A lactating mother is a woman who is breastfeeding her baby.
She needs constant support and care from family members. A lactating mother
needs to do the following if she is to succeed in breastfeeding.
- Eat a balanced diet with the recommended dietary allowances needed by a lactating mother.
- Take an adequate amount of fluids to keep the milk flowing.
- Ensure that she breastfeeds her child frequently. The supply of breast milk is on the principle of supply and demand. The more that is taken out, the more that is produced. The mother should therefore encourage the baby to breastfeed as much as the baby wants.
- Ensure that she gets adequate rest, both physically and mentally. This ensures more milk is produced.
- Any illness must be treated promptly.
- The baby must be positioned well on the breast to avoid breast problems.
- Hygiene is paramount, Bathing daily and generally being clean.
If a mother is pain free, relaxed, and supported by family
and others, she is more likely to be successful. Successful breastfeeding
depends in large part on the mother’s confidence in her ability to breastfeed.
Nipple care, positioned of the infant, and nursing frequency may help to
prevent some common breastfeeding problems.
How to breastfeed your baby
