[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://babymama.ph/wpstore/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/how-toprepare-your-body-for-breastfeeding.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” animation=”off” sticky=”on” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” max_width=”500″] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”How to Prepare Your Body for Breastfeeding” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

How to Prepare Your Body for Breastfeeding

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”justified” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” text_font_size=”16″] Whether you do anything or not, your breasts will certainly be ready to feed your newborn child. After all, they were naturally made for that noble purpose. Following are the signs that your body is preparing itself for breastfeeding since day one of your pregnancy – enlargement of your breasts and nipples, darkening of the areola and tenderness of your breasts. However, in anticipation of some challenges in breastfeeding your baby, it would be worthwhile to invest on the following ways to make your life more convenient and comfortable: [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”justified” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” text_font_size=”16″]

1. Consult a lactation consultant.

A reliable lactation consultant will save you a lot of trouble and worry about how to maximize your baby’s intake of milk. He will be able to teach you several workable latching techniques and baby care.

2. Eat the right food.

Watch what you eat! Always remember, you are doing this not for yourself but for your baby. Learn to eat and love the foods that are rich in nutrients that your child will need to come out strong and healthy. Have a balanced mix of calcium, folic acid, iron, zinc vitamins, minerals and calories. Your nutritional needs also depend on the frequency of your breastfeeding, the amount of exercise you’re getting, your metabolism and weight.

3. Find comfortable nursing bras.

These bras were made specifically for nursing mothers who need to feed their child at their beck and call. Thus, these comfy garments come with flaps that can be easily opened during feeding time and has a customized strong support for unusually large breasts. The best time to buy them is during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy when your breast size will be closely similar to its postpartum size. However, you must give allowance for further increase in size due to upcoming surge of milk.

4. Prepare enough breast pads..

Be ready with wet and leaking breasts when your baby’s at rest with disposable, reusable and washable breast pads. These are a must for nursing moms after feeding time to avoid milk penetration on your bra. You also need to keep an extra supply ready especially when you’re outside to keep your tops clean and dry at all times.

5. Keep hot and cold gel packs handy..

Be prepared for painful breastfeeding at the start that could leave you with sore nipples. These hot and cold gel packs that can fit inside the bra can be a great relief. There are also lanolin ointment, nipple cream and nipple shield that could be used to help facilitate the healing process.

6. Shop for stylish nursing wears or baby slings.

Your child’s need for milk doesn’t pick any occasion. So you must always be ready with a discreet top especially when you are in a public place. These tops and camisoles function both as presentable garments and also as a strong bra support. Meanwhile, fashionable baby slings enable you to conveniently carry and feed your nursling while on the go.

7. Buy nursing pillows.

Frequent feeding can be tiresome and can leave you with strained neck and shoulders. But do not fret because there are nursing pillows designed to give you the comfort and convenience you need to keep your baby in its right feeding position.

8. Consider buying a breast pump.

Irregular and inconsistent expressing of breast milk can lead to engorgement of breasts. To help relieve this, consider using a breast pump. You may find manual or electric breast pumps available in the Philippines. You must keep a breast pump handy as no one can tell when your regular feeding schedules might suddenly change. There are also hands-free bras bras that enable you to do something else while the electric breast pump works double time. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]