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What is Breast feeding?
When you hold your baby for the first time in the delivery room, you should put his lips to your breast. Although your mature milk hasn't developed yet, your breasts are still producing a substance known as colostrum that helps to protect your baby from infections.
If your baby has trouble finding or staying on your nipple, you shouldn't panic. Breast feeding is an art that will require a lot of patience and a lot of practice.
No one expects you to be an expert when you first start, so you shouldn't hesitate to ask for advice or have a nurse show you what you need to do. Once you start, keep in mind that nursing shouldn't be painful. When your baby latches on, pay attention to how your breasts feel. If the latching on hurts, break the suction then try again.
You should nurse quite frequently, as the more you nurse the more quickly your mature milk will come in and the more milk you'll produce. Breast feeding for 10 - 15 minutes per breast 8 - 10 times every 24 hours is an ideal target. Crying is a sign of hunger, which means you should actually feed your baby before he starts crying.
During the first few days, you may have to wake your baby to begin breast feeding, and he may end up falling asleep during feeding. To ensure that your baby is eating often enough, you should wake him up if it has been four hours since the last time he has been fed.
Getting comfortable Feedings can take 40 minutes or longer, therefore you'll want a cozy spot. You don't want to be sitting somewhere where you will be bothered, as it can make the process very hard. Why breastfeed your baby? Once you've given birth, breast feeding is the single most important thing you can do to protect your baby and help to promote good health. Best of all, breast feeding is free. Along with saving you money on HMR (Human Milk Replacement), breast feeding can also help you to keep your medical bills down.
Babies that are fed with formula get sicker more often and more seriously than babies that are breast fed. They also have more ear infections, respiratory infections, and other problems. This can be even more true if your family has had a history of allergies. When a baby is breast fed, the antibodies pass on from the mother to the baby, helping to protect against illness and allergies.
As the baby's system matures, his body will begin to make it's own antibodies, and he'll be more equipped to handle sensitivities of food. Sucking on the breast will also help with the development or jaw alignment and the development of the cheekbone. For this very reason, there is less of the need for costly orthodontic work when the child gets older. Unlike formula, breast milk is always ready, always available, convenient, and always the right temperature for feeding. Plus, it contains all of the vitamins and minerals your growing baby needs, saving you a lot of money. Breast feeding also offers many benefits for the mom as well.
The baby sucking at the breast will cause contractions right after birth, leading to less bleeding for the mom, and helping her uterus to it's shape before pregnancy much faster.
Breast feeding will also burn calories, so a mom can lose weight much faster than if she fed her baby with a bottle.
Breast feeding will also create a special bond with the mother and the baby - which is one thing formula simply cannot do.
Ways of Breast feeding Positioning for breast feeding For some people, the process of breast feeding seems to come natural, although there's a level of skill required for successful feeding and a correct technique to use.
Incorrect positioning is one of the biggest reasons for unsuccessful feeding and it can even injure the nipple or breast quite easily.
By stroking the baby's cheek with the nipple, the baby will open its mouth towards the nipple, which should then be pushed in so that the baby will get a mouthful of nipple and areola.
This position is known as latching on. A lot of women prefer to wear a nursing bra to allow easier access to the breast than other normal bras.
The length of feeding time will vary. Regardless of the duration of feeding time, it's important for mothers to be comfortable.
The following are positions you can use:
1. Upright - The sitting position where the back is straight.
2. Mobile - Mobile is where the mother carries her baby in a sling or carrier while breast feeding. Doing this allows the mother to breast feed in the work of everyday life.
3. Lying down - This is good for night feeds or for those who have had a caesarean section.
4. On her back - The mother is sitting slightly upright, also a useful position for tandem breast feeding.
5. On her side - The mother and baby both lie on their sides.
6. Hands and knees - In this feeding position the mother is on all fours with the baby underneath her. Keep in mind, this position isn't normally recommended.
Anytime you don't feel comfortable with a feeding position, always stop and switch to a different position.
Each position is different, while some mothers prefer one position, other's may like a totally different position. All you need to do is experiment and see which position is best for you.
Breast Compression The sole purpose of breast compression is to continue the flow of milk to the baby once the baby no longer drinks on his own.
Compression will also stimulate a let down reflex and often causes a natural let down reflex to occur.
