Dr. Khushbu Suthar
Breastfeeding is a very important phase of life for any mother, the mother not only goes under physical changes but also there is a lot of emotional change which is undergone by the mother.
The baby gets exposed to the new environment and there is a lot of change happening in his space also as from a very well protected mother’s womb the baby is now exposed to a new and different world of the mother which is completely opposite to the warmth of the mother’s womb.
As a new mother, you might go under so many new challenges and obviously surrounded by new advice given by each and every member of your family and from friends.
From pregnancy to now there would be so many changes from your mood to your body.
Breastfeeding out of all reasons is completely popular because of the bonding which develops between mother and baby and this bonding is important is important psychologically because it gives the baby a sense of security and health. Physically because for the first 6 months nothing can be given for the first six months but mother’s milk.
In this process, it is important that you should take care of yourself also as from now whatever you eat will be affecting the baby. It is important to keep your mental and physical health proper so that there is a good growth in the health of our little ones.
Art Of Breastfeeding:
Apart from the food what is actually important is the art of breastfeeding. As you are not really habitual if it is your first child you need to learn various techniques of breastfeeding to find the most comfortable position for you and your baby.
There are various techniques like:
- Cradle hold.
- Football hold.
- Side-lying position.
Try out these techniques for knowing the various ways of breastfeeding.
When Baby Starts Biting?
With breastfeeding the major issue is when your baby bites during breastfeeding. The bite can be quite painful depending on the impact which baby creates the good part is the teething has not happened yet.
Here, there are little solutions for the ways to stop your little angel to bite and making your breastfeeding process troublesome.
Biting During Breastfeeding Process.
Breastfeeding your baby with teeth is usually not painful as his tongue tends to cover the lower gum while latching on. While suckling, your baby will use his or her bottom jaw, as the upper jaw remains fixed and stern.
There is a possibility of your baby biting while nursing if the breastfeeding position used, is not good that time you get more susceptible to baby biting the nipple. While babies do not develop teeth till 6 months of age, some are prone to teething earlier or much later and in that case, it would be really important for you to prevent baby biting.
Why Do Baby Biting Takes Place?
THERE CAN BE FEW REASONS FOR THIS LIKE:
1. By Habit:
Habit while latching on or leaving the breast after a feed.
2. Surrounding Distraction:
Very common in older babies who are distracted by the surroundings while suckling. That is why it becomes important to breastfeed the baby in a closed room or calm environment.
3. Tendency Of Falling Asleep:
Babies who fall asleep while still latched on, it becomes really important that after the feed you make the baby burp and then let him go to sleep.
4. Tendency To Cold And Ear Infection:
Babies suffering from the ear infection or cold have difficulty swallowing and hence bite harder to suckle. In this case, the biting may also take place due to irritability in babies due to cold and cough and because of that, they can bite your nipple during suckling.
5. Curious Little One:
Biting done out of curiosity to see what happens next. Yes, how much ever weird it sounds our little ones are curious about the new environment and they will learn it all through you.
Time To Prevent Baby From Biting Nipple During Breastfeed:
Here as a mother as strong observation is needed on your part to prevent the baby from biting, if you are keen enough about the baby will bite you can do these simple tricks to avoid and also break the habit of biting.
1. Little Finger In The Mouth:
Put your little finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth in between his gums. Gently take your baby’s attention in another way who will bite your finger instead of the breast.
2. Don’t Be Impulsive:
Do not pull away from your baby away from the breast suddenly as he begins to bite. He may bite you harder in the process of impulse, making you sore further.
3. No Shouting, Mother:
Do not scream loudly as soon as your baby bites. Your intense reaction may cause your little one to panic, and in this case, he may not even breastfeed again which will be more troublesome for his health and even baby who is empty stomach will be more irritable. Your baby may also bite again to check for the same reaction, like a play. They will find it very hilarious also in some situations leaving your nipple sore.
4. Calmly Stop The Breastfeed For Sometime:
Put your baby away for a short while after a bite. You may want to ease yourself out of the discomfort first and it is important for you to calm yourself then again continuing the process.
5. Latching It Right:
Latch on your baby the right away. Wrong breastfeeding positions cause more bites. Maintain eye contact with your baby while nursing. Try various techniques to find which one is comfortable for you and the baby.
6. Make The Habit Of Teething:
Your baby can be given teething toy after the feed so that he finds an alternative to bite on. So that our breast does not become the only thing and he or she might even find that comfortable.
7. Stopping Breastfeeding Gradually:
As your baby grows older, do not feed unless he or she is very hungry and needs to be given food immediately. Concentrate on slowly weaning your baby off breast milk.
Few Tips to Follow During Breastfeeding:
With positions you will be trying you can also use this few tips for comfortable breastfeeding not only for the little one but yourself too.
1. Keep a lot of pillows during breastfeeding.
2. Keep a glass of water or juice after breastfeeding for yourself to prevent dehydration after breastfeeding.
3. Keep on talking to the baby so that you and the baby can have your own beautiful language of love and great bonding.
4. Try keeping yourself nourished with nutrient so that you can pass on the required energy to the baby.
5. Practice a few simple exercises and keep your self-calm with yoga and meditation so that you also feel good physically and mentally.
It is advisable to stop the breastfeeding around two years of the baby for baby’s health. In this time period, there would be complete bonding also between you and your child at the same time there would be enough nourishment given to the baby through breast milk.
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