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BREAST FEEDING
Breast milk is the best form of nutrition for infants than any other foods as it contains the right amount of essential nutrients that help in the overall development of the baby. It is also the first feed of the baby. It helps moms to know the benefits of breast feeding before their delivery.
Few Basics of Breast Feeding
Early Start
Your baby naturally reaches out and begins to suckle the milk as soon as he gets in touch with you .He should be fed within an hour of the birth. Mothers don’t lactate right after the birth of their child but produce a yellowish liquid in the first three days called Colostrum which is capable of fighting harmful bacteria.
Nursing
Nursing your baby often is a must, as a minimum of every two to three hours. It stimulates your lactation process producing milk aplenty. You could follow set timings after the initial days pass, but ensure that the baby gets his due share of breast feed right after his birth. Breast fed babies are healthier than formula bottle- fed babies, as they have more resistance towards any disease due to the right amount of fatty acids, lactose, water, and amino acids present in that help his digestion, brain development, and growth.
Position
Learn to hold and position your baby in a proper comfortable position while breast feeding so that he gets the maximum milk, make sure that the baby’s mouth is wide open with the nipple and the areola as far back into his mouth as possible, this also reduces any soreness that you might experience.
Other Food
Until the baby is 6 months old, there is no need to include other food and liquids like almonds, fruits, honey water etc; as the breast milk that is fed takes care of providing all the essential nutrients and moreover the baby’s digestive tract is not strong enough to sustain all these other food items and he could be prone to infections. So DON’T FEED HIM ANYTHING OTHER THAN BREAST MILK FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS. Once the baby is over 6 months of age, introduce him slowly to the regular diet of the family but do not discontinue breast feeding.
Synthetic Nipples
Delay the usage of artificial synthetic nipples by two to three weeks after the delivery as there is the risk of confusion for the baby as they are novices and are in the process of learning to breast feed.
Right Diet and Rest
The lactating mother needs nutritious food and good amount of rest to produce enough milk for her baby and combat fatigue. A diet rich in all the essential nutrients with an extra 500 calories per day and plenty of juices is necessary.
Soreness
It is natural for the mother to feel sore and experience some sort of puffiness in her breasts due extensive lactation. Feeding the baby regularly until the body adjusts to the changes and also applying moisturizers and ointments will give some relief. Also air drying them after every feed is essential to be germ free with no infections. If severe puffiness and lumps are noticed , get immediate medical attention.
Medication
If any medications need to be used by the mother, stop breast feeding the baby until the doses are all done with as they could affect the milk which could be harmful for the baby.
Smoking and other drugs usage if any should be completely avoided for the safety of the baby.