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GETTING INTO POSITION:
Mom: It is very important that mom gets comfortable before starting tobreastfeed because once baby is latched-on, she could be in this position for20 to 30 minutes. Sitting upright in an armchair or rocking chair is a commonposition for breastfeeding though it's okay to sit up in bed as long as youmake sure that your back, shoulders and knees are well-supported. Many momsalso find that using pillows to support the baby's body while breastfeeding ishelpful as well.
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Baby: Babies as well as mothers should be comfortable during breastfeedingsince baby's breastfeeding reflexes work best when the baby is well supportedwith her body comfortably aligned. The most common breastfeeding positionsare:
-- Cradle Hold -- The baby's head will rest in the crook of your elbow oron your forearm, and will be supported with your arm beneath her back and yourhand on the baby's thigh or bottom.
-- Football Hold or Clutch Position -- The baby lies on his back betweenyour side and flexed arm. The baby's head is supported by your hand, allowingyour other hand to hold the breast if necessary.
-- Side-Lying Position -- Learning to nurse your baby lying down isinvaluable. The side-lying position is relaxing and can help you get more,much-needed sleep. You can use it to nurse your baby at night or to nap-nurseduring the day. This position is also beneficial for the mom who had acesarean delivery.
Ouch, My Breasts Hurt:
Many breastfeeding mothers experience engorgement, or swollen breasts, atemporary condition that begins about the third day postpartum. Nursingfrequently during this period is the best way to alleviate engorgement."Breastfeeding while engorged can be difficult since the baby can have a hardtime properly latching on due to flattened nipples, but don't let thisdiscourage you," says Mason. If your breasts do become engorged, nursingfrequently is a great way to alleviate this condition. If you find that yourbaby cannot latch on because of your swollen breasts, taking warm to hotshowers can also help soften your breasts, allowing you to breastfeed morecomfortably.
"You can also use the new Lansinoh(R) LatchAssist(TM)," advises Mason."The LatchAssist gently draws temporarily flattened nipples out so baby canmore easily latch on during the early days of breastfeeding." After nursing,use an ice pack to help keep the swelling down and relieve the pain.
It's also important to know that in the early weeks of breastfeeding,along with swelling and engorgement, your nipples can also be tender and sore.However, Mason adds, "Sore nipples are not inevitable during the early days ofbreastfeeding. Painful feedings are a signal that something is not right andyou may need to make a change in your positioning or your baby's latch-ontechnique." In the meantime, if your nipples do become sore or cracked,Lansinoh(R) HPA(R) Lanolin can be applied to soothe, heal and protect thenipple skin. Lansinoh HPA Lanolin, the world's purest and safest lanolin, isvirtually odorless and contains no preservatives, no additives, no water, nochemicals, and no perfume, and most importantly, it is safe for the baby andtherefore does not need to be removed before breastfeeding.
"In the early days of breastfeeding, you'll have to keep working atgetting your baby latched-on properly, even if it means gently taking the babyoff the breast and starting over several times at the beginning of feedings,"explains Mason. Breastfeeding is natural but it does not always comenaturally. By trying to get the baby's latch perfected in the beginning of theprocess, mom can hopefully lessen any discomfort she may experience and have arewarding and satisfying breastfeeding relationship with her baby.
New and expecting moms can visit www.lansinoh.com to:
-- To view the new Latch On video; A step-by-step video to assistbreastfeeding mothers to help their baby properly latch on
-- Learn more about Lansinoh breastfeeding products and "where to buy"information
-- Sign up for Pre-Natal Nurture Notes(TM), special e-messages receivedtwice a month during the last trimester that focus on preparing for the baby'sbirth and breastfeeding, or, the popular Nurture Notes(TM), e-messages thatprovide breastfeeding tips, encouragement and support from birth until thebaby's first birthday
-- Or moms can visit www.lansinohmoms.com to join Lansinoh's OnlineCommunity to not only share their adventures of motherhood but also findanswers and make some friends along the wayAvailable Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), clickappropriate link.Rubina Mason:http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=81996
SOURCE Lansinoh Laboratories
