For nine months, feeding your baby has been as easy as opening your own mouth.
Nursing a newborn, though, is hardly child’s play.
In an interview withThe List, Caplan-Colon empathized with new moms who struggle to feed their babies.
“Oftentimes, mothers have these images of easy and successful breastfeeding when their little one arrives.
When it doesn’t come so easy, mothers can feel guilty and anxious,” she said.
“This creates a cycle of challenges as mom is feeling anxious.
She isn’t able to task analyze what may not be working right.”
Here is Caplan-Colon’s advice for trouble-shooting feeding time.
“If the mother is not comfortable, it will be awkward and the little one will sense this.
Mom should get comfortable.
Once you’ve settled in your rocker or recliner, let your baby know it’s time to eat.
you’ve got the option to squeeze the nipple area so it more easily fits, she added.
And just as you gotta be comfortable to breastfeed, so does your baby, Caplan-Colon pointed out.
“Do not force the baby’s head,” she urged.
“If the child doesn’t get a firm hold, release then hit it one more time.”
“This can lead to discomfort for both mother and infant.”
To address this challenge, confirm your baby’s head is in the right position, she added.
“Nestle the child’s head squarely facing the nipple and guide the latching from there.
Once those details are in place, “let the feeding begin,” Caplan-Colon said.
“Break the seal and hit it one more time.”
In fact, said Caplan-Colon, “Many women have flat orinverted nipples.
This poses a challenge for the infant who is looking for a protruding nipple as a guide.”
Does this mean women who have flat nipples can’t nurse?
Another possibility could be related to your baby’s mouth.
So how will you know whether your baby is successfully latched on?
