How to Breastfeed
Breastfeeding can start an hour after the baby is born assuming there are no
complications or problems with the mother or the infant. This should be done
with the nipple and the areola which is the brown area surrounding the nipple
into the baby’s mouth. This should be done often since newborns are sleepy most
of the time and will not cry when its time to eat so the mother must wake the
baby every hour or every couple of hours to give it some milk.
Studies have shown that milk that comes from the mother is best for babies. This
is because the milk that comes out has the right concentration of fat, water,
protein and sugar that is needed in the first few month’s of the infants
development. It also contains antibodies which protect the infant from harmful
bacteria and viruses and helps defend against disease and infection.
One must not give the baby any supplements such as water or any other liquid
during this time since this could interfere with the milk that is introduced to
the infant and lessen the amount of vitamins that baby needs to take in.
The first thing that the baby will be feeding on is thick yellowish milk called
colostrum. This comes in small amounts that might let the mother think the
infant is not getting enough nutrients but rest assured that it is all the baby
needs. Newborns are sleepy most of the time and will not cry when its time to
eat so the mother must wake the baby every hour or every couple of hours to give
it some milk.
There are 2 ways to know the baby is getting enough milk in her system.
The first is observing the baby’s weight. Should the infant lose some weight
averaging between 7 to 10% during the first few days, the doctors can tell the
mother that it is normal and everything is ok.
The second is by keeping track the number of diapers for the baby. Initial
breastfeeding gives out milk on low volumes but are high in nutrients. During
this time, the baby will have to be changed a maximum of two times a day. As the
supply of milk increases, changing the baby can happen up to 6 times in a day
and normalize to around 3 or 4 later on.
Breastfeeding can later on be combined with solid foods as the baby gets bigger.
The first few months in the baby\s development is very crucial so it is
important to consult often with the pediatrician regarding the health and the
weight of the infant.
A good technique to make the baby continue drinking should the baby fall asleep
in the middle of feeding is called Breast Compression. This helps the baby drink
more during each feeding and is done by putting the thumb on one side of the
breast and the rest of the fingers on the other and pressed firmly. This should
be maintained as long as the baby is still drinking milk and should only be
stopped when baby is just nibbling. This can be done again if the baby if baby
stops drinking.
Breastfeeding may not be for everybody since some mothers may feel uncomfortable
or have sore nipples from feeding. This does not mean it is still impossible to
do so since one can still do this with an aid of a breast pump that may cost
less or a lot depending on the kind the person wants to buy and if it is done
either manually or electronically.
I strongly recommend to read The Breastfeeding Secrets. It is easy to
understand, in plain language, and based on all the questions and
doubts mothers are living with.
You can
download this eBook now. It comes with 2 great bonus eBooks: The
Pregnancy Secrets, The Babyname Secrets and a surprise bonus ...
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The Breastfeeding Secrets and Read it immediately!
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