Your little baby has been welcomed into the world with truckload of joy, happiness. However, there’s one thing which none of them can give your baby; you are the only one who can. Yes! It’s mother’s milk.
Everyone would have come across one saying “Mother’s milk is so good and nutritious”. There’s no denying that mother’s milk nourishes your child and helps in overall growth and development. Breastfeeding makes your baby healthy not only for now but also in the future.
So, here we go with a sneak preview that we must know about breastfeeding.
Breast milk comes in three stages
- Colostrum The first stage of breastfeeding is colostrum stage. It is thick yellowish substance that occurs during pregnancy and lasts for two to four days of childbirth. This is the most important stage of milk that must be fed to the baby as it promotes growth and fights against disease. Colostrum is rich in nutrients and contains antibodies which cannot be given through any of the supplements. The amount of protein and fat is substantially high in colostrum than milk. Therefore, colostrum is the first food after the birth given to the child.
- Transitional milk is the second stage of breast milk which replaces colostrum within four days after the child birth. The composition of creamy transitional milk is fat, lactose, vitamins and proteins. Transitional milk lasts about two weeks. As it starts to stimulate, you might feel fuller, firmness and a bit of discomfort in this stage.
- Mature milk is the third stage of breat milk which begins near the end of the second week after childbirth. It is thinner and more watery like skim milk when it is first secreted, until the fat is released later in the feeding and it becomes creamier. It has high cholesterol content and sugar in the form of simple carbohydrate lactose.
Latching
Latching is the process when baby takes the nipple or areoala into their mouth to suckle the breast milk. The following are few tips to make a good latch
- Hold your baby facing your breast in the right position then hold your breast with the other hand.
- Hold your breast placing the thumb finger on top of the breast where your baby’s nose touches and index finger at the bottom where your baby’s chin touches.
- Lightly compress fully and ensure that baby is allowed to breath.
- Bring your baby close to your breast and tickle baby’s lips until the baby’s mouth is open wide.
- Ensure that areola is in baby’s mouth completely and not the nipple alone.
Positions of breastfeeding
The following are the various positions of breastfeeding You and your baby can explore try one of the following comfortable positions which eases breastfeeding.
- Cradle hold
Position your baby so that head rests in the bend of your elbow and leg towards your stomach.
- Cross over hold
Hold your baby’s head with the hand opposite to the breast (if nursing from the right breast, hold with left hand and vice versa)
- Football hold
Football hold also called as clutch hold. This position is useful when you have undergone c-section and also if you have given birth to twins. You can avoid placing your baby towards your abdomen where getting hurt and pain on the wound can be reduced. Position your baby’s leg under your arm of the side of the nursing breast and hold the head towards your breast.
- Laid back position
Lean on your back on sofa or couch and make your baby rest on you in upright direction, as long as the whole front body is against you so that the baby is able to latch correctly besides that you can also lie back and relax.
- Side- Lying position
Side lying position is a good choice when you feed the baby during night and also if you have had a c-section. You and your baby should lie on your sides facing tummy to tummy. This position would be more comfortable for you and your baby.
Well fed mamma means well fed baby
Focus on making a healthy choice on nutrition rich food so that your baby grows healthier along with you.
Breastfeeding should not be painful
If you experience any pain during breastfeeding check for mastitis. Mastitis is a breast infection results in red, inflamed breasts. You may experience fever or chillness for this infection. Your breast will be tender and swollen. Once you know that what you’re dealing with, the infection is relatively easy to treat. Oral antibiotics usually do the trick, consult your doctor for the right prescription.
Clogged milk ducts is a common problem during breastfeeding. If the duct gets blocked or milk has trouble flowing through, a clog can form. A clog is a small lump in your breast that might look red and may feel sore or tender. This clogged duct is formed when milk isn’t emptied from your breast. Frequent nursing may avoid this problem.
Nipple crack Sore, tender, cracked and blistered bleeding nipples are common problems for the newbie moms. Getting a good latch, varying your nursing positions may ease this problem. Ask your lactation consultant so that they can guide you and prescribe a nipple cream to heal the crack.
How to check baby’s getting enough milk?
Every mom who is breastfeeding would be very anxious of milk supply. Here are few ways to find whether your baby is getting enough milk.
- Baby’s weight gain is the best sign
- Keep your eye on wet diapers
- There should be no pain in your breast while breastfeeding
- Your child appears satisfied and sleeps between breastfeeding
The Takeaway
Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition that must be exclusively fed to the newborn babies for atleast 6 months. There is no other food which equals mother’s milk. Lucky is the baby who get full flow of milk from mother which makes them stronger and healthier not only for now but for future too.
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