First Time Mom

Being a first time mother - nothing can get better than that! There are more and more women today who delay having a baby for various reasons. Once the little one comes along, the first thing that any parent wants is to look after the basic need of the child. The bonding experience that every mother feels while breastfeeding her child, is something that sadly fathers do not get to enjoy. But there are a couple of hiccups that ladies find while nursing as it takes time and practice. The best approach is to begin immediately after the birth and if need be one can request the expertise of a nurse to get started.

Mothers do face a couple of problems during the initial period or even later, like nipple soreness and dryness. It can cause itching and even a burning sensation which may be because the new mother is not following proper feeding techniques based on the positioning of the baby, and the nipples are not being taken care of properly. Babies hardly ever want to let go, but after a while they have to and the best way is to put a finger into the little one's mouth to break the pattern. To overcome the problems of cracked tones one must use brassieres that are natural and not synthetic. Added, the use of olive oil can soothe the area.

Nutrition Matters

To feed a baby, the mother has to take care of herself with proper nutrition, diet and rest. It is ideal to have short feeding time slots so that the flow is adequate, ensuring that there is proper milk supply. Initially after the birth of the child, breast engorgement can occur where they are hard, extremely swollen and very painful. Usually the nipples are not well positioned for the baby to suckle on and this can cause the milk to build up, making the experience extremely uncomfortable. To overcome this, the mother must relax and massage the breasts slowly so that the natural flow of the milk can be encouraged and then the bonding experience between mother and child will take place without any discomfort for either.

Sometimes during lactation, a breast infection can manifest which could be due to tight fitting bras, skipped feeding schedules, pain and swelling in the breast, cracked nipples, exhaustion etc. Depending on the problem, doctors may prescribe antibiotics, suggest rest, encourage wearing well fitting bras etc. During this period of time, if encouraged by the doctors, the child can continue to breastfeed. If need be, one can use a breast pump to collect the milk in a sterilized bottle from which the baby can have her or his feed. Yeast infections sometimes occur because of the moistness in the area. The signs are tender nipples and redness with white patches in the baby's mouth. Breastfeeding is a natural part of life that most women experience and enjoy. Of course, there are a couple of little problems that may arise along the way, but with a good doctor and home remedies, one can go on feeding the baby and wean the little one when the time is right.

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Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women. http://www.womenscenter.com/