BREAST FEEDING

BREAST FEEDING IS NOT A CHOICE …IT’S A RESPONSIBILITY

Motherhood is the most memorable time in a woman’s life.

Taking care of a new-born in the right way, will affect the overall development of the baby as he or she grows into a healthy, happy person.

Nurturing and taking good care of the infant is crucial during this phase.

Feeding your infant provides more than just good nutrition. It also gives you a chance to hold your newborn close, cuddle him, and make eye contact. These are relaxing and enjoyable moments for you both, and they bring you closer together emotionally.

What is breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is feeding your baby, milk from the mother’s breasts. You can feed your baby right at your breast. You can also pump your breasts and feed the milk to your baby. Doctors advise breastfeeding for 1 year or longer.

Breast milk is the only food most babies need until about 4 to 6 months of age. You do not need to give your baby food, water, or juice. Some babies may be ready for solid foods at 4 or 5 months. You will gradually breastfeed less often as your baby starts to eat other foods. But keep breastfeeding for as long as you and your child want to. Your baby continues to get health benefits from breast milk past the first year.

 

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Your Baby?

Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It has a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat — everything your baby needs to grow. And it’s all provided in a form more easily digested than infant formula. Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of having asthma or allergies. Plus, babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhoea. They also have fewer hospitalizations and trips to the doctor.

Breastfeeding has been linked to higher IQ scores in later childhood in some studies. What’s more, the physical closeness, skin-to-skin touching, and eye contact all help your baby bond with you and feel secure. Breastfed infants are more likely to gain the right amount of weight as they grow rather than become overweight children.

 

Are There Breastfeeding Benefits for the Mother?

Breastfeeding has benefits for you too. You may recover from pregnancy, labour, and delivery sooner if you breastfeed. You may also lower your risk for certain health problems, such as breast cancer

Since you don’t have to buy and measure formula, sterilize nipples, or warm bottles, it saves you time and money. It also gives you regular time to relax quietly with your new-born as you bond.

Can all women breastfeed?

Almost all mothers of new-borns are able to breastfeed. Even if you have a health problem, such as diabetes, or if you have had breast surgery, you can likely still breastfeed. But some women should not breastfeed, such as those who are HIV-positive or have active tuberculosis.

Breastfeeding is a learned skill-you will get better at it with practice. You may have times when breastfeeding is hard. The first 2 weeks are the hardest for many women. But don’t give up. You can work through most problems. Doctors, nurses, and lactation specialists can all help.

 

How do you breastfeed?

For each feeding, you go through these basic steps:

Get ready for the feeding. Be calm and relaxed, and try not to be distracted. Get some water or juice for yourself. And have two or three pillows to help support your baby while he or she is nursing.

Find a breastfeeding position that is comfortable for you and your baby, such as the cross-cradle or the football hold. Make sure the baby’s head and chest are lined up straight and facing your breast. It’s best to switch which breast you start with each time.

Get the baby latched on properly. Your baby’s mouth needs to be wide open, like a yawn, so you may need to gently touch the middle of your baby’s lower lip. When your baby’s mouth is open wide, quickly bring the baby onto your nipple and areola (the dark circle around your nipple).

Provide a complete feeding. Let your baby nurse for at least 15 minutes. Be sure to burp your baby after each breast.

 

How often do you need to feed your baby?

Feed your baby whenever he or she is hungry. In the first 2 weeks, your baby will breastfeed about every 1 to 3 hours. This schedule can make you very tired. But know that your baby will soon start eating more at each feeding, and you won’t need to breastfeed as often.

 

Do you need to limit what you eat and drink?

Anything you put in your body can be passed to your baby in breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, don’t drink alcohol, take drugs, or smoke. Before you take any kind of medicine, herb, or vitamin, ask your doctor if it is safe.

Be sure to eat healthy, balanced meals and snacks to get enough of the vitamins and minerals you need while breastfeeding. You need to eat extra calories and may need to keep taking your prenatal vitamins.

