Breastfeeding helps your baby to develop properly and is beneficial for his he alth. You also develop a special bond through breastfeeding. But natural feeding isn't always all roses. It also has disadvantages.
Breast milk contains not only nutrients necessary for the proper development of a child, but also antibodies and other substances that increase the child's immunity and support his immature immune system. These include lymphocytes that increase the level of antibodies, macrophages that destroy germs, and the valuable secretory immunoglobulin SigA, which protects the baby against food allergy. This is whybreastfed babies are less likely to have colic, have a runny nose and catch a cold when they are breastfed. There are fewer cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome among them. They are less likely to develop inflammations of the respiratory and urinary systems or diseases of the digestive system - both in infancy and later. As adolescents, they do not have problems with tooth decay, and they have a lower risk of obesity and diabetes. Some studies show that breastfed babies have a higher IQ and develop better mentally and socially.
Breastfeeding is good for mom
Breastfeedingis good for you as well as it helps you get back in shape after birth. When your baby sucks the breast, your body produces oxytocin. It is the hormone that causes the uterus to contract properly. It also affects the nervous system - it causes a feeling of bliss and happiness. Your humor will probably also improve the fact that feeding your baby accelerates weight loss and regaining the former figure. Before pregnancy, your daily energy requirement was around 2,000 kcal. Your baby will "get" 700 calories out of you every day. Therefore, you will lose weight even if you start eating more. Modern medicine has discovered other advantages of natural breastfeeding - it reduces the risk of serious diseases in a woman: breast and ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
Breastfeeding - how it works
When your baby sucks on the breast, he will stimulate your sensory nerves, which will signal the brain to release prolactin. This hormone stimulates the milk alveoli to produce food. That is why it is so important for the correctlactation is regular latching on the baby to the breast, without refilling or feeding. The more often your baby sucks, the more milk your body will produce.
7 ingredients to increase lactation
Oxytocin is released simultaneously with prolactin, which contracts the muscles around the alveoli and milk ducts, which facilitates the flow of milk from the breast. The first milk that appears in the breast right after giving birth is the so-called colostrum. It is a dense substance containing a lot of immunizing ingredients. Colostrum quickly gives way to milk, which is more diluted, but still full of valuable substances: lactose, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Suckling is a reflex that babies acquire while in the womb. It is fully formed the moment you start attaching your baby to your breast.
How to make perfect breastfeeding?
Like everything else, breastfeeding also takes practice. Many mums have problems with this, especially at the beginning when the suckling reflex is not fully developed yet. That is why it is worth trying several positions and checking which one suits you and your baby best. In this position, it is very important to position the baby correctly - so that it does not lie on its back, but on its side, with its belly facing your body. Then he will not have to twist his head towards your breast, which makes suckling very difficult.» It is also convenient to feed your baby lying down - it is useful in the first days, when you are still sore, and at night when you take your baby to your bed.» You should also try the underarm position - you sit on the bed and the baby lies by your side on a rolled up duvet or blanket, at the same level as your breasts. In this position, it will be easier for you to manipulate the breast and help the baby who has trouble grasping the nipple.» Before the baby starts sucking, he should have his mouth wide open (like a fish). To part his lips, just irritate them with a nipple or tickle his cheek - he will automatically open his mouth and look for the breast.» When the baby opens his mouth, move his head vigorously to his breast. The breast and the areola of the nipple should fill the baby's entire mouth, and the nose and chin should fit close to your breast. If your baby's nose is pressed into your body and it makes breathing difficult for him, press your finger on the breast next to his nostrils to give him air.» If your baby's jaw is moving steadily and you hear rhythmic swallowing, it means that the baby is suckling properly.» When feedingyour breast or nipple hurts, put your baby on again. Only the wrong grip on the nipple causes pain.
When an infant has trouble grasping the breast
It happens that the baby has a problem with grasping the breast when it is very swollen and hard. Then it's best to express a little milk. Sometimes a woman has flat or inverted nipples, which makes it very difficult to suck. You don't have to worry about this, because regular latching on to your baby's breast will make the nipples pull out on their own. It is also worth sucking up some milk just before feeding - the breast pump will pull out the nipple and the baby will catch it faster.
Important- Breast sucking does not only satisfy the baby's hunger. It is also a great way to soothe your baby, soothe his crying, and relieve pain. Therefore, put your baby to the breast, e.g. after vaccination or blood collection.
- The size of your breasts has no effect on your lactation. Even if your breasts are small, you can feed your baby, that is, provide him with the right amount of valuable food.
- Milk changes its composition during one feeding. In the beginning, it contains more water to satisfy the baby's thirst. After a few minutes, it thickens and becomes more greasy - thanks to this, the baby eats to his heart's content.
- In the afternoon, prolactin levels are low, so there is less milk than at other times of the day and night.
Nawał - what to do?
Young mother often worries about whether she is feeding well, especially when she is surprised by phenomena that she did not expect. A flood of milk, i.e. a sudden increase in lactation, occurs between the 2nd and the 6th day after delivery. A woman is literally flooded with milk, which gushes out of her swollen breasts by itself (in one night they can grow up to two sizes!). In this situation, you need to latch the baby to the breast as often as possible or express milk with a breast pump. This is necessary, otherwise the breast will become stagnant and it may become inflamed and, consequently, a breast abscess.
What does stagnation look like?
The breast hurts and is as hard as a stone. You can then apply warm compresses before feeding the baby and cool compresses - after feeding the baby. If you develop a fever, put chilled and bruised white cabbage leaves, which have an anti-inflammatory effect, to your breast and feed your baby as often as possible. If this does not help, seek help from a lactation clinic.
When breastfeeding is problematic
A lactation crisis may occur around 3-6. week. The milk is then a little too little to meet the baby's needs. A hungry baby asks for breastfeeding more often and sucks the breast longer, stimulating it to increase production. The crisis will pass afterfor a few days, as long as you do not give your baby any more food. You can drink special teas that will stimulate the production of milk. Sometimes when your baby starts suckling (and does not always do it properly at first), the delicate skin of the nipples cracks and breastfeeding causes pain. If you have this problem, after breastfeeding, brush your nipples with squeezed food that contains protective and healing substances. Don't wear a bra or tight-fitting clothes, and it's best to parade around the house topless. Airing in the morning will accelerate their healing. You can also reach for chamomile ointment or creams with lanolin. Lanolin soothes irritations, nourishes and moisturizes the skin. Creams do not need to be washed off the breasts before breastfeeding. You can also use protective nipple shields. After a few days, the mornings will heal and your breasts will get used to the new treatment.
You must do itIf you want to make sure your baby is suckling properly and eats well, answer the following questions:
- Does baby suck for 10-20 minutes every time?
- Do you breastfeed 8-10 times a day?
- Do you feel a tingling sensation when the milk comes out of your breast?
- Is the breast empty and soft after feeding?
- Does your little one pee 6-8 times a day and poop 3-5 times?
- Is your baby gaining weight (approx. 120 g per week)?
If 4 or more are yes, don't worry.
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