When you become a new mom, chances are you will want to at least try to breastfeed your baby.
Breastfeeding is a great way to strengthen your bond with your infant, and of course, provides them with the right nutrients to help them build their immune system. It isn’t easy though, and it isn’t always the right choice for parent and child. However, if you decide to feed your baby naturally, you will need to know a few things about nursing hygiene, to ensure that both you and your baby remain healthy and happy.
So, here are 5 nursing hygiene tips to help keep your baby and yourself in top shape.
Wear The Right Materials
After you have given birth, your boobs will be changing every day. Sometimes they will feel a bit sore, and other times they may feel engorged. So, it is vital that you wear the right clothing that are made from the right materials which are designed to accommodate these changes.
A nursing vest can be beneficial, as it accommodates your boobs with gentle support, and is typically made of a breathable material like cotton. Vests for nursing are also usually loose, so they do not hold bacteria against your nipples – which can cause the bacteria to multiply.
Avoid Scented Creams
When you are breastfeeding, you will likely want to apply a cream to your nipple, as the act of feeding can cause soreness and dryness around the areola. While it can be tempting to opt for a cream that smells like roses, don’t do it. Scented products usually contain alcohol, which can worsen any dryness you may be experiencing. So, aim for strictly non-scented nipple creams to keep the area moisturized.
Clean Your Nipples
It sounds obvious, but a lot of new moms forget to clean their nipples after every feeding session. While you don’t need to thoroughly rinse them, simply wiping with a wet cloth will help, and the area should be cleaned correctly a few times a day in addition.
This will help to remove bacteria that can feed on dried milk and your baby’s saliva, so always be sure that your nipples and areola are clean and moisturized multiple times a day.
Change Your Nursing Pads
Nursing pads are a must-have for any new mom, especially if you are working and pumping milk for your baby. They absorb milk that drips out of your nipple, preventing it from staining your clothing.
There are many types of nursing pads, from reusable ones to disposable ones. But, irrespective of the pads you are using, you need to change them multiple times a day, or, more specifically, when they feel soiled. This is beneficial for you and your baby, as it reduces the chance of bacteria building up and can prevent yeast infections around your nipple.
Change Your Nursing Bra
Try to wear a different nursing bra each day. Due to breastfeeding, nursing bras get dirtier faster than regular bras, and you will not want to take any risks when it comes to your baby’s health or your own.
Also, when you are in bed at night, be sure to take any nursing bras that you have off, as this will allow air to come into contact with your nipple, which will keep the area dry and fresh.