This technique may also be useful for the following:
1. Poor weight gain in the baby.
2. Colic in the breast fed baby.
3. Frequent feedings or long feedings.
4. Sore nipples for the mother.
5. Recurrent blocked ducts
6. Feeding the baby who falls asleep quick.
If everything is going well, breast compression may not be necessary.
When all is well, the mother should allow the baby to finish feeding on the first side, then if the baby wants more - offer the other side.
How to use breast compression
1. Hold the baby with one arm.
2. Hold the breast with the other arm, thumb on one side of your breast, your finger on the other far back from the nipple
3. Keep an eye out for the baby's drinking, although there is no need to be obsessive about catching every suck. The baby will get more milk when drinking with an open pause type of suck.
4. When the baby is nibbling or no longer drinking, compress the breast, not so hard that it hurts though. With the breast compression, the baby should begin drinking again.
5. Keep up the pressure until the baby no longer drinks with the compression, then release the pressure. If the baby doesn't stop sucking with the release of compression, wait a bit before compressing again.
6. The reason for releasing pressure is to allow your hand to rest, and allow the milk to begin flowing to the baby again. If the baby stops sucking when you release the pressure, he'll start again once he tastes milk.
7. When the baby starts to suck again, he may drink. If not, simply compress again.
8. Continue feeding on the first side until the baby no longer drinks with compression. You should allow him time to stay on that side until he starts drinking again, on his own.
9. If the baby is no longer drinking, allow to come off the breast or take him off.
10. If the baby still wants more, offer the other side and repeat the process as above.
11. Unless you have sore nipples, you may want to switch sides like this several times.
12. Always work to improve the baby's latch.
How to use a breast pump Just like breast feeding, pumping is a skill that you learn. When first trying a breast pump, most mothers are only able to express a few drops of milk.
With the proper practice and knowledge, the mother will be more efficient at pumping. Preparing the breast pump
1. Read all the instructions in the kit very carefully.
2. Every part of the breast pump will need to be sterilized before you begin using it.
3. After use, all the parts of the pump will need to be washed in warm, soapy water, then rinsed with hot water and drained on a clean towel.
The plastic tubing doesn't need to be cleaned unless you get milk into it. If you do wash it, it should be hung to allow time to dry and drain thoroughly.
4. If your doctor feels the need, the entire kit can be sterilized every day.
5. When you first start with an electric pump, the suction level should be on the lowest possible setting.
Getting started
- Warm compresses, gentle massages of the breast and gentle nipple stimulation will help to stimulate a quick let down.
- You should always relax while doing breast massages during pumping. Some mothers prefer to close their eyes then think about nursing the baby, imagining the baby in their arms.
The more relaxed a mother is, the better let down she'll have and the more milk will be dispensed.
- Your first attempts at pumping should be considered practice sessions with learning to use the breast pump as the goal, not how much milk is actually dispensed.
- When you use a hand pump, quick, short pumps at the start is stimulating and will imitate more closely the way a baby breast feeds.
Once the let down occurs and milk starts to flow freely, long, steadier strokes are more effective and less tiring.
- When you learn to pump, you should practice for 5 minutes on a side at least once or twice a day. Always pick the least stressful part of your day for pumping.
Relaxing and realizing that the pump is your friend is the single most important thing that a mother can do.
There are several things that a mother can do to help herself relax, such as putting a picture of the baby on the pump, playing cards or a game with friends, watching television, read books, or talk on the phone.
Simply watching the collection bottle is not helpful and will probably put more stress on you than you actually need.
Complications in breast feeding your baby:
Sore nipples A lot of mothers complain about tender nipples that make breast feeding painful and frustrating.
There is good news though, as most mothers don't suffer that long. The nipples will toughen up quickly and render breast feeding virtually painless.
Improperly positioned babies or babies that suck really hard can make the breasts extremely sore.
Below, are some ways to ease your discomfort:
1. Make sure your baby is in the correct position, since a baby that isn't positioned correctly is the number one cause of sore nipples.
2. Once you have finished feeding, expose your breasts to the air and try to protect them from clothing and other irritations.
3. After breast feeding, apply some ultra purified, medical grade lanolin, making sure to avoid petroleum jelly and other products with oil.
4. Make sure to wash your nipples with water and not with soap.
5. Many women find teabags ran under cold water to provide some relief when placed on the nipples.
6. Make sure you vary your position each time with feeding to ensure that a different area of the nipple is being compressed each time.
