Value yourself again! Tips for Breastfeeding Mothers!
When breastfeeding a little one it's easy to start putting their needs first and forgetting your own. I wanted to share with you a great article with Tips for Breastfeeding Mothers written by Josh Moore at Diaperdads.org!
Value Yourself Again: Tips for New Breastfeeding Mothers
by Josh Moore at Diaperdads.org
As a new mother, you already know that despite the rewarding aspects of motherhood, it also comes with its share of challenges. Breastfeeding benefits you and the baby. More specifically, it provides babies with much-needed nutrition and strengthens the bond between mother and child. But don’t feel bad if you're overwhelmed by the burden of motherhood or breastfeeding. Here are some tips and resources from Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching to help you manage the stress of being a new parent.
Make Time for Mental Health
According to the experts, postpartum depression is a deep depression that can last long. Generally, you feel it within the first month of childbirth. Building a close bond with your baby through feeding can help alleviate some symptoms of postpartum depression.
Additionally, you need to care for yourself. Make time for mental health through seeking online therapy. You can revolve your treatment around breastfeeding and parenting, speak securely and confidentially to a professional and feel less trapped in a commitment. Online therapy gives you various choices for therapists and helps you save time on travel and pay less overall. Most online therapists offer quick and free consultations.
For physical and mental health benefits, stay hydrated throughout the day. Carry water with you always and try to limit food or drinks that may dehydrate you more, like coffee. Breastfeeding can also benefit your health because it helps you lose pregnancy weight faster and can fight against osteoporosis.
To help relieve stress, and to help release any trapped negative energy, keep your home organized and clean. When you have a cluttered home, it can make it difficult to focus or stay positive. It is wise to address all issues ahead of time to have a healing and healthy atmosphere for you and the baby. And if at all possible, try to keep it as decluttered as you can.
Give Yourself More Credit
Forget the negative self-talk. Many mothers worry that they must be doing something wrong if they feel overwhelmed. You are human and when you put yourself down, your self-esteem sinks. You damage your self-confidence because you start internalizing what you say about yourself.
All people have their journey. This is true for all mothers, too. If your mothering techniques do not look like another mom's, the two of you have different methods. Think about your journey and make choices based on what helps you get through each day.
Take Care of Your Comfort
Breastfeeding is not always comfortable. It is a full-time job, especially with newborns. Your baby may need between 20 and 45 minutes of feeding at a time and you have to feed him or her every two to three hours. Understand that in the beginning, you may have various challenges. Sometimes it does not feel natural and you may have difficulty producing enough milk for your baby. Find a comfortable chair with neck and shoulder support to keep you physically comfortable.
Pay close attention to your posture. This step may be difficult when tired from motherhood, but do not hunch. You need to sit straight in an ergonomic chair and loosen up when you hold your baby.
Look for a comfortable, durable nursing bra you can wear 24-7, even to bed. Breathable fabrics with support can make breastfeeding easier. Check Amazon marketplace for bras or other marketplaces with other options. You can toss a few bras into your cart when shopping for other necessities, including paper towels, toilet paper, diapers and wipes.
As a new breastfeeding mother, you have a lot on your plate. To help alleviate the burden, you have to be able to take care of yourself and let yourself focus on feeling better. So take steps to improve your surroundings and stay positive!
Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching isn’t just about your child’s sleep – it’s about your sleep, as well. Reach out today to get started!
Are you struggling with your child's sleep? Are you looking for alternatives to cry it out? Could you use some support?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
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