfortable to use when the baby has better head control, which is around 1-2 months of age.
- Cross-Cradle Hold
This breastfeeding position can be applied to newborns, babies with difficulty breastfeeding, and premature babies. The way to do this is by using the arm opposite the breast being used for breastfeeding. For example, if breastfeeding with the left breast, the baby is held with the right arm.
The mother's hand supports the baby's neck, upper back, and head. The mother can use her fingers to guide the baby's head to the breast. Then, the baby's head faces the mother's breast, with the baby's nose parallel to the nipple.
Now, for the mother's free hand (for example, the left hand when breastfeeding with the left breast), it can be used to hold the breast and help direct the nipple into the baby's mouth.
- Football Hold
The football hold position, also known as the clutch hold, is a position where the baby is supported at the side of the mother's body, similar to how an American football player holds a ball.
The baby is placed at the side of the mother's body, with the baby's legs under the mother's arm, facing backward, while the baby's head is held by the mother's hand. The mother's hand supports the baby's head and neck, with the baby's head near the mother's breast.
The baby's head faces the mother's breast, with the baby's nose parallel to the nipple, and the other hand is used to hold/direct the breast to the baby's mouth.
The football hold position is very useful for mothers who have undergone a cesarean section because it keeps pressure away from the abdominal area, for mothers with large breasts, or for twins who are breastfed simultaneously. This position also helps babies who have difficulty latching on because it gives the mother better control in directing the baby's head to the breast.
- Side Lying Hold
The side-lying hold position is a breastfeeding position where the mother and baby lie on their sides facing each other. This is a comfortable position for night breastfeeding sessions or when the mother wants to rest.
This breastfeeding technique is done by lying on one's side with one hand or a pillow supporting the head. Ensure that the mother's body is straight and comfortable. The baby is also positioned lying on its side facing the mother, with the baby's abdomen parallel to the mother's abdomen.
Use the hand that is not under the head to hold the baby, to help guide the baby's head to the breast if needed. Then, the baby's head is parallel to the mother's breast, and the baby's nose is parallel to the nipple.
The side-lying hold position is perfect for night breastfeeding sessions, for mothers recovering from a cesarean section, or when the mother and baby need time to rest while breastfeeding.
2. Correct Latch
Besides breastfeeding techniques, Mom must also know how to get the baby's latch correct. Because, if the latch is wrong, it can actually cause sore nipples and make the mother uncomfortable. Citing the IDAI page, here are the characteristics of a correct breastfeeding latch.
- The chin touches the mother's breast.
- The mouth is wide open.
- A large portion of the areola, especially the bottom part, is inside the baby's mouth.
- The baby's lips are folded outward.
- The baby's cheeks should not be sunken (because they are not sucking, but expressing breast milk).
- No clicking sounds should be heard; only swallowing sounds should be heard.
- The mother is not in pain/feeling nipple pain.
- The baby looks calm.
3. Frequency and Duration of Breastfeeding
Mom must also understand the frequency and duration of breastfeeding. Pay attention to the baby's breast milk needs by breastfeeding on demand. Generally, babies will show signs of hunger when they want to breastfeed, such as sucking on their fingers/hands, searching for the breast when their cheek is touched, being fussy, making sucking sounds, crying, etc.
In general, the duration of breastfeeding for each baby can vary, depending on individual needs. However, if the baby has not had breast milk for two hours, Mom can provide stimulation to the baby so that they want to drink breast milk.
On average, babies drink breast milk for about 10-15 minutes on each side of the breast or about 20 minutes for both sides of the breasts, and newborns require about 20-45 minutes in one breastfeeding session.
Read also: 5+ Breast Milk Booster Foods, Solutions for Low Milk Supply!
Challenges of Breastfeeding Mothers and Their Solutions
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The breastfeeding tutorial for mothers also relates to the obstacles that may occur during the breastfeeding process. Some common problems include sore nipples, swollen breasts, clogged milk ducts, low milk production, and nipple confusion in the baby. However, don't worry because there are solutions as follows.
1. Sore Nipples
The causes of sore nipples can be varied, such as wrong breastfeeding position, incorrect latch, the baby biting the nipple, dry/sensitive skin, improper use of a breast pump, or infection. To overcome this, Mom can try the following methods.
- Fixing the breastfeeding position and ensuring the latch is correct.
- Using a nipple shield temporarily or breastfeeding on the other side.
- Applying lanolin cream or ointment that is safe for the baby. Mom can consult a doctor about this.
- Cleaning the nipples with warm water after breastfeeding.
2. Swollen Breasts
Swollen breasts or engorgement is a common condition often experienced by breastfeeding mothers, especially in the first few weeks of breastfeeding. The causes can be excessive milk production, irregular breastfeeding schedules, incorrect latch, sudden weaning, or improper use of a breast pump. Here are the solutions to overcome it.
- Breastfeeding the baby regularly on demand so that breast milk does not accumulate.
- Ensure the baby breastfeeds until the breast is empty.
- If it is not possible to empty the breast, Mom can express the breast milk and store it as stock.
- Apply a warm compress before breastfeeding and a cold compress after breastfeeding the baby.
- Massage the breasts gently.
- Use a special breastfeeding bra.
3. Clogged Milk Ducts
Clogged milk ducts are a condition where the flow of breast milk is blocked inside the breast ducts. This can be very painful and interfere with the breastfeeding process. The causes can be incorrect breastfeeding position, infrequent breastfeeding, stress and fatigue, poor nipple hygiene, or wearing a bra/clothes that are too tight.
The solution is to apply a warm compress to the breast, start breastfeeding regularly, massage the breast, improve the breastfeeding position, drink enough water, and don't forget to rest.
4. Low Milk Production
Another challenge that often haunts the journey of breastfeeding mothers is low milk production. Generally, this happens because the mother does not maintain a balanced nutritional intake. In addition, other causes include infrequent breastfeeding, incorrect latch, use of certain medications, health problems in the mother, tongue tie in the baby, and others.
To overcome this, Mom can consume nutritious food and breast milk boosters, manage stress well, ensure the baby's latch when breastfeeding, avoid medications that can inhibit milk production, and pump breast milk after breastfeeding your little one. If those methods do not work, Mom should consult a lactation counselor.
5. Nipple Confusion
Nipple confusion is a condition where a baby experiences difficulty breastfeeding directly from the breast after being accustomed to using a pacifier or other aids. This often happens especially in babies who are introduced to pacifiers early on. The use of aids such as a nipple shield can also be another cause that makes a baby have nipple confusion.
Therefore, Mom should prioritize breastfeeding your little one directly from the breast. In addition, using cup feeding/spoon feeding can prevent nipple confusion. The next option is to choose a baby bottle with a nipple that resembles a mother's breast. In this case, the Hegen Feeding Bottle is the best choice!
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Referensi:
- Cleveland Clinic. 7 Common Breastfeeding Positions. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/breastfeeding-positions
- Zawn Villines. What are the best positions for breastfeeding? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322984
- IDAI. Posisi dan Perlekatan Menyusui dan Menyusu yang Benar. https://www.idai.or.id/artikel/klinik/asi/posisi-dan-perlekatan-menyusui-dan-menyusu-yang-benar
- Alodokter. Berapa Lama Normal Menyusui Bayi? https://www.alodokter.com/komunitas/topic/menyusui-87b464
- Putri Ica Widia Sari. 10 Masalah Ibu Menyusui Beserta Cara Mengatasinya yang Tepat. https://hellosehat.com/parenting/bayi/menyusui/masalah-ibu-menyusui/
Gambar unggulan - freepik/fizel