Clogged milk ducts Clogged milk ducts can be identified as small, red tender lumps on the tissue of the breast.
Clogged ducts can cause the milk to back up and lead to infection. The best way to unclog these ducts is to ensure that you've emptied as completely as possible.
You should offer the clogged breast first at feeding time, then let your baby empty it as much as possible.
If milk remains after the feeding, the remaining amount should be removed by hand or with a pump. You should also keep pressure off the duct by making sure your bra is not too tight.
Breast infection
Also known as mastitis, breast infection is normally due to empty breasts completely out of milk, germs gaining entrance to the milk ducts through cracks or fissures in the nipple, and decreased immunity in the mother due to stress or inadequate nutrition.
The symptoms of breast infection include severe pain or soreness, hardness of the breast, redness of the breast, heat coming from the area, swelling, or even chills.
The treatment of breast infection includes bed rest, antibiotics, pain relievers, increased fluid intake, and applying heat.
Many women will stop breast feeding during an infection, although it's actually the wrong thing to do. By emptying the breasts, you'll actually help to prevent clogged milk ducts.
If the pain is so bad you can't feed, try using a pump while laying in a tub of warm water with your breasts floating comfortably in the water.
You should also make sure that the pump isn't electric if you plan to use it in the bath tub.
You should always make sure that breast infections are treated promptly and completely or you may risk the chance of abscess.
An abscess is very painful, involving throbbing and swelling. You'll also experience swelling, tenderness, and heat in the area of the abscess.
If the infection progresses this far, your doctor may prescribe medicine and even surgery.
Will baby need other foods while breastfeeding?:
By following a healthy diet you'll ensure that your baby gets the right nutrients during your time of breast feeding. Breast milk is actually the only food your baby will need until 4 months of age, although most babies do well on breast milk alone for 6 months or better. There is really no advantage to adding other foods or milks before 4 - 6 months, except under unusual circumstances.
Water - Breast milk is over 90% water. Even in the hottest days of summer, a baby won't require any extra water. If a baby isn't feeding well, they still don't require any extra water - although they will need the breast feeding problems to be fixed.
Vitamin D- Although breast milk doesn't contain much vitamin D, it does have a little. The baby will store up vitamin D during pregnancy, and remain healthy without any vitamin D supplementation, unless you yourself had a problem with vitamin D deficiency when pregnant.
Exposure to the outside will give your baby vitamin D, even in winter and when the sky is covered. An hour or more exposure during the week will give your baby more than enough vitamin D.
Iron - Breast milk contains less iron than formulas do, especially those that are iron enriched. Iron will give the baby added protection against infections, as many bacteria need iron in order to multiply.
The iron found in breast milk is utilized well by the baby, while not being available to bacteria. The introduction of iron should never be delayed beyond the age of 6 months.
Breast milk is the best that your can feed your baby, as it provides everything he will need for probably the first 6 months. After the first 6 months, you can introduce solid foods to your baby if he is taking an interest to them.
Poor breast milk supply: If you've every been pregnant or if you are pregnant now, you've probably noticed a metamorphosis in your bra cups.
The physical changes (tender, swollen breasts) may be one of the earliest clues that you have conceived.
Many experts believe that the color change in the areola may also be helpful when it comes to breast feeding.
What's going on Perhaps what's even more remarkable than visible changes is the extensive changes that are taking place inside of your breasts.
The developing placenta stimulates the release of estrogen and progesterone, which will in turn stimulate the complex biological system that helps to make lactation possible.
Before you get pregnant, a combination of supportive tissue, milk glands, and fat make up the larger portions of your breasts.
The fact is, your newly swollen breasts have been preparing for your pregnancy since you were in your mother's womb!
When you were born, your main milk ducts had already formed.
Your mammary glands stayed quiet until you reached puberty, when a flood of the female hormone estrogens caused them to grow and also to swell.
During pregnancy, those glands will kick into high gear.
Before your baby arrives, glandular tissue has replaced a majority of the fat cells and accounts for your bigger than before breasts.
Each breast may actually get as much as 1 1/2 pounds heavier than before!
Nestled among the fatty cells and glandular tissue is an intricate network of channels or canals known as the milk ducts.
