Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is one of the most familiar topics and almost everyone around the globe understands what it exactly means. We have seen women breastfeeding their kids in our home or on some baby feeding units in public places. It is a topic often less discussed. However, the knowledge of breastfeeding is necessary to understand its importance and role in the growth and development of babies.
It helps create the first emotional bond of the mother with the baby. It is like the most blissful moment in a woman's life, the much-awaited event that I am sure, every woman wishes to embrace.
What is breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is the process of feeding the baby (right from birth up to eighteen months- 2years) with the breastmilk. Breast milk provides nourishment to the children, it is directly fed from the breast or by expressing the milk. Innovative breast milk pumps are available in the market which can be used to pump or express out the milk from the breasts.
In many cases where the mother cannot directly feed the baby with breasts, doctors advise expressing the milk from the breasts by squeezing with hands.
It is highly recommended to initiate breastfeeding the newborn babies within one hour of the birth.
MYTHS AND FACTS:
Shall I discard the first thick milk that comes out of my breasts after delivery?
The honest answer is: No. Never. It is not advisable to discard the thick milk that is secreted from the breasts during the first 24 hours after childbirth. It is called colostrum. It is highly nutritious and your baby must get this first session of nourishment without fail.
There are many myths regarding colostrum:
People say it is something like bad milk and so you should express it out before starting to feed your baby. It is full of dirt or not-so-healthy things in it.
I have heard people say that feeding your baby with such thick milk will cause him sick.
People spread the myth that it can obstruct your baby's nose and mouth as the baby is delicate enough to suck it through the breasts.
Some people even advise waiting for one day till the whole colostrum is expressed out and then only start feeding the baby.
Remember these are only myths and don't have any scientific base. Instead, the doctors and health experts always advise starting feeding the baby within one hour of delivery. It is because the baby needs to get nutrition immediately after coming out of the internal environment of the mother's womb.
Colostrum is thick yellow color milk that is secreted by the mammary glands of the woman, immediately after the delivery of the baby. It is a power-packed formula that is natural in origin. Colostrum is loaded with maternal antibodies and healthy bioactive that are good for the gut health of the newborn baby. Compared to the later milk, colostrum is considered to be of more nutritious value.
So it is highly recommended to feed your baby with the initial milk or colostrum that is ejected from the breasts.
How much breastfeeding is essential for your baby? OR How much should I feed my baby?
Or How do I know my baby has enough of the feed?
These are some of the obvious questions that arise in the mind of a newly turned mom. Being a first-time mother is a challenging role as an added responsibility vests on her shoulders now. along with her health, she needs to focus on the health of her baby as well.
Well, the answer is as much as your baby needs, feed on, and more frequently.
Breast milk is good for the growth and development of the baby.
Sucking is a natural habit to be developed with time. A newborn baby may take some time to adjust itself to develop the sucking and swallowing reflex. A mother has to give the nipple into her baby's mouth and ensure the baby's mouth has properly covered the nipple with the areola part. This is an essential part while initiating breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding should be practiced at a regular interval, though it is not a fixed practice. Allow your baby to suck on your nipples and check whether it is ready to feed or not. Feed your baby every hour, or every half an hour depending on the baby's requirement.
In most cases, women complain that they want to breastfeed their babies but they end up sleeping. Sleeping babies often forget to suck their nipples. In such cases, flick the side of the lips at their cheeks gently to make them open their mouths wide. It is known as the Rooting reflex.
FACTS OF BREASTFEEDING:
- Feed your baby at least every two hours which means almost 8 to 12 feeds a day. This can meet the baby's body's requirement of nutrition at an early age. the timing should be adjusted as the baby grows. Feed at least every hour when your baby starts growing to months.
- Feed for 30 to 45 minutes every time. It can depend upon the production of breast milk though. Initially, the newbies may suck in less for somewhat lesser time. However, the time increases as the baby's Suck and Swallow mechanism get stronger and the baby's age advances.
- Nocturnal breastfeeding or feeding your baby at night may sound like a tiresome task but many scholars believe the babies who breastfeed at night grow healthier and faster. If your baby is active feeding at night, it is not at all a bad deal to stay awake for the sake of your baby. Feed at night.
- After every motion, the baby must be fed with breastmilk. Babies tend to feel hunger more often after bowel clearance so ensure you breastfeed after your baby has pooped.
- Feed the babies when they cry. In most cases, crying is meant to be a reason for hunger in babies. Unlike us, babies can't express their urge to eat, so it is advisable to breastfeed them when they cry. If crying does not stop even after a full feed, then the reasons may be baby colic or some other underlying reasons.
- The moment the baby starts to drool out after a considerable period of feeding may indicate the little tummy is full; babies tend to drool out when then hunger is satisfied. Note: Excessive drooling can also be a symptom of some underlying diseases. So it is better to take observation whenever the baby drools out. Consult your pediatric doctor immediately if you feel something doubtful. It is always better to stay on the safer side.
In what position should I feed my baby?
This also seems to be a major question regarding breastfeeding.
Correct positioning while breastfeeding is advisable to prevent the aspiration of milk into the air pipe. It also prevents breast soreness that could result due to the faulty placement of the nipple into the baby's mouth. It also prevents backache and other postural problems.
Sit straight with a pillow behind your back and hold the baby with one hand behind. Use your other hand to give the nipple into the baby's mouth. The sitting position is most recommended for breastfeeding.
In cases of cesarean deliveries, it may not be possible for the ladies to sit upright. In such cases, your doctor may allow you to breastfeed in a side-lying position. It is not often recommended though. You must ensure your baby is not having any trouble breathing while feeding. With continued practice, this can be done with ease. Unless necessary, switch to the sitting position more commonly. It is good for both, mother and baby.
In the sitting position, there are various holds such as cradle hold, football hold, cross hold, etc.
Correct positioning helps to stimulate the secretion and ejection reflex of the breastmilk. It can affect milk production and release in simpler words.
Try to feed your baby again and again. Do give the nipple in their mouth and stimulate them to suck. It always depends on a mother how she teaches her newbie to get accustomed to the feeding practice.
See your doctor in case:
- You feel your baby does not suck.
- You have low breast-milk production.
- You see the baby has difficulty in sucking the nipples or swallowing the milk.
- You have inflamed breasts or sore nipples.
NOTE: EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING
What is Exclusive breastfeeding?
According to the World Health Organisation, breastfeeding should be exclusively continued up to the first six months of baby age. It ensures your baby is fed well with all essential nutrients and maternal antibodies have been transferred to boost the baby's defense mechanism.
All women should practice Exclusive breastfeeding if they wish their babies to grow strong and healthy.
Happy breastfeeding to all mothers out there.
Note: This post is for informational and educational purpose only, It is not a substitute to any medical or professional advice or treatment. See your doctor in any case.
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