Why should I breastfeed?

Deciding to breastfeed is a great choice for you and your baby. Breast milk provides complete nutrition for the child and helps to avoid illness. Infants who do not breastfeed have more ear infections and diarrhoea than breastfed babies. Breastfed infants have fewer trips to the uterus for frequent childhood illnesses, have fewer allergies, a much lower risk of diabetes and obesity, decreased the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and higher IQ than formula-fed infants.

Additionally, there are benefits for the mom who breastfeeds. There’s less ovarian and breast cancer and osteoporosis in breastfeeding moms compared to formula-feeding mothers.

With breast milk, there is no wasted formula and no price. Breastfeeding is convenient since the milk is always ready and at the ideal temperature.

Breast milk is different from formula because it varies to meet the nutritional needs of your child as he develops. Breast milk contains all of the vitamins and minerals your baby needs and is easy to digest. For each these reasons, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be fed only breast milk for the first six months of life.

Babies don’t require juice, water or formula. At six months you will provide your baby solid foods, but you need to continue to breastfeed until your baby is no less than a year old. Babies who
Switch to table food and complete cow’s milk if they are a year old will never require infant formula.

Breastfeed after childbirth

Cuddle your baby on your chest to welcome him or her softly into the world. This means the baby will begin searching for the breastfeeding and much more breast milk is going to be made earlier. Infants are often more alert and interested in feeding in the first hour following birth. This will help the baby to stay warm and reduce stress, helping you to get over the birth. For caesarean births, the mother or dad can hold the baby skin to skin until the infant may enjoy his or her first feed.

Don’t scrub your nipple

We are not really certain which old spouse started this rumour, but using a clean brush or loofah in your nipples to”toughen them up” is completely unnecessary. Pregnancy is hard enough without including chapped, sore nipples into a list of complaints.

Know that

Newborns are constantly hungry, and that is OK. Breastmilk is the best food for babies and is quickly digested. With a stomach the size of an egg, it is expected that infants will need to refuel frequently.

Frequent nursing also serves a different function. Your breasts operate on supply and demand. The greater the demand, the more milk the body will create. Your baby is helping your body to learn how much milk it needs to make. So grab a seat and relax. You are going to be here for a while.

Don’t Be Concerned about milk supply

One of the problems in breastfeeding is not having a way of seeing how much milk your baby is getting. If your infant seems like she’s always hungry, it’s easy to worry you’re not making enough milk.

Just how much milk you can pump isn’t at all related to how much milk your baby is getting. Provided that your baby is creating at least five or six wet diapers each day, your distribution is just fine.

Weight gain is an excellent indication your baby is breastfeeding well. By 2 weeks old, your baby will most likely have regained their birth and will profit, on average, 5 or even more ounces (141 grams) per week then. Another positive sign to look for is 6 or more wet diapers per day by day 6 and regular bowel movements.

The first 4 to 6 months are a learning period while your body establishes your milk supply and you become more at ease with breastfeeding and knowing that your baby’s cues. Time, patience, and humour can all help!

Milk Production

As your baby gets older, he may breastfeed for a shorter time or less frequently and be fulfilled. Your baby will have periods of growth spurts in the first few months. During those growth spurts, your infant will feed more often for a couple of days, to fulfil an increased appetite. During those days, your breast milk increases to meet your child’s needs.

Working and Breastfeeding

Your infant can have all the advantages of your breastfeeding even if you’re planning to return to school or work. When breastfeeding is well established, you can express milk and leave it with your caregiver for feedings throughout the day. Your breast milk may be stored in the refrigerator (3 days) or suspended (approximately 6 weeks ). Refrigerate or freeze breast milk in clean bottles or bags and date them. Warm up the breast milk by standing it in hot tap water before it is used. Microwaving breast milk, or heating it on the stove, isn’t recommended because it can give rise to a loss of Vitamin C content and some of the milk’s most particular anti-infective properties.

Ask your employer about some flexibility to have breastfeeding or pumping fractures, and access to refrigeration to store your breast milk. Some mothers have childcare facilities at their workplace, school, or nearby, so they can breastfeed during their breaks.

Best foods for breastmilk