Why breastfeeding
Breastfeeding help to protect your baby from certain diseases and
infections such as: ear infection, Meningitis, Pneumonia, wheezing,
bronchitis’s, Diarrhea, Vomiting and allergies. Although formula is
a healthy way to feed your baby, breastfeeding has the advantage
of giving your baby all the vitamins, protein, sugar and fat from a
natural protective source.
How do I start
The protection against allergies and diseases that breast milk is
providing is very important immediately after birth; it will also prevent
low blood sugar level for the baby.
Usually babies are very hungry and alert after they are born and it
is important to hold the baby skin to skin on your chest or tummy.
The first breastfeeding can take place after 30-60 minutes from birth
and usually takes a while to adjust for you and for the baby.
This early stage of breastfeeding will help the baby to adjust better
for the next times.
What accessories are needed for breastfeeding
Nursing bra – make sure you purchase the most comfortable nursing
bra so you can feed your baby in comfort in your own home, in a social
event or even out in the street. A nursing bra that gives your breasts
great support, easy access to your breasts and yet keep your private
parts covered. A nursing bra that makes sure that you look not only like
a new mom but also as the sexy woman you were before.
Soft nursing pads – helps to keep your skin dry between breastfeeding.
Nipple cream – helps protecting sore nipples from cracking.
How do I hold the baby the right way
First of all the mother should be sitting in the most comfortable way for
her in a way that the back and the arms are supported. The baby should
be lying with the stomach against his mother’s stomach with his head
leaning a little bit backwards so his nose won’t touch the breast and he
will be able to breathe freely. Also make sure that the baby suckles
the whole nipple with its brown circle in his mouth so he can create
vacuum and eat properly, otherwise the breast won’t be empty and
the nipples will sore.
How often should I breastfeed my baby
You should breastfeed your baby every 1.5-3 hours. The baby is very alert
and crying when he is hungry, you can avoid the crying by noticing the
baby’s signs: the baby may put his hands in his mouth and make suckling
motions, flexing arms and legs and rub his face to your breasts.
How do I know if the baby is getting enough milk
Each baby is different, some babies need to be fed many times a day
and need more physical contact than others. As a mother it is important
to make sure that your baby is taking the same amount of nappies a day
(approximately 6-8) and gaining weight properly (about 100-200g a week).
Why is it healthy for me to breastfeed my baby
There are many healthy benefits you get from breastfeeding:
- It helps your uterus to return to its normal size more quickly after birth.
- You burn more calories that help you get back to your weight before
the pregnancy.
- Delays the return of your monthly period.
- It strengthening your bones and protect you from fractions in older age.
- Reduces the risk of breast cancer as well as other types of cancer.
The greatest benefit you get is that breastfeeding helps to create a special
bond between you and your newborn baby.
Diet While Breastfeeding
While breastfeeding you should eat about 500 calories more than your usual diet.
There are some ingredients that are important for your health as well as for
your baby that you should be eating while nursing and some that are
recommended to avoid.
After birth your body looses a lot of the vitamins, iron and calcium and in
order to complete them you need to have a balanced diet that includes the following:
whole-grain cereals, breads, meats or beans, fruits, Vegetables, milk and dairy products.
You will also have to drink a lot of water.
It is highly recommended to have at least 5 servings a day of dairy products –
that should give you all the calcium your body need. (In case you don’t feel that you
getting enough calcium – talk to your doctor about taking extra calcium)
While breastfeeding your body looses a lot of fluids – so make sure you drink enough!
If you dieting to loose weight:
-It is recommended to start dieting after 2 months from birth.
-Make sure you eat at least 1500-1800 calories per day.
-Decrease your calories slowly; otherwise you will loose milk supply, and keep
weight loss at no more than 1.5 pound per week.
If you feel that your baby is bothered by something check what you ate before
breastfeeding your baby and consider avoiding that in the future.
Also alcohol, caffeine and drugs can get in to the milk – try to limit your self.
***Smoke can get in to your milk and can cause you to make less milk –
It might be a good time to quit!!
Exercise and Breastfeeding
There is much research that talks about whether exercise has any effect on your milk
or not but non have made any breakthrough with their results except the fact that it is
healthy to exercise just not over exhaust yourself.
There are a few “guidelines” for exercise mothers while breastfeeding:
- Make sure you wear a good supportive Nursing bra with pads when exercise.
- Take a shower after exercising - your body is sweaty and salty
and it may bother your
baby while you breastfeeding.
- If you use to lift weight - take it slowly after birth.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
Back to work
It is not an easy decision about when you should get back to work;
still it needs to be done. So here are a few tips for the new moms:
If possible try to delay your going back to work as much as you can cause
breastfeeding is very healthy for you and for the baby.
- Try to work part-time or flexible hours in the beginning so you
and your baby get use to the idea of being apart for long time.
- Get a babysitter that you trust.
- Figure out how your baby is going to be fad while you’re away.
(It depends on your baby’s age.)
- Practice expressing milk at regular feeding hours before getting
back to work.
- It is recommended to wear your Nursing Bra to work so it will hold
the Nursing Pads right cause you may leak a little until your body
will adjust to the new pattern of breastfeeding.
Read about Breastfeeding in public |