Breast-feeding: care of your breasts
Take good care of your breasts: they are going to be working quite hard for the next few months. The first step is to buy yourself a couple of the best maternity bras that you can afford.
© DK
Ask the assistant to measure you and make sure that the bra gives you good support both below your breasts and on your shoulders. The drop-front kind (see image) is very good because it makes feeding quick, convenient and hygienic and your breasts are never left to sag. Towards the end of the first week when lactation becomes well established, your breasts may become full, sore, tender to the touch and quite hard because there is so much milk. A good bra will minimize discomfort; so will expressing.
Pay attention to the daily hygiene of your breasts and nipples. Wash them every day with water - don't use soap because it is drying to the skin and can aggravate a sore or cracked nipple. Always handle your breasts carefully: pat them dry gently after both feeding and washing. Leave your nipples open to the air whenever you can: still wear your bra for support, but leave the front flaps down. Once the milk really starts to flow it may leak out quite a lot during the day. Put breast pads or clean handkerchiefs inside your bra to soak up the leaking milk. Change the pad frequently for cleanliness.
While there are no muscles in the breasts themselves, exercise can help keep them in good shape. By shortening the connecting fibres that attach your breasts to your chest muscles, you draw them up and maintain their firmness. The following “top-lift” exercise is most beneficial once you've weaned your baby, but you can also use it once breast-feeding is well established. You can do the exercise either sitting or standing. Raise your arms to shoulder level; grasp the left forearm with your right hand and vice versa, and simultaneously, press and push with each hand towards the elbow with a jerky movement. Repeat for as long as feels comfortable. Do the exercise for a minimum of six weeks for the best results.
If you can, avoid all drugs when breast-feeding; many medications pass into the breast-milk and can affect your baby. If you are already taking medication, or if you see your doctor for any new problem, make sure he knows that you are breast-feeding.
Sore nipples
Painful nipples are the most common reason for women giving up breast-feeding. However, there are ways to avoid them. Make sure your baby is correctly positioned and properly latched on, and never pull your baby off the nipple (see Giving a breast-feed). Ask your health visitor for advice if you have problems. Keep your nipples as dry as possible between feeds and make sure they are dry before putting your bra back on. If they do become cracked, ointment, such as Vaseline, may be helpful. You can also try using a nipple shield. This is made of soft silicone and fits over your nipple. The baby sucks through a small teat on the front; sterilize it before use.
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 30.06.2010
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