Being a mother is one of the most amazing things gifted to women by nature. It mixes the joy with anxiety of doing everything right. To nurture your baby, have the breast milk, flowing into the baby’s mouth and system can be a truly exhilarating and overwhelming experience for the first time mother or a mother again and again. It is recommended that a mother should exclusively breastfeed her baby for the first 6months.
Here are a few tips, do’s and don'ts, benefits to help the mother breast feed her infant with ease.
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure the baby’s health and survival. Breastmilk is the perfect blend of nutrients for the baby. It lowers the risk of the baby developing allergies, diarrhea and infections.
What’s more, the physical closeness, skin-to-skin contact helps develop a strong bond between you and your baby.
Put the baby to the breast as soon as possible after birth.The first milk secreted is called ‘COLOSTRUM’. This is produced in ‘small quantities’. It is thick and yellow, but is rich in calories, proteins and antibodies.
A baby does not need a large amount of feed soon after the birth and does not go hungry if sucking on colostrum. Besides colostrum initiates regular production of milk.
Mothers will often have engorged, swollen, painful breasts in the first few days after birth. This is because the demand and supply chain is not regulated in the first few days.
Babies don’t always suckle because they are hungry. They often keep the nipple in the mouth and snooze because of the secure feeling and bonding that they feel!
The baby’s stomach size is small so they need to be fed frequently on demand.
The baby must be taught to put the entire areola (the dark tissues surrounding the nipples) into the mouth while sucking to prevent “sore nipples” in the mother.
The mother and the baby must be in comfortable positions with a cushion on the back, under the baby, and under the mother’s thigh and the mother can change sides and positions. The baby needs to be fed for 15-20-25 minutes each time. So, a comfortable position where the back does not hurt is important.
Feeding while lying down should be avoided to prevent the baby from getting smothered.
Babies will often pass bright, yellow watery, frothy stools while they are on the breast. This is because of “gastrocolic reflex”. The moment breast milk goes into the stomach, the intestines gurgle out a stool. This is absolutely normal and should not be of any concern.
The baby gets milk at the right temperature ready at all times, with warmth and comfort from the mother’s breast.
Drain one breast fully before going to another. Start at alternate breasts at every feed. This will ensure that both breasts are drained regularly.
When the baby is hungry, they will open their mouth, lick her lips, suck on things or cry. Look out for these signs to feed your child.
Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. A healthy diet goes a long way in keeping both mother and child happy.
Happy breastfeeding!!!
Reviewed by: Dr.Nagireddi