Breast milk is the first and the most important thing you can feed your baby. Besides being the primary source of nutrition it also gives the baby essential ammunition against physical ailments…
Breastfeeding – “Breastfeeding is not always easy, it is always worth it” | September 10, 2019
- Believe that you can and make it happen. Confidence is the key, once you’ve made up your mind to breastfeed then be strong in that commitment. Remember, your body makes as much milk as your baby withdraws from it so the more he/she suckles the more you will produce.
- Do it immediately or as soon as possible after childbirth.
- Instruct the people around you to refrain from giving the baby any formula milk; let him/her get used to yours.
- Most hospitals have lactation experts, take their assistance. If not then ask your midwife to guide you.
- Feed as frequently as possible, even though the night, initially.
- Babies are instinctual; he/she will search out your breast when you are close with the lips and mouth. Once they get the nipple they try to ‘latch’ on and start feeding. Make sure you get into the right position to get your baby to latch properly and feed.
- First, hold the baby upright close to your chest with his/her head under your chin. It is advisable to have skin-skin contact so make sure the baby is wearing only a diaper, against your bare chest. The baby will be warm and comfortable between your breasts; you can cover up with a blanket.
- Supporting the head, neck, and hips of the baby bring it close to your breast. This is the point the baby will search for the nipple if he/she is awake.
- The breast should be allowed to hang naturally and as the baby feels it with his/her cheek; he/she will go for the nipple. It might be necessary to help the baby latch on at this point by guiding the mouth to the nipple.
- At this point, the baby should have his/her chin pressed against the nipple and the nose being opposite to the nipple. This will help the baby get a large mouthful of the breast for a deep latch. Don’t worry if you see the nostrils of the baby flaring, they are perfectly adept at breathing while feeding at the breast.
How long should breast feeding be followed?
It is advisable to keep the baby on breast feed for a minimum period of 6 months exclusively and then slowly take another 6 months to wean them off completely. However some mothers continue breast feed along with baby food for as long as 2 years or more.
Breast feeding is one of the first real ‘connections’ that you have with your baby. Give it time, commitment and patience and you will find the benefits in not only the baby’s health but in yours as well.
- Learn the signs: Hungry babies have a way of showing it. Some will put their fist in their mouth; others will become more active, while others may just scream till they wake up the entire neighbourhood. So know how to read the signs and feed the baby when he/she demands it.
- The hind milk: Make sure you give your baby the thicker, fattier, milk by making sure he/she finishes whatever is in the breast. Offer the other breast to the baby if you feel that the baby needs it.
- No nipple confusion: Pacifiers, bottles, supplements of infant formula, if used in the first few weeks, confuse the baby and may result in the baby rejecting breast milk. So avoid it as much as you can.
- Keep the baby close: Sleeping close to the baby ensures that you are able to feed well in the night and also avoids the incidence of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
- Wake the baby: If the baby has gone without feed for more than 4 hours then you should wake the baby and feed it.
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