Breastfeeding is a miraculous process, transforming your breasts into marvelous oases of pure, sweet milk. Almost like a magical potion, this fragrant milk contains just the nutrients that your baby needs, with its calorific and nutritional value increasing as he or she grows. Nursing your baby is as much about nourishing her with nutrients as it is about binding your hearts together in a bond that will last a lifetime. And yet, it can take a new mommy some time to warm up to her new role. As you enter the final stages of your pregnancy, take some time out to attend a lactation class. We promise you’ll come out wiser, happier and more confident.
In this guide, we’ve provided a keyhole into the breastfeeding tips and information offered during our lactation sessions. And while this is really no patch on the vast insights you can gain from a hands-on class on Cloudnine, we hope it serves as inspiration to seek one out. The benefits of breastfeeding know no bounds.This one is specially for you, new mommy. Let’s get going.
There’s a milk menu? Of course. Take a look at today’s specials.
First on the menu is colostrum. In your baby’s first moments, your breasts are still working to churn out milk. What you would have already produced, however, is a substance known as colostrum. A pale, yellow liquid that resembles the substance that likely leaked from your breasts during pregnancy, colostrum is a rich medley of essential proteins, vitamins and minerals, and serves as an invisible immunity shield for your baby. It layers your baby’s intestines, fortifies her developing immune system and wards off allergies and infections. Think of colostrum as more of an appetiser for your darling, for it comes in limited supply. A few drops of colostrum are all your baby needs.
Next up, the main course. Transitional milk is a stand-in for the mature milk that follows. A light orange colour, it contains fewer immunoglobulins and proteins than colostrum, but brims with lactose and fat.
As your baby turns ten days old, your breasts will send you a little sign of victory by beginning to produce mature milk. Mature milk is watery and white, sometimes tinged a light blue. Although it may look runny, it’s infused with essential fats and a host of nutrients that are vital for your baby.
During your lactation session, your lactation specialist will guide you through an array of comfortable positions and breastfeeding techniques for you and your baby. Here’s a highlight of the various positions you can adopt.
The cradle hold involves positioning your baby’s head in the crook of your elbow and extending the same arm to hold her body. Then, use your other hand to point the closest nipple towards your baby’s face.
The crossover is similar to the cradle hold, except that the breast you use will be the one opposite your baby. Just like the cradle hold, this position involves cupping your breast towards your baby.
Tuck your baby’s legs under the arm you’re using to hold her. Use the breast on the same side to nurse her and use your spare hand to manoeuvre your breast.
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