Choosing & Resourcing the Breastfeeding Area
During your pregnancy, you will probably start thinking about what you may need for breastfeeding. An important consideration is to create a comfortable, attractive area that is designated specifically for feeding your baby. You will need to think carefully about necessary equipment, an appropriate room/space, and suitable furniture
Your feeding area should be a relaxed area for you and your baby. If you prefer peace and quiet, the nursery, your bedroom or a spare room would all be suitable. Somewhere, where you can be alone with your baby and close the door on all the many distractions and pressures of the home. If helpful, you can use reduced lighting, listen to some calming music, put your feet up and relax. This is a luxury not to be missed – you will be longing for this ‘time out’ in later months!!
If you prefer company rather than solitude, you could consider sitting in a comfy area of the lounge or family room, in a suitable chair. This is sometimes chosen as an option if you have had a cesarian section, to minimize going up and down the stairs.
Wherever you sit, the most important factor is that there is enough support for your back and your shoulders. If you choose to sit on your bed, ensure there are enough pillows and a good backrest to achieve the necessary support. If you are choosing a chair, select a low one that provides adequate back and shoulder support, preferably with arm rests. During the next few months, you will be spending a lot of time in this chair, so it may be appropriate to purchase a suitable one rather than compromise your posture and potential back problems.There are a variety of breastfeeding chairs that are being advertised and marketed. A bedside cabinet or table is also necessary near where you are sitting, to place a clock, tissues, clean breast pads, and a much needed drink of water!!
There is a tendency to lean forward over the baby when feeding which will cause a lot of neck, shoulder and back discomfort / pain. To bridge the gap between your lap and breast, it is crucial to lay one or two pillows on your lap for the baby to lay on. This increases the height of the baby for positioning on your lap, puts the baby at the correct level with your nipple, and saves you hours of aching arms, bent over and strained shoulders, and a stiff back. Plenty of pillows must definitely be on your breastfeeding list!. Ordinary pillows can be molded and layered to suit your requirements. A breastfeeding pillow does not always create enough height for some people to raise their baby sufficiently.
In summary, since breast feedings can take up to 40 minutes or more, the atmosphere is very important -even more so in the early days of breast feeding when you are still trying to master it! The ambiance you create for a relaxing feeding time will have a ‘knock on effect’ to your baby. If you are relaxed and comfortable, your baby will sense this and feed well. If you are uncomfortable, there are lots interruptions and distractions, this will unsettle you and make you anxious which the baby will ultimately pick up on. The breastfeeding area is a VERY IMPORTANT consideration to be carefully planned for, well in advance of the birth of your baby.
Author: Rosemary Buchan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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