I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.
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Dementia and Your Loved One
5 Tips To Succeed At Breastfeeding
Vickie Armstrong
Breast milk offers numerous benefits to growing infants, but breastfeeding can be hard work, and it doesn't always come naturally.
Following some important tips can help alleviate feeding and supply difficulties and help make breastfeeding a pleasant bonding experience for you and your baby.
Feed Early and On Demand
Breastfeed as soon after birth as possible. Most babies are ready to eat within the first couple of hours after birth when they are alert. It's important to try to feed during this time if possible so that the baby gets some colostrum before it goes into a sleepy state that can last 12 hours or longer.
One of the most important things you can do to help ensure breastfeeding success from the start is to allow your baby to breastfeed whenever they're hungry. Feeding on demand helps your milk supply keep up with your baby's needs, and it'll help you learn your baby's feeding cues.
Watch Baby's Latch
Your baby might have difficulty taking in a full feeding if they're having problems latching onto your breast. A poor latch can lead to breast and nipple pain, cracking, and bleeding as well. Often the key to a good latch is just practice.
Support your baby's head near your breast and use your nipple to nudge your baby just under their nose until they open their mouth wide. Quickly pull the baby onto your breast when they have their mouth open and make sure the baby has as much of the breast tissue in their mouth as possible rather than just the nipple.
Have a nurse or lactation consultant check your baby's latch before you leave the hospital.
Practice Patience
Making sure your baby gets proper nutrition is one of your biggest responsibilities as a new parent, so it's normal to feel a little anxious about how your baby is eating. Your milk supply and letdown reflex will be at their best if you're calm and relaxed during feeding.
Take deep breaths and speak to your baby in a calm voice. Lots of skin-to-skin contact will help your baby feel comfortable and encourage them to latch.
If you have trouble with your letdown while pumping, try keeping something that smells like your baby near you and look at a picture or video of your baby while you pump.
Stay Away from Bottles and Pacifiers
It's best to stay away from bottles and pacifiers for at least three or four weeks after birth to give your baby time to establish a good breastfeeding latch and routine.
Bottle nipples require a different latch and are easier to suckle from than a breast, so frequent bottle feedings can make it difficult for your baby to transition back to breastfeeding, especially when they are very young.
Work With a Professional
Breastfeeding classes are offered by many hospitals and clinics before and after birth to give new parents practice with different feeding techniques they can try with their babies.
Talk to your baby's pediatrician about breastfeeding and lactation support, particularly if you have concerns about your milk supply or your baby's latch or growth. A lactation consultant can watch you feed your baby and help diagnose and fix any latch problems.
For more information on lactation support, contact a doctor near you.
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