Breastfeeding is wonderful for mother and child – if the breast does not hurt and the milk flows well. The right breast care contributes a lot to this.
Pregnant women can prepare their breasts for breastfeeding a few weeks before the birth:
Cold showers refresh, promote blood circulation and harden the nipples. Equally effective: not wearing a bra for a few hours a day. On the other hand, rituals such as rubbing with a toothbrush or a terry cloth can trigger premature labor
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During Breastfeeding, Less Is More
Wash your breasts daily and your hands with clean water before each nursing session. Disinfectants are unnecessary, solutions with alcohol are unsuitable. Good natural protection against germs is the baby’s saliva and the breast milk itself. Allow the liquid residues to dry after breastfeeding. You can also massage the nipples with a little milk. In general, it is important to keep them dry. Knitted and disposable nursing pads are not suitable – they promote fungal infection. Good are pads made of natural wool and pure silk.
If the nipples become inflamed, take additional care of the breast:
– Red light (each side approx. 5 min.).
– Red oil from St. John’s wort.
– Honey.
– Dextrose solution.
– Calendula ointment (apply thinly).
– Black tea bags.
Continue breastfeeding at the same time – but clean the nipples from the care products beforehand.
Cool cottage cheese compresses help against painful tissue hardening. In the event of milk congestion, it is best to warm the breast before breastfeeding – with a hot washcloth or a heating pad. For breast inflammation with flu-like symptoms, bed rest, cooling compresses with curd or acetic clay and frequent breastfeeding are helpful. See a doctor if symptoms persist.
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Breast Pumps Make You Mobile
Some women want to go back to work soon or simply be flexible, but still continue breastfeeding. In such cases, a breast pump is a good solution. A hand pump is a good way to remove excess milk at certain times. To pump whole meals several times a day, an electric pump is more convenient. Pharmacies, medical supply stores, and midwives’ practices rent breast pumps. The rental fee for the motor is about three euros, the cost of accessories is about 20 euros. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe the pump, for example, if the baby is not drinking well or if the nipples are painfully sensitive. Other practical systems allow you to fill the milk directly from the pump into a bag and freeze it for up to three days.
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