Choosing whether or not you will breastfeed is a personal decision, though your choice will likely draw strong opinions from those around you. Medical authorities including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend breastfeeding, but your baby and you are unique and the ultimate decision is up to you. Understanding all about breastfeeding can help you make an informed decision.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
1. Benefits for the Mother
Some believe that breastfeeding reduces a mother’s risk of osteoporosis, ovarian and breast cancer. Breastfeeding can help you burn more calories which may make it easier to lose the pregnancy weight. Breastfeeding also releases oxytocin, the hormone which helps the uterus to return to its size before pregnancy and reduces uterine bleeding following the birth. There is no worry about warming bottles, sterilizing nipples or measuring formula so it will be cheaper and easier to feed your baby if you breastfeed. This also gives you a quiet time to sit and bond with your child.
2. Benefits for the Baby
Breast milk contains the ideal combination of nutrients for a growing child, including fat, vitamins and proteins your child will need to grow. These nutrients are also in a form that is easier to digest than formula. Breast milk also contains antibodies that can reduce the risk that your child will develop allergies or asthma. Children that are breastfed exclusively for the first six months of their life have fewer instances of diarrhea, ear infections and respiratory illness along with fewer trips to the doctor or hospital.
Some have linked breastfeeding to higher IQ scores, and other studies have noted that the skin to skin touching and eye contact that naturally occur during breastfeeding help a mother and child to connect and create a stronger bond. Breastfeeding has been strongly linked to the prevention of SIDS and is believed to lower a child’s risk of obesity, diabetes and some cancers though more research is required for definitive proof. Babies that are breastfed are more likely to be the proper weight rather than becoming overweight.
How to Breastfeed
The following table explains all about breastfeeding steps and tips:
|
Breastfeeding Steps |
Instructions |
|---|---|
|
Step 1 |
Place your nipple between the child’s upper lip and nose then brush the upper lip with your nipple to encourage them to open their mouth. You can also brush your child’s cheek with the nipple so they will turn toward you and open their mouth. |
|
Step 2 |
When your baby is searching for the nipple with their mouth open, this is known as rooting. When they are rooting, pull the child toward your breast instead of bringing the breast to their mouth. |
|
Step 3 |
As your child latches on, allow them to take a large mouthful of the breast tissue using an asymmetric latch. This means allowing the child to take more tissue from underneath the areola rather than having them move directly onto the nipple. |
|
Step 4 |
Your child should open their lips wide around your breast, and if they latch properly you should not feel any pain as your child receives the milk. Break suction if you are in pain. You can do this by inserting your little finger between the child’s bums and your breast. Then allow your child to latch again in a more comfortable position. |
|
Step 5 |
Hold your child close as they nurse. If your breasts are large you may need to support your breast as well. |
|
Step 6 |
It will take some time for you and your child to become comfortable with breastfeeding. Do not be discouraged. You will eventually find a rhythm where both you and your baby can be comfortable with this process. |
Watch a video to learn how to breastfeed correctly:
How Often Should You Breastfeed?
You should nurse frequently because this will help you to produce more milk. In general you should aim to nurse 8-12 times every 24 hours. Do not try to nurse on a rigid schedule but provide milk whenever your child starts to show signs of hunger including mouthing, increased alertness or rooting. Ideally you should try to feed your child before they start to cry as this is a late sign of hunger.
You may need to wake your baby to nurse in the early days after birth and they may fall asleep during feeding. If it has been four hours since the baby last nursed, wake them up to ensure they are getting enough to eat.
What Are the Problems You May Have During Breastfeeding?
Some women take to breastfeeding easily while others find it hard to learn. This is normal and should not discourage you. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your child’s demand or are worried about sore nipples, how long to nurse, whether you are nursing enough or other concerns, seek out advice. A healthcare consultant can help you get answers or address any physical discomfort that is affecting your nursing. You should also be aware of the signs of engorgement from breasts that are too full, mastitis from a breast infection or sore nipples so you can get medical assistance if these problems occur.
Proper Diet During Breastfeeding
You should strive to eat a healthy diet when you are breastfeeding, because this will help with your energy and allow you to produce the best quality milk possible. Do not worry about counting calories, just feed yourself whenever you are hungry and work to stay hydrated throughout the day.
It is normal for women to be extra hungry when you are breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers should eat an additional 200-500 calories each day. Eating small meals and snacks throughout the day can help you avoid hunger and give yourself plenty of energy. Just avoid items such as alcohol or caffeine while breastfeeding because this will make its way into your milk and can negatively affect your child.
In most cases babies do not mind if their mother consumes spicy foods while they are breastfeeding. Some children appear to like it if their mother consumes a variety of foods. There are no foods that are known to be problematic to all babies, but if you notice that eating certain food causes your child to be irritable or gassy after breastfeeding you may need to avoid consuming too much of this item. Dairy products are a prime example of foods that may cause this issue.
Watch the following video for more: all about breastfeeding: