26 questions that we ask ourselves when we are breastfeeding

Did baby ate enough?

At first, when you don't know your baby yet, it is impossible not to wonder if he has eaten enough once the feed was finished.If he cries 10 minutes later, the questions fuse "is he still hungry?"Do I have to put it back within?...»… Many mothers are distraught in the face of this uncertainty.If baby is fed in the bottle, we know that he has drunk 90 ml of milk.Within, difficult (impossible) to know how much he took.But there are certain clues that do not deceive: if baby looks reputable after feeding, in a state of bliss, if he falls asleep, it is generally the sign that he ate well.The layers are also a good indicator: it is estimated that there must be between 6 to 8 wet layers each day, and at least one with yellowish and soft stools during the first month.Without forgetting the weight gain, which shows that everything works as it should.

How many times a day should I breastfeed my baby?

There are no specific rules in this area, but in general, there are between 8 and 12 feedings per day (yes it's a lot ...) the first months.Recommendations often tend towards breastfeeding on demand, which implies that the child is approximately 6 hours a day within his mother.As breast milk is easy to digest, unlike infantile milk, the child is often hungry.

Is the breastfeeding position the right one?

Is baby in a comfortable position?Isn't it likely to choke?Will he digest well?Every mother must find her marks at the start of breastfeeding.If there are a few known breastfeeding positions (Madonna, the Califourchon position ...) the main thing remains above all that the mother and the baby are in a comfortable position.

When should I change my breast to breastfeed?

Women often have a larger and more "effective" breast than the other, which gives more milk and that the baby tends to prefer.In general, only one breast is proposed by feeding.We leave the baby in the same breast as much as he wishes.Breastfeeding bracelets allow you to know which breast was given in order to alternate during the next feeding.But if the baby has dropped the breast and he does not seem to reput, it is possible to offer him the other.Each mom does according to her baby's needs.

Should my baby have a rot after a feeding like a baby bottle?

As with the bottle (but in smaller quantity), your little one swallows a little air while he heads.If you see that baby has the hiccups for example, you can try to make him make a rot after the feeding by holding him straight on your shoulder and tapping him on his back.He may not need it every time but it costs nothing to offer him.

Do I have enough milk to breastfeed?

One of the main fears of mothers is not to have enough milk.It is rare for a mom to miss milk.Good to know, the more baby head, the more milk you produce.It will therefore be necessary to arm yourself with patience and courage because you risk spending some time with baby in the first month especially.However, you may be lucky that your infant only needs spaced meals.As if to know if baby has eaten enough, you will know that you have enough milk if your baby is gaining weight, if his diapers are filled ...

Breastfeeding and food

What taste has my breast milk?

Breast milk can change taste depending on the food consumed by the mother (ditto for color, which could change depending on food dyes).Certain foods in particular with a pronounced taste such as leeks, celery, cauliflower, asparagus, garlic ... can modify the taste of breast milk.But beware, that doesn't mean it won't please baby.Tests were carried out on mothers who had just eaten a garlic capsule, and if the taste was changed, it seems that it did not displease, far from it, to babies!Indeed, they were used to different tastes already in the mother's belly.

Can I eat everything during breastfeeding?

A priori the nursing woman can eat everything!No unnecessary stress so.A varied and balanced diet during the breastfeeding period is however recommended.

And drink a glass of wine?

Alcohol and tobacco are to be avoided during breastfeeding, just like during pregnancy.If however you want to toast on a special opportunity, make sure you have a full stomach and do it right after feeding since alcohol is eliminating blood after 2 to 4 hours.

Dad and breastfeeding

Does the father feel excluded during breastfeeding?

For breastfeeding to be successful, it is important that the father supports the mother.Impossible (or almost) to breastfeed serenely if his partner does not approve.The start -up is already sometimes difficult so if we have a man next door who repeats "it would be so much simpler with a bottle ...", it may create tensions and make breastfeeding fail.The ideal if he is not originally convinced is to explain to him that it is important for you and that his support is necessary.And also to show him that he can get involved otherwise: by hugging, giving the bath.Without forgetting that the mother can pull her milk so that he can give a bottle from time to time.

What if it makes him uncomfortable?

Not easy to find a sexuality after childbirth.Extreme fatigue, pain ... Breastfeeding can also block the desire of certain dads, who cannot go beyond the image of the nourishing mother.Ditto Maman side, who does not necessarily want to be eroticized in this period when she is fusion with her baby.Each couple ends up finding their marks, but you have to be careful not to forget yourself and be moments for two, even if it is only tenderness while waiting to find a fulfilled sexuality.Dad can also be uncomfortable when his wife breastfeeds in public.These are only adjustments to find so that everyone finally finds their account.The dialogue must be constant, everyone must express their expectations (support for the mother, the involvement for the father ...) and everything should quickly set up.

Breasts and breastfeeding

Will my breasts become small again after breastfeeding?

Like all pregnant and breastfeeding women who are causing small breasts, you do not come back to have this beautiful (and voluminous!) Chest, and you secretly hope that she will not fly away after theWeaning your child.Don't make any illusions ... The breasts resume their initial size when the mother stops breastfeeding.

