Breastfeeding can trigger anxieties, especially for first-time mothers. Concerns may arise about latching, weight gain and the mother's own breast pain. Some mothers may also wonder whether they can accidentally smother their infants while nursing. The good news is, infants are not at risk for suffocation during breastfeeding as long as parents take proper precautions during feedings.
Breastfeeding in Bed
Many mothers breastfeed in the side-lying position in bed. This position may be most comfortable for a sore, tired mother who needs to relax. It can also help a new baby fall asleep more easily. Despite these benefits, the side-lying position can become dangerous if mothers fall asleep themselves. According to the March of Dimes article "Co-sleeping," co-sleeping can put your infant at risk for sudden infant death syndrome. An adult can easily roll over onto the infant, smothering her. If she falls asleep on her side, the infant can roll onto her stomach with her face pressed into the mattress. Blankets and pillows in the bed can also cover the infant's face and block her airway. For all of these reasons, mothers should be cautious when breastfeeding in bed. Always be sure loose bedding is far from your infant's head, and avoid dozing off.
Finding a Good Position
Breasts come in many shapes and sizes, and women with larger breasts may worry that they will cover their infants' noses while nursing. If your infant has latched properly, only the tip of the nose will touch the breast, leaving room around the nostrils for breathing. If you do happen to notice your her face buried too deeply into your breast, you can lightly press on the breast with your finger to make space near the nostrils. Supporting your breast while nursing will help the infant latch correctly so that she can breathe easily. Women can try different positions until they find the best position for their own bodies and their new babies. In the Parents article "The Best Breastfeeding Positions for Mom and Baby," Tricia O'Brien describes multiple positions mothers can try -- the cradle, in which the mom lies baby lengthwise across her abdomen and supports baby's head with her elbow and her breast with her hand; side-lying, in which the mom lies baby on his side facing her, and the football hold, in which the mom holds baby perpendicular to her side, face up, supported by pillows.
Nursing a Congested Baby
If your baby is congested, she may have more difficulty breathing during breastfeeding. Talk to the pediatrician about your baby's congestion to see if she needs to be treated. You can also try different positions to help her breathe more easily. Try sitting your baby on your lap facing you to help drain congestion. Support your breast with your hand. Do not stop nursing just because your baby is sick. In fact, the KellyMom breastfeeding support website suggests that this is one of the most important times to keep nursing. Breastfeeding will calm your baby, and the milk contains antibodies to fight infection.
Clothing Complications
In the middle of the night, sleepy mothers may not be as alert while breastfeeding. It is important to pay attention while your baby feeds at any time of day or night. Make sure your own clothing does not get in the way. Try wearing a nursing bra or shirt with detachable straps for easy access. Do not let a shirt or sweater fall around your baby's nose and mouth while she is feeding. Some mothers may choose not to wear any shirt at all while breastfeeding. Skin-to-skin contact with an infant has many benefits. According to experts at the GroupHealth website, "Babies held skin to skin cry less, are calmer, and stay warmer."
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