The way to motherhood is never easy from disturbed sleep, to frequent feeding, to getting adjusted to new life, it is definitely a tough walk. Many a time a mother is not able to breastfeed either due to some physical problems or many times due to lack of experience and no one to handhold her during these difficult times. There are now many products available in the market that can make breastfeeding a memorable experience for both mother and baby. ETV Bharat Sukhibhava was in conversation with Pediatrician Dr. Latika Joshi from Dehradun and she opined that motherhood can be made easy and memorable with many available products in the product. Her is the list of these products
Breast Pump:
Breast milk is the best food for the child, a child who is breastfed for 6 months of his/her age develops into a healthy individual. The first milk or the colostrum is best for the child and under any circumstances or due to associated myths a child should not be denied this. Breast milk not only helps in the physical growth of the child but is also known to provide psychological strength to the tiny one. A breast pump is a boon for many working ladies who join their workplaces during the first 6 months of nursing. With the help of this pump, the mother can extract her milk and store it in the fridge or any other suitable place for a specific period of time. One thing to remember here is the expiry of this milk is very crucial, and old milk or long-stored milk can’t be given to the infant. This extracted milk should not be heated over gas or in a microwave oven as it destroys many nutrients of the milk, and should be given at room temperature only
Breast Milk Storage Bag:
Be it a working mother or homemaker, balancing work with a newborn is a difficult task, especially for those mothers who have to breastfeed their baby. In such a scenario breast milk storage bags are like godsend products. A nursing mother can store their breast milk in these storage bags, and when they have to go out in public places with the baby they can also feed them with these bags easily.
Breast Pad:
For decades breastfeeding mothers have been embarrassing themselves with overflowing milk from their breasts. This is not unusual, but definitely little dis comfortable for many especially when you are working in office space or are shopping or are in a public space. The overflowing milk spoils the clothing, breast pads are like a boon for nursing mothers. Breast pads absorb the overflowing milk; thus, the milk patches are not visible on the breast area. The breast pads can be easily placed in the feeding bra, and are skin-friendly products.
Nipple Shield:
Many a time a child is not able to suck milk from the mother’s breast due to a bigger nipple size or due to cracks in the nipple area. In such a scenario doctors advise for, nipple shields, which are thin layers of silicon coverings. These nipple shields are worn over the nipple and the areola, and facilitate stress-free feeding to the child. These nipple shields are child as well as mother-friendly products.
Nursing Pillow or Breastfeeding Pillow:
Nursing pillows are one of the most convenient options for modern-day mothers. Normally women have to start breastfeeding immediately after delivery, and they have to sit upright and hold the child in this position. This is very discomforting able for the mother as she undergoes labor pain and in the case of C-section, the stitches hurt. The nursing pillow and breastfeeding pillows take away the discomfort and provide needed support to the mother. The pillow elevates the child to a comfortable level, which reduces the stress on the back and gives relief to the mother’s hands.
Breast Hygiene:
Breast hygiene is paramount during this stage of post-partum, opines Dr. Latika Joshi. It is very important to keep the mother and her surroundings clean and hygienic. Her clothes should be washed and should be disinfected properly, breast pump should be cleaned with utmost care. If a woman is using a breast pump it should be cleaned with warm water before and after use. Soaked Breast pads should be immediately replaced with a new one, as at times there can be skin infections which are not good for mother and baby.
Also Read: Diet For Breastfeeding Mothers: Ayurveda