Will my breasts fall after breastfeeding?

An American study* would have shown that there was no significant difference between the breasts of a woman who did not breastfed and those of a woman who chose the bottle.The number and duration of breastfeeding would have no more effect on modifications that can occur at the chest level.

It is rather the multiple pregnancies, age and tobacco that could have consequences on the elasticity of the skin and ligaments, therefore on the "pendant breasts" aspect.

Will my nipples be damaged by repetitive suction?

Many women fear the famous crevices caused by breastfeeding.At the beginning of the breastfeeding, lesions may appear on the mother's nipples.Most of the time, they are due to a bad position of the baby, which suddenly catches the breast badly and nibbles the nipple.It is therefore important to properly position the baby from the start of breastfeeding.Do not hesitate to seek advice from the midwives of your maternity.If crevasse appears, there are certain remedies such as purified lanolin or breast milk itself.

Breastfeeding and outing

Can I go out at the restaurant if I am going?

Of course it would no longer be missing that you stay cloistered!The advantage of breastfeeding is that you can do it (almost) anywhere and you need nothing if not yourself.If you want to go out at the restaurant (or elsewhere) Two solutions are available to you: Leave your baby to someone and pull your milk or take your infant with you and breastfeed it if necessary.In this case, plan (especially at the beginning because you will not necessarily be comfortable the first times) a practical breastfeeding outfit and everything you may need (blanket or Lange to cover you ...).

How to breastfeed in public?

Not always easy to breastfeed outdoors when you're not used to.Moms can be embarrassed to take out their breasts and a little clumsy at first ... The best is to have suitable clothes (large tunic with a tank top and a breastfeeding bra for example) and to predict something to put by-Dess to feel comfortable.People around will only see fire!

Are people embarrassed to see me out a breast to breastfeed?

Some people are uncomfortable in the face of a breastfeeding woman.However, it is your choice and you are not going to prevent yourself for fear of hitting some people.Without exhibiting yourself, you can turn a little and do it discreetly.It will also be easier for you to be in your bubble rather than feeling embarrassed.

How to go out in the street to walk serenely in winter without being afraid that my baby wakes up to take the breast?

Ideally, it is best to go out just after a feeding rather than a few hours after.This will avoid doing this in the cold!Afterwards, if you have no choice, nothing prevents you from asking a merchant to welcome you for a few moments to breastfeed your baby or land in a cafe to feed your child.You can also pull your milk and take the bottle with you just not having to undress when your baby will be hungry.

Pull their milk

When should I get my milk?

Every mom has her own rhythm.So there is not really a rule in the matter, but to have an idea, it is generally after a night of sleep that the breasts have a greater milk reserve.It is therefore possible at that time to breastfeed your baby, then to pull your milk.Having a pace and regular schedules to pull your milk also makes it possible to promote lactation.

What can I keep my breast milk in?

Breastfeeding and sleep

Can I space the feeds to adjust my baby?

It is breastfeeding on demand that is recommended today.Breastfeeding at a fixed time is generally prohibited and every woman who embarks on the adventure of breastfeeding must be patient because she will have to be fully available for her baby in the first months.In general, an infant head between 8 and 12 times a day (every 2 to 3 hours at the start).Afterwards, each child is different, yours may have more or less important needs.It was only after a few months that the feeds will really be eager.

Will my baby make his nights later at the bottle?

Again, each baby is different.But it is true that it is generally easier to "settle" a bottle in the bottle than within.

Can I make the breast just to calm my baby?

They are called cuddly, comfort or comfort feeds ... This is also breastfeeding on demand, sometimes just putting your baby within console him, reassuring him.Even if you must of course avoid degrading your breastfeeding bra every 5 minutes and continuously use this rescue solution which is not always one.It's all about measurement.

Breastfeeding and weaning

How will I succeed my withdrawal?

Will digestion be more difficult for weaning if my baby was used to breast milk?

The composition of artificial milk is different from that of breast milk.The child's body will therefore be asked to digest it and digestion lasts longer (which also makes it easier to space bottles than feeding).Some children digest a milk badly, and sometimes you have to change in the same range or another.Do not hesitate to ask your pediatrician for advice if you have any doubts.During the first industrial milk bottle, you can start with only 30 ml to observe his reactions.If this first bottle is well tolerated, the child can continue to drink this new milk.A cow's milk allergy can be revealed at the start of weaning.In this case, there are substitutes for breast milk based on rice for example.

Will my baby take more time to adapt to bottles of bottles?

As always, it depends on the child!But it is true that the suction technique is different between the breast and the bottle.Sometimes the passage from one to the other can be a little difficult and the baby can reject it at the start.Do not hesitate to try several forms of teats to find the one who is best.

*Led by the Brian Winker team, American University of Kentucky Medicine: "The Effect of Breastfeeding on Breast Aesthetics", Rinker B., Veneracion m., Walsh c.P., "Aesthetic Surgery Journal", September/October 2008.