Golden Hour Of Breastfeeding, How New Mothers Can Prepare For It, Expert Weighs In

Breastfeeding is not just about fulfilling your baby's needs. It brings along a flurry of emotions for the mother. Becoming a mother is a life-altering experience. With the joy comes a lot of responsibilities too and breastfeeding is one of them. Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the overall development and well-being of your baby. The duty begins shortly after your baby makes it to the world. It is called the 'Golden Hour'.

Golden hour is the first hour after birth. During this hour, the mother gives the newborn uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact. Breastfeeding is the foremost responsibility but it is challenging for every new mother initially. To make it easier for all the new mothers, we spoke to Ruth Patterson, Chief Lactation Consultant, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru and asked them to share tips for the golden hour.

Attend Classes

Enrol yourself for breastfeeding education classes. This will help you learn a lot about breastfeeding, especially the basics - positions, hygiene, latching among other things. This will also be a great socialising exercise since you will get to meet with many other expecting mothers.

Speak To A Lactation Consultant

Yes, it is a great idea to connect with a lactation consultant (breastfeeding taboos)ahead of the baby's arrival. This will help you resolve any doubts you may have about lactating your baby. A lot of women suffer from inverted nipples and a lactation expert can help you with this issue before your delivery.

Talk To Family And Friends

If you are friends with women who are successfully breastfeeding, connect with them. This will help you motivate yourself to breastfeed. With their past experiences, you will get to learn a lot about this new responsibility. Anyone from the family too will be a good support to you if you are anxious about breastfeeding your newborn.

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Ask Your Partner For Support

Breastfeeding is challenging but it can get a lot easier if you have someone's support, especially your partner. If they are emotionally present for you at the time of nursing, you will feel a lot more relieved.

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Discuss With Your Gynaecologist

If you are concerned about anything related to breastfeeding, such as if any of the supplements that you take will affect your baby during the nursing period, you can always consult your doctor. Your doctor will be able to advise you on what you can take that will ensure that your child does not suffer any side effects.

Before your baby arrives, have a birth plan in hand. Keep yourself updated with breastfeeding knowledge, basics like demand feeding, best positions for breastfeeding the baby among other things. Remember that breastfeeding is the best gift the mother can give their baby and themselves.

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