The pregnancy hormones will cause these ducts to increase in both number and size, with the ducts branching off into smaller canals near the chest wall known as ductules.
At the end of each duct is a cluster of smaller sacs known as alveoli.
The cluster of alveoli is known as a lobule, while a cluster of lobule is known as a lobe.
Each breast will contain around 15 - 20 lobes, with one milk duct for every lobe.
The milk is produced inside of the alveoli, which is surrounded by tiny muscles that squeeze the glands and help to push the milk out into the ductules.
Those ductules will lead to a bigger duct that widens into a milk pool directly below the areola.
The milk pools will act as resevoirs that hold the milk until your baby sucks it through the tiny openings in your nipples.
Mother Nature is so smart that your milk duct system will become fully developed around the time of your second trimester, so you can properly breast feed your baby even if he or she arrives earlier than you are anticipating. Poor breast milk supply Almost all women don't have a problem with producing enough milk to breast feed.
The ideal way to make sure that your baby is getting enough milk is to be sure that he's well positioned, attached to the breast, and feed him as often as he gets hungry.
Some mom's that are breast feeding will stop before they want to, simply because they don't think they have enough breast milk.
There are signs that might make you believe your baby isn't getting enough milk.
If your baby seems hungry or unsettled after feeding, or if he wants to feed often with short pauses between feedings, you may think he isn't getting enough milk - which are often times not the case.
There are however, two reliable signs that let you know your baby isn't getting enough milk. If your baby has poor or really slow weight gain, or is passing small amounts of concentrated urine, he's not getting enough milk.
All babies will lose weight within the first few days after birth. Babies are born with supplies of fat and fluids, which will help them keep going for the first several days.
Once your baby regains birth weight, he should begin putting on around 200g for the first four months or so. To get back to their birth weight, it normally takes a few weeks.
If the weight gain for your baby seems to be slow, don't hesitate to ask your doctor or nurse to observe you breast feeding. This way, they can make sure that your technique is right and if they think your baby is breast feeding often enough.
To help you with your breast feeding, here are some ways that you can increase your supply of milk:
1. Be sure that your baby is positioned correctly and attached to your breast.
2. Let your baby feed for as long and often as he wants.
3. If you feel that your baby isn't breast feeding enough, offer him more breast feeds.
4. During each breast feed, make sure you feed from both breasts.
5. If your baby has been using a dummy, make sure you stop him.
6. Some babies may be sleepy and reluctant to feed, which may be the cause of problems with milk supply.
By following the above tips, you'll do your part in making sure you have enough milk when it comes time to breast feed.
If you are uncertain or have other questions, be sure to ask your doctor, as he can answer any type of question you may have.
While getting ready to breast feed, you can also create your personal area, a custom designed breast feeding area for yourself.
Your nursing area should reflect your personality.
If you like a loud, yet friendly surrounding, you should consider setting in a corner of the living room or family room.
Keep an extra chair or two near you so family members or even friends can keep you company.
If you prefer peace and quiet, a cozy study or empty guest room would be ideal.
You can close the door, dim the lights down, then take a few deep, calming breaths while you breast feed.
Your own chair No matter if it's a glider, overstuffed recliner, or desk chair with wheels, you should make sure your nursing chair is very comfortable.
You'll be sitting in the chair for hours each day, so you'll want it to be very comfortable.
You should always look for one that offers back and shoulder support, along with arm rests.
Support underfoot You can use a footstool, low coffee table or a stack of pillows to elevate your feet as you breast feed.
If you raise your legs and feet to bring your baby to your breast, you'll avoid possible backache.
Pillows and more pillows Your neck, arms, feet, and back will need as much support as you can give, so don't hesitate to surround your body with pillows.
If you lay a pillow across your lap for your baby to lay on, he'll be very comfortable and that much closer to your nipple.
For extra comfort, you can even purchase a specially made nursing pillow that will encircle your waist.
Table for one You should always keep a small table or stand within arm's length of your breast feeding chair.
What you use should be big enough to hold a coaster and glass of liquid.
Some women prefer to drink through a straw, while others prefer to drink from the glass.
You'll also want to keep healthy snacks on hand as well, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or crackers and peanut butter to help you replace the energy you use while you breast feed.
Distractions If your baby is a slow eater or has a really big appetite, you may want to keep yourself busy while he feeds.
