Breastfeeding

1. Breastfeeding

Proper organization of breastfeeding by the mother will avoid many problems with the absorption of milk by the baby , which will grow healthy and will be protected.

What is important for a successful start?

• Breastfeeding in the first minutes or hours after birth

Have the baby placed on your breast immediately after birth , in the delivery room, even if you have had a caesarean section, preferably before the placenta is removed. Let the baby, for the first time, suckle as much as he wants.

The mother's closeness immediately after birth contributes to the weakening of the baby's tension: he will feel safe and easier to adapt to new conditions for him.

Early breastfeeding allows the baby to receive colostrum , which is very important for the formation of his intestinal microflora, immune system, and also prepares his digestive system for the absorption of breast milk.

• The importance of colostrum

The first drops of colostrum that the baby takes after birth are the most important . Usually the amount is very small, but this should not scare you, it is enough to meet the needs of the baby in the first days of life. Feeding colostrum with regular breastfeeding is the most important step in starting breastfeeding.

• Cohabitation of the mother with the baby in the maternity ward

It is important to ensure the baby's feeding "on demand": the more he sucks, the better the breast is stimulated , and therefore there will be the necessary amount of milk. In addition, the mother's closeness and physical contact with her allows the baby to more easily adapt to new living conditions.

• Meals "on request"

Follow the child's requests and signals. Feeding the baby to order is also called "breastfeeding at every whimper." And this is an absolutely correct position, which allows to ensure stable lactation from the very beginning. Do not be afraid to "feed" the baby, everything that will be eaten more, the child will vomit.

Nutrition for the child is sometimes not just food. The only place where the baby feels safe is on the mother's breast . In addition, the only way to increase milk production is to breastfeed more intensively (ie more frequent use and for longer periods).

• Night meals

Be sure to feed your baby at night. The largest production of hormones necessary for the proper regulation of the breastfeeding process is produced in the night and early morning hours. The child's stomach is able to digest and assimilate food at any time of the day, this is the physiological norm.

• Proper breastfeeding

Make sure the baby sucks the entire halo of the nipple, his chin pressed against the breast, the tongue under the nipple and making "sucking" movements so that the baby sucks rhythmically and his nose touches the breast.

• Different postures during breastfeeding

Feeding positions should also be selected based not only on convenience and comfort, but also the correct physiological position of the baby to the breast.

There is no universal eating position, all positions are individual, especially if you have internal operations after birth . You can choose a different position to be comfortable. Most importantly, it should be comfortable for you and your child. The "sitting" position should be as comfortable as possible to avoid straining the back, you can put a pillow under the elbow, it can also be used in a feeding pillow, which, being around you, will raise the child to breast level. . Change your posture if you think your baby is not breastfeeding well.

• Calm attitude to possible difficulties

If you have pain and sore nipples , try contacting someone who can help you learn to breastfeed properly. Do not use any breast preparations without consulting a specialist.

• Keeping breastfeeding in a difficult situation

In the first days after birth, breastfeeding for some reason is sometimes impossible, be sure to express with your hands or a pump. Regular outflow of milk in the first days after birth is the key to long and full breastfeeding in the future . Try to feed your baby expressed milk and ensure his physical contact with your skin so that he can recognize your heartbeat, which he is accustomed to in the womb and get used to your smell and warmth.

What is not recommended to do in the beginning.

Squeeze out milk residue after each meal

You do not need to express your breasts after eating. Breasts cannot be completely expressed, the process of milk reproduction is carried out gradually and consistently, which is completely regulated by the baby. The mammary gland produces as much milk as the baby has ingested. Accordingly, the simple mathematics of the pumping process dictates that the breast produce as much milk as the baby can physically eat.

Wash the breast with soap

Frequent breast washing and frequent use of soap can disrupt the skin's natural protective layer and lead to excessive drying and cracking of the nipples. As a rule, normal daily hygiene is enough.

Make artificial breaks between meals

There is no need to take artificial breaks between meals, especially at night. All children have a completely different appetite and digestive regime. Many children fail to eat one meal because they get tired. Therefore, if during the hour the child wants the breast two, three, four or more times - calm down, give it to him, he will not overeat, the excess it will vomit. And if the child sucks constantly for an hour - this is his personal feature, do not separate it from the breast. Even if you think the breast is quite "eaten" and the baby is already fed, allow him to complete the process and release the breast, because he may be trying to fall asleep that way.

Give the newborn a pacifier

The pacifier disrupts the formation of the correct grip.

If you still decide to give the baby a pacifier, do not give it the first 15 days - at this point regulates the proper physiological sucking of the breast, the pacifier can interfere with this process and will not give the child the opportunity to get used to the correct grip, the child will it starts to confuse the sucking technique and can hurt your nipples.

Feed the baby from a bottle

The bottle, as well as the pacifier, prevents the formation of the correct grip of the breast, gets used to the easy way of extracting milk, which can lead to rejection of the breast. If necessary, feed it with a small spoon or pipette.

To feed the child with formula

There is no need to supplement the baby with formula while waiting for the return of natural milk. Colostrum is a high-energy product that can support the baby's body until the milk returns. Mixed diet is dangerous with the violation of the intestinal microflora, lactose intolerance; breast enzymes begin to break down less, leading to abdominal pain, breast rejection, tension in the child's body. Breastfeeding determines a child's immune system.

Do not panic if you feel that the amount of milk has decreased, seek the support of experienced counselors and nursing mothers. If you think you have little milk, invite a breastfeeding expert: let him advise you on how to increase milk production before feeding your baby formula. Never start feeding your baby formula alone, first consult a pediatrician.

Give the baby water

Almost 90% of milk consists of water. A healthy child does not need extra fluid.

Do not give the baby anything but the breast. The water fills the new stomach of the newborn, depriving him of appetite, disrupts the intestinal microflora, and sucking from the bottle prevents the habit of properly grasping the nipple.