BREAST FEEDING – STARTING OUT RIGHT

BREAST FEEDING – STARTING OUT RIGHT

Many breastfeeding difficulties can be resolved with proper hospital procedure properly trained midwives, doctors and hospital staff- says a leading Hospital Neonatology Unit

World breastfeeding week 2010 is being observed from 1 August to 7 August 2010 worldwide.

The long-term objective of the world breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding should be encouraged because mother’s milk is the best for instant’s healthy growth and development.

No other milk can be compared to the nutrient and antibodies content of human milk.

There is more to know about how to breastfeed, as most new mother are clueless, it is best to learn about breastfeeding in advance.

Breast milk is high in nutrient quality, it has the right amount of fat, sugar, water and proteins that is required for baby’s growth and development.

Doctors are recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding along with complimentary foods which are nutritionally adequate up to two years of age

Colostrum, the yellowish milk produced at the end of pregnancy, is recommended as the perfect food for the newborn. Colostrum contains many protective properties, immune-system-boosting substances that are important for your baby’s birth

Steady flow of breast milk usually starts from the third day of your baby’s birth

If possible, try to start nursing within an hour after the birth. It may take a few times before getting it right

Let your baby nurse until he/she is satisfied, this mat take about 15 to20 minutes and try to have your baby nurse from both breasts at each feeding

Feed your baby as often as it wants to be fed. This may be 8 to 12 times a day

If you think your baby needs more milk, increase the number of feedings

Do not start giving your baby formula/cereal as he/she may not want as much breast milk later on.

Many breastfeeding difficulties can be resolved with proper hospital procedure, properly trained midwives, doctors and hospital staff.

Breast-feeding vs... bottle-feeding:

One of the most common questions which troubles new mothers is whether to breast-feed or bottle-feed the baby. The numbers of debates on the issue are numerous but doctors always recommend mothers to breast-feed the baby for the first six months after delivery.

Breast-feeding has a number of advantages over bottle feeding.

HERE ARE A FEW PLUS POINTS:

Breast-milk is the best when it comes to nutrient quality. It has the right amount of fats, proteins and vitamins required for the healthy growth and development of your child.

Nursing is a wonderful experience providing the ideal nourishment and a strong bonding experience.

Breast-milk comprises infection-fighting elements which strengthens your baby’s immune system. No matter how good of the quality of the formula, it can never compare to the complexity and the nutrition value of breast-milk.

It is believed that breast-fed babies face less difficulty in digestion and consumption. (Studies have shown that bottle fed babies might develop gas problems)

It has been found that breast feeding prevents obesity and increases a baby’s intelligence while formula has no such advantages for the babies.

Breast-feeding even has certain advantages for the mother as it helps in weight control and is believed to prevent certain cancers.

Babies who are fed on formula are said to develop more illnesses such as diarrhea and upset stomach.

Your baby will never develop any allergy to breast-milk while it is not so sure in the case of formula-based milk.

Another benefit of breast-feeding to mothers is that it reduces the post-partum bleeding by contracting your uterus to its original size.

ALL ABOUT BREASTFEEDING:

While breastfeeding is a natural process, its knowledge does not come naturally. Both the mother and baby need to adapt to the skill before a proper feeding pattern can be established.

To establish a successful breastfeeding relationship, it is important for to-be mothers to have the right knowledge. There are many misconceptions about this beautiful relationship between a mother and a child.

This can only be solved if the mother’s doubts are cleared. While breastfeeding is a natural process, its knowledge does not come naturally. One has to learn it. Both the mother and baby need to adapt to the skill before a proper feeding pattern can be established.

PRENATAL TIPS:

Read a book on breastfeeding to get sufficient knowledge about the procedure. Always remember that it will only make sense when you have your baby in your hands

Consult doctors, watch videos, attend child birth classes to clear your queries

Do not shy from asking questions

POST-NATAL TIPS:

Ask your obstetrics about nipple care to prepare for breastfeeding

Place the baby skin to skin immediately after birth as this will help your baby to recognize you better

Doctors recommend breastfeeding within the first hour of the birth as the initial milk produced contains a lot nutrients, enzymes and immunity boosting

Components which are good for baby’s health and growth

it takes you and your baby a few days to fall into a proper feeding pattern

Try to ensure a good latch right from the beginning. This will ease down things for you in the later stages

Do not be scared if your baby demands frequent feedings. This is because your baby has a very small stomach

Do not be persuaded to use complimentary food. water or formula for your baby until and unless recommended by the doctors

If you feel that something is wrong, seek advice from the experts

Breastfed babies pass frequent yellow watery stool. This is totally normal. Follow these tips and ensure establishment of a beautiful relationship with your baby.

NUTRITION AND BREASTFEEDING

A mother needs to consume 500 extra calories a day in order to fulfill her own nutritional needs and to maintain a normal weight while nursing – Apollo Hospitals Neonatology Unit.

All mothers require good nutrition in order to be healthy and active especially during the first few months after the delivery. Even after cesarean section, breastfeeding is possible. One needs to take a properly balanced and nutritious diet in order to fulfill the needs of their own body. Even women with poor nutrition are able to breastfeed their babies properly.

You should be guided by your appetite and eat when you are hungry. A mother needs to consume 500 extra calories a day in order to fulfill her own nutritional needs and to maintain a normal weight while nursing.

Drink more fluids, especially water as the hormone oxytocin which is produced during lactation makes you thirsty.

Do not overeat; eat in moderation and consume five to six small meals throughout the day.

Eat a diet rich in zinc, iron, vitamin D, vitamin E and folic acid.

Consume lots of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, meat, nuts, eggs and dairy products to ensure a healthy diet.

Take at least five servings of vegetables and fruits per day. Milk and dairy products ensure sufficient supply of calcium.

Avoid or minimize the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and caffeine during nursing as it will affect your health as well as your baby.

Strict diets to lose weight should be avoided. A mother tends to naturally lose weight while breastfeeding. A mother tends to naturally lose weight while breastfeeding. A moderate exercise routine is recommended in order to maintain a healthy weight during breastfeeding and to improve muscle tone.

Speak to your consultant before taking any vitamin or health supplement. During lactation just make sure that you consume a healthy, well-balanced diet.

A well-balanced diet including a variety of nutrient rich and minimally processed foods is ideal for a breastfeeding mother.

Choosing how and what to feed your baby is a personal decision which calls for thorough and careful consideration. Though some mothers are not able to breast-feed due to certain medical reasons, experts advise mothers who can breast-feed to opt for breast-feeding over formula feeding for a consists healthy development and growth of the new-born child.