New moms, are you fully prepared for feeding your baby? You might be making some common mistakes!
1. "My milk hasn't come in yet, so I'll give the baby formula first!"
Breastfeeding can begin within half an hour of birth. Each session should last about 30 minutes, even if no milk is produced.Postpartum rooming-in is recommended. Frequent breastfeeding not only strengthens the bond between mother and baby but also stimulates milk production through the baby's suckling.Consuming soups like chicken, fish, or pork rib broth can help increase milk supply. Mothers should also maintain a positive mental state, stay emotionally stable, and keep a cheerful disposition. Avoid worry, anger, or frustration. Confidence and enthusiasm for breastfeeding are crucial, as negative emotions can reduce milk production or even stop it altogether, causing further complications.
Colostrum is the milk produced within the first week after birth. It has a pale yellow color and thick consistency (it is not dirty), is produced in very small quantities, and is extremely valuable. Rich in nutrients, colostrum boosts the baby's disease resistance and protects their healthy development. It also helps expel meconium from the baby's body and cleanses the intestines. Therefore, even if breast milk is scarce or the mother does not plan to breastfeed, it is essential to give the baby colostrum.
3. Nighttime fatigue makes lying down to nurse seem so comfortable!
Postpartum exhaustion, combined with constant daytime feedings and diaper changes, leaves mothers deeply sleepy at night. When a baby cries during the night, mothers may feel irritated. Sometimes, they simply offer the nipple to the baby's mouth. Once the baby starts nursing and stops crying, the mother might fall back asleep—a highly dangerous situation.Because the baby is very close to the mother while feeding, a sleeping mother can easily press against the baby's nostrils, potentially leading to tragedy. To prevent this, it's best for mothers to sit up while feeding at night.
4. My baby is formula-fed. To make sure my baby gets enough to eat, I make the formula a bit stronger.
Food is absorbed in the intestines. If the osmotic pressure of the food is too high (due to overly concentrated formula), it can cause vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, and dehydration. Additionally, most metabolic waste is excreted through the kidneys. However, the kidneys of infants and young children are still developing and functionally immature, limiting their ability to regulate nutrient metabolism. Overly concentrated formula places an increased burden on the kidneys.
5.I put my baby down immediately after feeding because holding them is too tiring.
After feeding, do not place the baby down immediately. Instead, hold them upright with their head resting on your shoulder, or sit them on your lap. Support the back of their head and neck with one hand while gently patting their back with the other to release swallowed air and prevent spitting up.
After breastfeeding, Dad can also take over and help the baby burp.
6. If the baby is full after feeding from one breast, save the milk from the other breast for the next feeding!
During feeding, allow the baby to finish one breast completely before switching to the other.If the baby is full after feeding from one breast, express milk from the other side. This prevents engorgement, which not only causes discomfort but may lead to mastitis and reflexively reduce milk production.
Use a breast pump to express and empty the breast.
7. As a model, I'm concerned breastfeeding will cause my breasts to sag, so I've decided against it.
Breasts continue developing during pregnancy. If not properly cared for after enlargement, they can easily become loose.Therefore, expectant mothers should begin breast care early in pregnancy. Wearing a supportive bra with wide straps and massaging the breasts or applying specialized oils to enhance skin and subcutaneous tissue elasticity can reduce the likelihood of sagging. Whether breasts sag after breastfeeding depends largely on their condition before lactation. With diligent postpartum breast care, breastfeeding will not impact your career.
8. After each feeding, I like to wash my breasts and surrounding skin with soap to keep them clean.
Frequent soap washing during lactation not only fails to benefit breast health but can weaken local defenses, leading to nipple cracking and bacterial infections.Therefore, to maintain optimal hygiene during breastfeeding and ensure your baby receives sufficient milk, it's best to cleanse with lukewarm water. Avoid soap whenever possible, and never use chemically irritating substances like alcohol.
9. Babies who are exclusively breastfed should not be given any water.
While some believe babies aged 4–6 months require only breast milk without supplemental water, this depends on specific circumstances. During dry northern winters, excessively warm indoor temperatures can dehydrate newborns. Additionally, extreme heat or diarrhea may cause dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dry, peeling lips, restlessness, and increased crying.
It's best to maintain indoor temperatures between 20–25°C (68–77°F). In northern winters, use a humidifier to keep the air moist. If you notice dry lips, offer a few sips of plain water with a small spoon.