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Babies and Breastfeeding
Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby, and nature has ensured that nutritionally, it is all your baby needs for the first six months of their life. Whilst breast feeding is definitely natural, it by no means comes naturally.
Most women can breastfeed without too much difficulty, however, it does take time and patience for you both to learn how to feed and find a routine that suits you both.
It can feel a little strange at first, however, once you have mastered breast feeding most women will enjoy the experience and enjoy knowing that they are giving their baby the absolute best start in life.
Some women know before the birth that they want to breastfeed and other’s just wait and see how they feel at the time. With added benefits such as a quicker recovery for your uterus, and the promise of loosing your baby fat a lot quicker, it is no wonder that many women want to give breastfeeding a go.
In the beginning breastfeeding can be difficult and can pose quite a few challenges. It is a skill that needs to be learned, but once mastered is hard to give up. When you first start trying to feed it can be uncomfortable, even a little painful, but it doesn’t take long for you and your body to adjust.
Once you have discovered the perfect position for you both and your baby and your nipples have toughened up a little, things will get easier.
So what is so great about breastmilk? - The benefits of breastfeeding
It is the perfect balance of nutrients for your baby.
It adjusts to suit your growing baby’s needs, and even gives the baby more water at each feed when it is hot.
It increases your baby’s immunity, helping them to fight infections and common diseases
It helps lower the chances of your baby needing orthodontic assistance later in life
It is easier to digest and hence decreases the chances of colic and reflux
It has natural chemicals that help make your baby sleepy, so a milk drink before bed will help them sleep (the only downfall is the same chemicals are released in mum, which is why you feel so tired after you feed)
It improves bonding through skin to skin contact
It is free
It is convenient
Staying healthy while breastfeeding
Whilst you may not see what is going on behind the scenes, producing milk is hard work, and your body will be working around the clock to keep up your milk supply. This can often leave you feeling tired and hungry. Whilst it does take a lot of your body, it is also burning up all that baby fat, so be happy in the knowledge that every feed is bringing you a little closer to your pre baby body weight.
It is extremely important to eat well, drink lots of water, and watch what you eat, when you are breastfeeding, and remember that everything that goes into your body; makes it way into the breast milk eventually. Try to eat a variety of fresh foods like low fat dairy, fruits, vegetables and lean meats like chicken and fish and avoid alcohol, caffeine and over the counter medications. Be aware that nicotine is also passed on in your breast milk, so avoid smoking whilst nursing.
Also watch out for spicy foods, chocolate, cabbage, garlic and other foods that can change the taste of your milk. If your baby is fussy, colicky or has reflux, try changing your diet or remove the offending food from your diet whilst you are nursing.
Breastfeeding can make you very thirsty, so try to drink a glass before and after every feed. Not only does the milk production make you thirsty but remember that the milk is made up of some water, so you need a lot more water then normal. Dehydration can affect your supply so keep up that water supply. And hey, drinking water also helps you lose weight, another reason to get drinking.
Breastfeeding challenges
Despite popular believe, breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally. It is a skill that needs to be learned – by you and your baby! Even when you and your baby are getting it right, it can be uncomfortable, or even painful, in the beginning. After all, your nipples need to get used to the new sensation of your baby’s sucking, and you need to get your milk flow just right.
Whilst there can be a few problems associated with breastfeeding such as sore nipples, blocked ducts, mastitis, and baby reflux, most of these problems can be sorted out quickly, particularly if you talk to lactation nurse or doctor promptly.
Just remember that for various reasons not everyone can or will want to breast-feed. Even if you keep trying you may just find your baby isn’t interested in breastfeeding or may even be lactose intolerant.
If you decide you want to try bottle feeding either exclusively or just as a supplement, then check out our bottle feeding page for hints, tips and advice. And remember bottled milk is fine for your baby and there is nothing wrong with you if you decide or need to bottlefeed.... All babies really need is love...
More on Breastfeeding
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FAQ’S
Why they say Breast is Best
There are obvious advantages to breastfeeding such as the fact that it is free, it is convenient, it is portable and there is no need to buy formula, sterilize equipment, clean bottles, mix formula and carry a host of feeding equipment with you wherever you go. One of the other advantages of breastfeeding is that it provides a wonderful opportunity for you to snuggle with your baby, and the skin to skin contact, helps bonding and can even help your baby’s brain development.