Breastfeeding a newborn is a full-time job, so it's wise to take on board some breastfeeding tips to make the process easier. The baby may give some signs to signal that it is time to breastfeed - however, this does not always mean that the baby is hungry. In this article, we explain more!

We are used to being able to control a lot in modern society. As a result, many people feel frustrated by what their baby is trying to communicate. It is not always easy to understand what a sad or angry baby needs, but there are signals to look out for to understand what signals hunger.

However, it is good to know that breastfeeding is so much more than food; it provides closeness, security and comfort. When your baby wants to breastfeed, it doesn't always have to be because he or she is hungry; sucking can also be pain-relieving for the baby. We know from research that a lack of breastmilk is rare, but the feeling of it is even greater. Breastfeeding is promoted when the breastfeeding mother feels relaxed and confident about breastfeeding. That's why it's a good idea to take some breastfeeding tips with you on your baby journey.

Breastfeeding tips

- Breastfeeding in a relaxed and harmonious environment
- Listen to your baby's early signals of when they want to breastfeed (see below)
- Have realistic expectations about breastfeeding, it takes time but it usually gets easier, hang in there!
- Keep food and drink close by - breastfeeding requires energy!
- Lower the demands on yourself, breastfeeding is a full-time job
- If possible, try to stretch your chest and shoulders regularly - an investment to avoid stiffness and sore muscles due to one-sided breastfeeding positions

Breastfeeding signals

Try to be responsive to the baby's early breastfeeding signals and take the opportunity to offer the breast already then. If the baby gets frustrated and shows since breastfeeding signals, the solution may be to try to calm the baby first before offering the breast. The baby may simply be too upset to want to take the breast.

Early breastfeeding signals:

- Stick out your tongue
- Licking your lips
- yawns
- Smackers
- From hand to mouth
- Sucking on the hand
- Searching for the breast, pecking and picking around (so-called rooting)

Late breastfeeding signals:

- Screamer
- Crying
- Grimacing
- Three frustrated

 

Source: 1177.se

Here you can read about the hormones involved in breastfeeding.