You can fill the shelves of a nearby cupboard or bookcase with your favorite books or crossword puzzles to occupy yourself until your baby is full.
You should also keep a phone nearby as well so that you can talk to family or friends to pass the time.
Diet change strategies:
Even though it's true that some strongly favoured foods can change the taste of your milk, many babies seem to enjoy the varieties of breast milk flavours.
Occasionally, your baby may get cranky at the breast after you eat certain foods. If you notice this happening, simply avoid that particular food. The most common offenders during breast feeding include chocolate, spices, citrus fruits, garlic, chilli, lime, gassy vegetables, and fruits with laxative type effects, such as prunes and cherries. You can have a cup or two of coffee a day, although too much caffeine can interfere with your baby's sleep and even make him or her cranky.
Keep in mind, caffeine is found in many soda's, tea, and even over the counter type medicine as well. It's okay to have an alcoholic beverage every now and the, although having more than one drink can increase your blood alcohol level, putting the alcohol into your breast milk. If you are planning to have more than one drink at a time, it's best to wait two hours or more per drink before you resume any type of nursing or breast feeding.
There is no need to pump and dump unless your breasts are full and its time to feed your baby.
While breast feeding, any type of heavy drinking should be avoided. Before you actually omit any foods from your diet, you should talk to your doctor.
If you avoid certain foods and it causes a nutritional imbalance, you may need to see a nutritionist for advice on taking other foods or getting nutritional supplements. Vitamin & Nutrient Associations The nutritional requirements for the baby will rely solely on the breast milk, and therefore the mother will need to maintain a healthy diet. If the baby is large and grows fast, the fat stores gained by the mother during pregnancy can be depleted quickly, meaning that she may have trouble eating good enough to maintain and develop sufficient amounts of milk.
This type of diet normally involves a high calorie, high nutrition diet which follows on from that in pregnancy.
Even though mothers in famine conditions can produce milk with nutritional content, a mother that is malnourished may produce milk with lacking levels of vitamins A, D, B6, and B12.
If they smoke, breast feeding mothers must use extreme caution.
More than 20 cigarettes a day has been shown to reduce the milk supply and cause vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heart rate, and restlessness in the infants.
SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is more common in babies that are exposed to smoke. Heavy drinking is also known to harm the infant, as well as yourself.
If you are breast feeding, you should avoid alcohol or consume very small amounts at a time.
The excessive consumption of alcohol by the mother can result in irritability, sleeplessness, and increased feeding in the infant.
Moderate use, normally 1 - 2 cups a day normally produces no effect. Therefore, mothers that are breast feeding are advised to avoid caffeine or restrict intake of it.
Even when we try to eat well, we're disadvantaged. The nutritional content of most food has been compromised over the years, not only by deficient soils and modern production, transportation, storage and processing methods, but also by the enormous amounts of chemical and artificial substances added to promote growth, storage life, taste and appearance. It's for this reason that more and more medical authorities are advocating the use of vitamin and mineral supplements. However, finding them in the right combination can be both confusing and costly. The nutrition products I am going to recommend you try make use of knowledge gained from the botanical world's 6,000 year history. They incorporated health building nutritional herbs with the best modern technology to help our bodies cleanse and detoxify so that the cells - the tiniest living units - can be as fully nourished as possible. This allows the cells to grow, repair and to perform their functions with the best possible efficiency so that we feel and look better and are more able to prevent and fight disease. Once the body begins to clear itself of toxins it can more efficiently absorb nutrition. Further reading through our articles on health issues will give you a body of information that will help you decide what options you have to make your breast feeding process as successful and health as possible through giving your body the nutrition products that will assist you body to produce breast milk, and help your body recover from the entire pregnancy & birth process, as well as the new demands on your body made through breast feeding your baby.
We wish you and your baby wellness in your search for better health in all areas. More Resources available about Breast feeding :
Nutrition for your cells Breast Enhancements In essence, the stronger your immune system, the more protected you are from infection and the healthier you are. If you eat foods rich in protective nutrients, you can strengthen your immune system to a point where you get fewer colds and viruses and be better equipped to fight off illnesses from colds to cancer.
See the instruction sheet for Breast self massage What are some womens health self care considerations? Below here are examples of Health Success Results other people have had with using a self care strategy for dealing with Breast feeding:
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