Breastfeeding basics-

• Babies like any one of us need Calories(energy) and water as their basic need.

• Breast milk is the ideal food for the baby for first 6 months at least.

• Breastfeeding can go on until the baby is 1 year old. But after 6 months the child energy needs are higher and so it becomes necessary to start introducing solid food.

• Some babies start developing front teeth by 6 to 8 months giving a hint that they could be ready for solid food introduction.

• Starting solids earlier than 6 months has to be decided after talking to your doctor. They may still not be ready for it, but this is considered in extreme cases of Reflux (regurgitation of food from the stomach to mouth).

The amount of milk produced varies among different women. It depends on

• The number of children you have earlier- First-time mothers may take longer

• Emotional status– I had a professor who said- Breast milk production is 90% psychological preparedness. The hormones needs for milk production are secreted more during sleep. Hence adequate sleep( 8 hours at night and 2-3 hours during day) is necessary

• Energy intake of mother- Lactation( milk production) needs energy. Mothers are advised to up their intake by consuming quality food( extra of 500 kCal per day) of different varieties so they can also get variety of vitamins and minerals

• Breastfeeding regularly–  Breastfeeding is a reflex action. That means it is constantly regulated by the body. The more you empty the breast(breastfeeding) the more the milk production. After each feed makes it a point to express milk in a clean container. This milk can be fed to the baby through a bottle or spoon feeding( consult your medical staff to teach you the technique)

 

CONTENTS

• Breast milk has all the requirements for a growing baby
• Milk is secreted in 3 stages. As soon as you begin feeding the child, the first part of feed is watery, then follows protein content and then the fat content. The first part quenches thirst and the last part gives a feeling of fullness. Hence it is important to feeding on each side completely so that child gets all three parts. If you feed on both sides incompletely, the chances are that baby gets more of the watery part and may present with insufficient weight gain.
• It has the right quantity of iron and right percentage of Calcium, phosphorus and other required nutrients
• Breastfeeding Provides Antibodies to the baby. The human body produces antibodies for each and every infection. these are chemicals that the body produces to overcome the infection. These antibodies can pass through breast milk. Imagine the baby getting ready-made antibodies from the mother. This could contribute to fewer infections in the baby.

 

BENEFITS

• Bonding- helps mother understand your baby

• Safe, Sterile feed- fewer chances of infection

• Breast milk is for the brain development- hence studies show babies of breastfed mothers have higher IQ

• The breastfed a is more resistant to various infections like diarrhoea, ear infections, urine infections.Even blood cancers chances may be fewer.

 

PRECAUTIONS-

• Do not breast-feed if the mother happens to be HIV positive- as the chances of transmitted the infection to baby increases tremendously

• If you are consuming tablets- especially hormones, anticancer drugs. Always talk to your doctor if it is safe to consume your tablets.

 

PROBLEMS

• Occasionally the mother may not be able to produce adequate breast milk. Features which suggest under production may be

• Inadequate weight gain. A baby born after 9 months( term baby) gain about 30 to 40 gram every day and babies born earlier may gain 15-25 gram per day. Remember- babies lose weight the first 7 to 10 days( maximum of 10% over the first week. Ex 3 kg baby may lose 10% that is 300 gram. as the feeding established in the first week, babies should regain their birth weight by 10 to 14 days ( preterm babies take longer to regain weight)

• Infrequent passage of urine- babies should pass urine at least once in 6 hours. That could tell there is sufficient water in baby

• Stool should change colour- babies pass dark green colour stool (faeces) in the first 3 to 5 days which slowly changes colour to golden yellow and then normal brown. Remember stool should never be a pale colour.

• Colour and activity- Babies should be pink in colour always and warm to touch. They should be playful or interested in the surrounding.

 

Signs of dehydration-

• Look for tears in eyes, moist mouth and the soft spot on the head( never apply pressure at the soft spot).Dehydration may present with the sunken soft spot.

• The baby should sleep comfortably after each feed and wake up in 2-4 hours for next feed.

 

UNDER PRODUCTION

If you think you not able to produce sufficient milk, try these remedies

• Stress-free- as said you should take lots of rest with a stress-free life. You could watch your favourite movie, catch up on your hobbies, relaxing music.

• Increase calorie intake- an adequate diet rich in a variety of food is suggested. Adequate water intake or milk intake may benefit

• Sleep adequately

• Feed more often. Completely empty the breast each time

• Spend more time with your baby. You could give Kangaroo mother care to smaller babies( placing the naked baby on your bare chest and then covering your self). Talk to your doctor before trying this. It can be dangerous if you don’t know the proper technique.

• Medications- there are various medications to increase production of domperidone, metoclopramide and various herbal ones. Always consult your obstetrician before starting any medication.

• In dire necessities, formula milk is considered. Again this needs to be started by your doctor with proper reasoning.

 

Generally breastfeeding is not painful. If it is, then the reasons could be

• Wrong technique- All of the alveola ( Nipple) should be in the babies mouth. A proper seal should be formed. If it’s painful, look into feeding technique.

• If you have a cut or fissure- If you suffer a cut then mild painkillers can help. Consult your doctor if you need to take medications. Warm compression regularly may help

 

• If you have developed frank pus, then adequate antibiotics, painkiller suggested by your obstetrician will heal. again try warm compresses. During this episode, if you think the abscess may contaminate the milk then you can express( to keep the milk production cycle going) and discard. Temporarily consider formula and get back to breastfeeding once you feel better. See your doctor if you need formula feed.