4 Tips to Make Breastfeeding Easier for You and Your Baby

There’s nothing more exciting than bringing your baby home and establishing a nurturing relationship. One of the most common ways mothers and their children bond is through breastfeeding. However, when latching issues in Palm Harbor pose a problem, you can begin to feel depressed, uncertain, and worried about how to properly feed your baby. The good news is you’re not alone. Many women experience this same problem but to help you through the process, here are four tips to make breastfeeding a possible and more enjoyable experience for you and your little one.

Establish a Calming Environment for Your Child

Whether it is the nursery or another room in your home, bringing your child into a quiet area can help make breastfeeding a possibility. It is easy for babies to become overstimulated by their surroundings and fussy. Even if they want to eat, it is often hard for them to do so in their situations. By moving them to a room that is void of loud noises and bright lights, they will become calmer and more comfortable trying to nurse.

Protect Your Nipples

For many nursing mothers, breastfeeding can be a painful experience. It can also be extremely difficult if the nipples are too large for the baby to adequately latch onto. Fortunately, nipple shields are a great invention that allows infants to easily grasp and begin nursing. Whether you require them throughout your breastfeeding journey or not, they can make latching a breeze for your baby and protect against sore, cracked nipples that often occur during these early months.

Invest in a Breast Pump

The idea of wearing a breast pump may not seem all that appealing, but it can be a lifesaver if your breasts feel engorged. When the body produces too much milk, the breasts can become swollen and sore. It can also make it much harder for your baby to latch while attempting to feed. To reduce the amount of milk, you can use a breast pump. This allows you to save the milk you’ve expressed while also making it easier for your baby to nurse.

Inquire About Potential Lip or Tongue Tie Problems

If you’ve tried various techniques and tips and are still experiencing issues, do not worry. It may be that your baby needs lip or tongue tie treatment in Palm Harbor. If these banded tissues are too tight, it will make it extremely difficult for your baby to properly latch. As a result, your child can become increasingly fussy, experience poor weight gain, and develop colic or acid reflux. By seeing a qualified professional to treat the problem and release the tie, you and your baby can prepare for a more enjoyable breastfeeding experience.

Don’t feel defeated if your baby is struggling to latch. Take time to talk to a nursing expert who can help you identify the underlying problem and ensure your baby gets the nutrients they need to grow healthily and happily.

About the Author
Dr. Maggie Davis earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Florida. As a board-certified pediatric dentist and diplomate in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, she is certified in treating infant and pediatric tongue ties and lip ties by the American Board of Laser Surgery. She is also a graduate of Dr. Richard Baxter’s Tongue Tie Academy and TOTS: Tethered Oral Tissue program. If you believe your baby may be dealing with a lip or tongue tie, call our office at (727) 786-7551 or visit our website.