Start your breastfeeding journey with these simple tips
Why is breastfeeding important?
Breastfeeding is essential for both the mother and the baby. Apart from providing a complete source of nutrition for the baby, with essential antibodies, nutrients, growth and digestive hormones, it improves the baby’s immune system and protects against infections and allergies. Breastfeeding also improves the cognitive development of the baby. It also improves gut immunity through microbiome seeding at birth. Breast milk is easily digestible and promotes optimal growth and development.
For the mother, breastfeeding helps in postpartum recovery, reduces chances of postpartum bleeding, reduces the risk of certain cancers, reduces osteoporosis and creates a strong bond with the baby.
What is the significance of breastfeeding week?
Breastfeeding Week is celebrated globally every year in an attempt to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and its benefits. Its main aim is to support and encourage breastfeeding as a very vital aspect of health and well-being for both mother and child.
What is the theme of this year?
At Fernandez, we follow the global campaign by WHO. “Let’s make breastfeeding and work, work!” is the theme for World Breastfeeding Week by the WHO for the year 2023. It is really about supporting women who breastfeed their babies while they choose to work. They should not have to choose between their work and breastfeeding their children. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-breastfeeding-week/2023
What are the things to keep in mind when breastfeeding?
It is important to emphasise certain aspects while breastfeeding and keep in mind a few things to help mothers and babies in their breastfeeding journey.
Ensure a proper latch, it can be an important start to a smooth breastfeeding journey.
Learn to understand your baby’s hunger cues and let your baby guide you on how often and how long to feed, this is called responsive feeding or demand feeding.
Eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids to stay comfortable while breastfeeding.
If you encounter any hurdles along the way, don’t give up, they may have simple solutions. Seek the help and support of a lactation expert if needed.
Breastfeeding is a journey that needs to be enjoyed by both, the mother and baby. Be calm, patient and positive!
Remember, breastfeeding works on Demand from the baby and Supply by the body, so keep feeding/emptying the breast for adequate milk to be made.
What are the things to avoid when breastfeeding?
A few things to avoid during breastfeeding would be
Avoid giving any other foods/formula to the baby in the first 6 months of the baby’s life.
Limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
Do not self-medicate yourself while breastfeeding. Always consult a healthcare professional if you need to take any medications while breastfeeding.
Avoid smoking. Smoking can be harmful to both mother’s and baby’s health.
Avoid eliminating particular foods or overeating certain foods from your diet in an attempt to make more milk. All food groups in moderation are recommended unless the mother has a particular food allergy.
It’s best to avoid being stressed. Stress can adversely affect your milk-producing ability.
Dos and don'ts list:
Dos:
Once the baby is born and thereafter, it’s best for mom and baby to spend time with skin-to-skin contact Skin-to-skin contact has proven to have many benefits including a good kickstart to breastfeeding and bonding.
Breastfeed the baby soon after birth or in the 1st golden hour of birth. It makes use of hormones and alertness to effectively breastfeed.
Ensure no other pre-lacteal feed is given to the baby before breast milk.
Ensure you learn to hold your baby to establish a good latch for feeding.
Burp your baby after every feed or even in between feeds to ensure a comfortable baby.
Always learn two or more positions that you can hold your baby to breastfeed.
Remember not to look at the clock to guide your feeding sessions but to look at your baby and feed on demand.
Take time to nourish your body both physically and emotionally. It will make your breastfeeding journey a pleasurable one!
Don'ts:
Avoid introducing pacifiers, teats, and bottles to the baby early since it hinders the time spent at the breast and alters an effective latch for breastfeeding.
Do not consider signs of painful, hard, swollen breasts or breastfeeding as normal, seek assistance promptly.
Avoid tight bras while breastfeeding, it could cause blocked milk ducts and the flow of milk.
Avoid exposing your baby to second-hand smoke.
Avoid unnecessary breastfeeding advice/ myths surrounding breastfeeding and stick to the facts backed by evidence.
Don’t stress or be impatient with breastfeeding, you and your baby are learning to make this a long and enjoyable journey!
Remember, each breastfeeding journey is unique, and it's essential to listen to your body and your baby's needs. If you ever face challenges or concerns, don't hesitate to seek support and guidance from healthcare professionals or lactation counsellors. Happy breastfeeding!
Publication Date
01 January 1970
Category
Uncategorized
Equitable, respectful and evidence-based care for women and children since 1948
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