by Chrissy Harrison

Created on: November 18, 2008

Breastfeeding can be a beautiful time full of bonding, and relaxation. It can also sometimes seem frustrating, and difficult. Creating a calming ambience can make all the difference. For most mothers and babies, when the situation becomes a struggle it can make a the difference between a successful nursing or a long and exhausting one. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to create a beneficial ambience for the times you are nursing your baby.

SURROUNDINGS

Creating a calm soothing ambience does not always mean soft lighting, or quite surroundings. This type of situation although attainable, is not always practical. There will be times you maybe in a messy house, or with a lot of noise and distraction around you. To make the most of the environment you have, be prepared. If you find that your baby is getting distracted by noise or things that maybe happening during your feeding time, try and bring a nursing or receiving blanket to eliminate the distraction. It may help to bring pillows, or blankets to ensure you and your baby are always comfortable. If you find that noise is distracting to you, buy a portable music player with earphones to keep you relaxed and focused. Dim the lights if you can, or create as much natural lighting as possible. Ensure that the lights are not too dim that your baby falls asleep sooner then he or she is hungry, also have the lights allow for you to properly see your baby's latch.

MOOD

One important aspect of successful breastfeeding is the mothers mood. If you become stressed, or unfocused your body may not produce enough milk. It is important your surroundings make you feel comfortable and confident. Keeping in mind that your body is creating all the food your baby needs, knowing that you will produce enough for your baby will actually send signals to your brain that will make breastfeeding easier. Your milk will flow better, and you will produce everything for your baby. If the mother becomes stressed or upset about the amount milk she thinks she is producing or that she is struggling to feed her baby, the mothers body will actually not produce milk as efficiently as if she was relaxed and assured. Try repeating to yourself, that you do have everything your baby needs, your milk is producing fine, you can do this.

MATERIALS

Materials you will or may need should be on hand for every time your baby and you are ready for a feeding. Keep in mind your comfort levels of nursing your baby. If you feel uncomfortable in restaurants or homes of friends or family, or when you are at home with company, find items that will ensure your confidence. Have extra receiving or nursing blankets that are large and that will ensure privacy of yourself. A nursing mother should always have a glass or bottle of water with them to drink while nursing. This will help to encourage your milk flow, so pack a bottle of water or have a jug of water by your chosen nursing location. For creative calming lighting, you may also wish to bring or have a scented candle of your favorite smell.

HAVING AMBIENT SURROUNDINGS WHERE EVER YOU GO

Although it usually cannot be just you and your baby alone, in a quite soothing room, with all your favorite comfortable pillows and blankets around you, you can still find ways to ensure you are comfortable, quite, relaxed and at ease feeding your baby. Keep confident, a relaxed and focused attitude, and a well prepared nursing equipment around you. You may not always be able to create the perfect ambiance, but you can help yourself to feel like you have that particular setting around you.

Learn more about this author, Chrissy Harrison.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.