The baby may react to certain foods you eat (spicy), with garam masala,besan,fried foods etc

 

 

 

 

If you have questions about what to eat and what to avoid, talk with your doctor.

Feeding and Burping Your Baby

Generally, it’s recommended that babies be fed on demand — whenever they seem hungry. Your baby may cue you by crying, putting fingers in his or her mouth, or making sucking noises.

A new-born baby needs to be fed every 2 to 3 hours. If you’re breastfeeding, give your baby the chance to nurse about 10-15 minutes at each breast. Some new-borns may need to be awakened every few hours to make sure they get enough to eat. Call your baby’s doctor if you need to awaken your new-born frequently or if your baby doesn’t seem interested in eating or sucking.

If your baby seems satisfied, produces about six wet diapers and several stools a day, sleeps well, and is gaining weight regularly, then he or she is probably eating enough.

Another good way to tell if your baby is getting milk is to notice if your breasts feel full before feeding your baby and less full after feeding. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your child’s growth or feeding schedule.

Babies often swallow air during feedings, which can make them fussy. You can prevent this by burping your baby frequently. Try burping your baby each time you switch breasts if you breastfeed.

Try these burping strategies:

Hold your baby upright with his or her head on your shoulder. Support your baby’s head and back while gently patting the back with your other hand

Sit your baby on your lap. Support your baby’s chest and head with one hand by cradling your baby’s chin in the palm of your hand and resting the heel of your hand on your baby’s chest (be careful to grip your baby’s chin — not throat). Use the other hand to gently pat your baby’s back.

Lay your baby face-down on your lap. Support your baby’s head, making sure it’s higher than his or her chest, and gently pat or rub his or her back.

If your baby doesn’t burp after a few minutes, change the baby’s position and try burping for another few minutes before feeding again. Always burp your baby when feeding time is over, then keep him or her in an upright position for at least 10-15 minutes to avoid spitting up.

BREAST FEEDING TIPS

While breastfeeding:

• Eat a balanced diet, 500 to 600 more calories per day
• Continue prenatal vitamins until you stop nursing
• Increase fluid intake
• Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine
• Wear a good supportive bra
• Expect to breastfeed baby every 2 to 3 hours
• Expect some discomfort (twinges) in your breast for 3 to 4 weeks
• Uterine cramping is normal for the first 3 to 4 weeks
• Breast milk usually comes in 3 to 5 days after delivery; your breasts will produce colostrum until then
• Always wash your hands before breastfeeding
• Nurse from both breasts with each feeding
• Begin feeding on the breast where last feeding was completed
• Keep nipples dry after feedings
• Use lanolin cream on nipples 3 to 4 times a day after feeding to keep the nipples from becoming dry and cracked
• If you have inverted nipples you may be able to wear nipple shields after 37 weeks of pregnancy

 

Keep a positive attitude

 

Dr. Shaivali Joshi will give you more specific information related to breastfeeding your baby

Breastfeeding can delay return of menstruation and fertility, but this is not a dependable form of birth control

Certain birth control pills are safe to use while breastfeeding, check with your gynecologist Dr Maulik Joshi for recommendations

Signs that suggest that a baby is getting enough breast milk:

 

• At least 6 wet diapers in 24 hours and 2 to 5 loose yellow stools in 24 hours
• Steady weight gain, after the first week of life
• Pale yellow urine, not deep yellow or orange
• Baby sleeping well, yet baby looks alert and healthy when awake

When your baby is born, you’ll begin an entirely new phase of your life. Take the time during your baby’s first days to enjoy this new beginning….

VAATSALYA CLINIC -the woman and child care clinic conveniently located at at Mahim , offers the most comprehensive and best OBSTETRIC, GYNEC and PEDIATRIC care to women and children in all stages of life. Our Gynecologist DR MAULIK JOSHI and Pediatrician  t DR SHAIVALI JOSHI take the time to listen to you, answer your questions and make sure you leave the clinic feeling satisfied,informed and cared for. Our team consistis of our Doctors, Nurses and front office staff to give you the best possible medical care.We are dedicated to helping all women and children stay healthy.