Many new moms can attest that nursing a newborn isn't always easy. As with anything in life, there’ll probably be highs and lows — as well as a few ups and downs — as you figure things out. So, if you're in the breastfeeding phase and find it a bit more challenging than you’d anticipated, here are some helpful tips shared via 3DActive on how to get through it and enjoy this phase of motherhood while you can.
Watch What You Eat
Your physician will advise you that eating healthfully is crucial during the nursing phase. This is because you and your baby need optimum nutrition in order to thrive. This means focusing on nutrient-rich meals high in healthy fats and other vitamins and minerals.. Also, you’ll also need to watch what you drink. Staying hydrated is key, so drink plenty of water and avoid beverages that are high in caffeine, which are diuretic.
Dress for Comfort
Make no mistake: Breastfeeding is a full-time job. So, like a job, you’ll need to dress for it. Find comfortable pants and elegant maternity bras that allow you to feed without hassle. If you have great labor and delivery gowns and practical yet stylish plus size maternity nightgowns, keep wearing them! They are designed for comfort and easy breastfeeding. And don’t be afraid to buy more if they help you through this stage. Wear what makes you comfortable, so you can focus on bonding with your new baby.
Remember Your Own Goals
One way to battle postpartum blues is to ensure you're working towards goals for yourself, like furthering your career. This may come in the form of networking, working on your resume or taking classes. No matter what your goals are, there are opportunities, such as pursuing an online accounting degree. With flexible scheduling online, fitting your coursework around your new responsibilities is simple and straightforward.
Clearing Up the Clutter
Suppose your home looks a little untidy because you just haven't had the time to attend to household chores while looking after your newborn. It may be better to set time aside and deal with any clutter that might have accumulated that makes you feel a little gloomy rather than excited about this new phase in your life. Furthermore, by clearing away the clutter, opening the windows, and letting in the glorious sunlight and fresh air, you promote a much happier and healing environment too.
Stay Motivated
There is perhaps no other time as unique in the child-rearing phase as nursing your infant in those first few crucial months. Motherlove Herbal Company points out that you're probably going to experience a flood of positive and negative emotions, as breastfeeding is known not to be the most straightforward job for some first-time moms. It's important to seek support and guidance to navigate these challenges effectively. Remember, every mother's journey is unique, and finding a routine that works is what truly matters.
Managing Your Time Better
Perhaps you’re not a first-time parent, and you have other children to still take care of while taking care of a newborn. Then you might have to find ways to help you manage your time better to still have time for your other kids in your round-the-clock feeding routine. This usually involves better time management and making a determined effort to set aside a specific time in your day for your other kids, say at bedtime, to read them a story. Or you can plan something fun to do together so that they know that they can look forward to spending some quality time with you too.
Breastfeeding
Choosing not to breastfeed, or deciding to stop breastfeeding, is a deeply personal choice that can be influenced by many factors, including medical, lifestyle, and emotional considerations. It's important to know that formula feeding offers a nutritious alternative that can support a baby's growth and development effectively. Mothers who choose this path should feel supported and confident in their decision, as ensuring a child is fed, happy, and healthy is what truly matters.
The nursing journey is different for every mom. And while some new moms might find this phase easier than others, there's no doubt that this is a special and sacred time for every new mom and their newborn. So try to find ways to enjoy it as much as you can while still taking good care of yourself in the process, and you're sure to look back on this experience with the fondest of memories.
This guest article was written by an external writer to align with 3DActive’s commitment to promoting natural wellness and providing valuable resources for our readers.
