- Get information to better prepare for breastfeeding
- How to properly prepare your breasts for breastfeeding?
- Massage, to prepare and support breastfeeding
Get information to better prepare for breastfeeding
If you're expecting your first baby, breastfeeding is still a bit of an obscure concept, and that's completely normal.
The best way to prepare for breastfeeding is to find out as much information as possible to better understand what will happen in your body: when and how breast milk is formed, how to stimulate its production , what care to give to the nipple , what problems can arise when you breastfeed your baby and what solutions exist. Knowing the theory allows you to reassure yourself, not to be caught off guard before moving on to practice!
You have numerous tools at your disposal for this, such as specialized websites, forums or books. Organizations such as La Leche League, a breastfeeding support and information association, can provide you with advice from a lactation consultant.
And of course, your midwife remains a key contact! Perhaps you will also address the subject during your birth preparation classes. Do not hesitate to specify that you wish to breastfeed when you select your courses, the content will be even more adapted to your needs as a future mother.
Be informed, be surrounded, discuss your choices with those around you, prepare for fatigue, for the relationship with your baby... knowing what to expect and being informed promotes better breastfeeding and breaks certain beliefs. Support from those around you can be a big help in preparing well!
Perhaps you will take advantage of your pregnancy to make some purchases that will make breastfeeding easier, such as a suitable bra, very practical to accompany your first steps as a breastfeeding mother. Other products, not necessarily essential for all women, may prove very useful for some: herbal teas and nursing pads, lanolin cream to prevent cracks, or even a cushion to properly position baby .
How to properly prepare your breasts for breastfeeding?
In reality, from the first trimester of pregnancy, all the mechanisms are put in place in your body to naturally prepare it for breastfeeding and the arrival of your baby. The most obvious change is of course in your chest, since it increases in volume, sometimes significantly. The reason ? The mammary glands, which produce milk, are invaded by pregnancy hormones. The ducts lengthen and branch, the synthesis of the first milk (colostrum) begins, so that breastfeeding can take place if necessary from the sixth month. Colostrum will be secreted for three days after birth before being replaced by breast milk.
Quick aside: to help your skin follow the movement without cracking, consider using anti-stretch mark products from the start of your pregnancy . Taking care of your breasts is also a good way to take ownership of this new silhouette, accept it and prepare yourself psychologically for breastfeeding.
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27,90 € - Regular price
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27,90 €
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28,90 € - Regular price
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- Sale price
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28,90 €
At the same time, you will notice that your veins become more visible, and that your areolas become colored – this pigmentation is due to hormonal activity, just like the brown line on the stomach or the pigmented spots from the pregnancy mask on the stomach. the face. Montgomery glands, these little lumps on the nipple, appear. Your chest may become a little sore and more sensitive than usual: light massages can soften the skin and help you pamper your bust.
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24,90 € - Regular price
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24,90 €
On the third day after giving birth, the first surges of breast milk occur. Your chest will expand again and the nipples may be sore for a few minutes each time your baby feeds, but these sensations fade quickly. The milk supply usually occurs when you come home from the maternity ward, and you may feel a little lost in your first steps as a mother.
Massage, to prepare and support breastfeeding
To release tension or avoid engorgement, the best advice is to perform a breast massage. Figure 8 massage, stroking, nipple massage... We explain everything in this article about the benefits of breast massage during and after pregnancy (the right choice to help you prepare for breastfeeding and allow you to massage your chest , but also your stomach or your hips? Le Baume Onctueux ! A 3-in-1 cream very popular with future mothers, since it reduces red stretch marks, fights against cellulite and restores the firmness of the skin. Its melting texture penetrates quickly, without a sticky effect. Its natural formula, based on nourishing organic vegetable oils (Macadamia, Avocado, Muscat Rose, Sweet Almond and Olive Oil) and Body3Complex, a natural active ingredient with regenerating and restorative action is 100% compatible with breastfeeding. The Balm does not contain ingredients harmful to your health or that of your baby. However, we recommend that you clean your nipples before putting your child to the breast).
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33,90 € - Regular price
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33,90 €
To summarize, you will have understood, nature is well designed and the body naturally prepares to breastfeed and welcome baby. You can give it a boost with massages, which will relax the tissues and alleviate any pain. For your part, by informing yourself, you will be better equipped to cope with breastfeeding, you will better understand how it works and you will approach this period of your life with more serenity. Breastfeeding is often the start of a great adventure – we of course hope it is filled with good times and lovely milky memories!
Photo Credit: Cleyder Duque
