| WHEN
TO COMMENCE BREASTFEEDING
Breast feeding
can be commenced during the first hour after birth. This makes
the mother more confident to breast feed, the baby receives colostrum
- first breast milk with protection against infection and disease,
the baby’s digestion and bowels are stimulated,
and sucking
difficulties can be avoided. If delivery is by a caesarean, breastfeeding
can be commenced in the recovery room. Bottles and dummies should
be avoided in the first few days because they reduce the ability
of the baby to attach onto the breast which may result in breast
engorgement, breast refusal, low weight gain, blocked milk ducts,
and mastitis.
HOW
TO BREAST FEED
Nurses at
the hospital of birth can teach the baby how to latch onto the
nipple. Hold the baby close with the baby turned towards the mother.
Touch the baby’s mouth with the mother’s nipple, and
the baby will take the nipple into its mouth. This should not
hurt the mother if the baby is well attached
HOW
OFTEN TO BREAST FEED
A baby may
want frequent breast feeding, especially in the first 24 hours.
Feeding the baby as much as they want can help establish good
breast feeding patterns. It also ensures the baby receives colostrum,
full milk production is stimulated, and the risk of breast engorgement
is reduced. Breastfeeding may be necessary every 2-4 hours, which
can vary depending on the baby and how hungry they are. Offer
both breasts after each feed and allow the baby to finish one
breast before offering the other. Let them detach themselves.
A breast pump
can be used if the nipples become too sore, or if the nipple is
too small and the baby can not suck the nipple. If a good sucking
technique has not been developed yet, expelling the milk can be
done and put into a cup or teaspoon
WHAT
FOODS TO EAT
A good mother’s
diet is essential during pregnancy to ensure the baby receives
all the necessary nutrients. Extra snacks are needed because breast
feeding does burn up a lot of energy. Ideal snacks include bread,
milk, fruit, yogurt, nuts, avocado, cheese, and vegetables. The
required daily nutrient requirements include water as a source
of fluid, with a consumption of around 2.5 litres per day. Protein
is needed because it is a major factor in breast milk. Sources
include meat, fish, eggs, cheese, yogurt, nuts, and legumes.
Calcium is
important because it is another major component of breast milk,
so dairy products are recommended. Iron is necessary because breast
feeding uses up your iron stores. Red meat, legumes, nuts, dried
fruits, breads, and leafy vegetables are a good source of iron.
Folate and vitamins demand are also increased during pregnancy.
Folate is found in spinach, broccoli, cabbage, and brussel sprouts.
Vitamin A and vitamin C are the most important vitamins required.
Strict diets are not recommended because essential nutrients may
not be supplied to the baby.
TIME
TO STOP BREAST FEEDING
There is no
particular time to stop breast feeding. A time can be decided
by the mother and the baby. It is recommended by the World Health
Organisation to breast feed for the first 6 months. Still, some
mothers breast feed until the baby reaches up to four years of
age. If you decide to stop breast feeding early, bottle feeding
with infant formulas may be necessary for the first twelve months
of age. If they start to bite when their incisors come through,
feed when drowsy. Weaning the baby off breast feeding is important
to avoid problems such as mastitis. Recommended to gradually replace
breast feeds, one at a time over at least several days. Breasts
can become tight, and uncomfortable, so express enough milk to
remain comfortable. Wear a supportive bra, use a cold pack, or
take paracetamol for any discomfort. Look for any lumps, and massage
the breast when expressing to minimise the chance of mastitis
BENEFITS
OF BREASTFEEDING
There are
many benefits for both the mother and the baby in breastfeeding
such as:
* It is the
perfect food for the baby, provides the essential nutrition for
a baby with changing needs.
* For the
first six months, breast milk is the only food babies need
* Provides
immunity with protection against common infections, middle ear
infections, some childhood cancers, juvenile diabetes, and sudden
infant death syndrome
* Mother loses
weight (pregnancy can result in an increase in weight).
* Weight is
lost because due to the extra energy the body must use to produce
milk, with frequent interruptions during the night for feeding.
* Breastmilk
is more digestible
* Contains
essential amino acids such as taurine. (Not found in all milk
formulas that you can buy)
fGood for
eye development, and production of bile salts
* The mother’s
uterus returns to its pre-pregnant size quicker.
* The return
to fertility is delayed for a mother, which can provide some protection
against ovarian cancer and osteoporosis
* Milk formulas
can increase the risk of the baby becoming sensitive to cow’s
milk protein
* Breast feeding
for the first four months of a baby’s life can significantly
reduce their chance of developing asthma and other allergies.
* Decreased
risk of developing pre-menopausal breast cancer
* Possibly
increases bone mineral density
POSSIBLE
DIFFICULTIES OF BREASTFEEDING
The problems
that can arise from breastfeeding includes:
* The longer
you breastfeed, the more difficult it can be to stop
* The mother
may not be comfortable
* The mother
may not have the time to do it. eg. Working full time.
* The baby
may want attachment to the nipple every few hours, even just for
comfort
* Nipples
can become tender over time: rash or even an infection of the
nipple. Therefore, nipples require care and conditioning. eg.
Lansinoh (wool fat). Apply over the whole area of sore skin every
feed and as needed. It does not need to be removed before breastfeeding.
It can also be applied before showering to prevent stinging from
hot water and the drying effect of soaps. Avoid soaps and shampoos
during showering. Avoid ointments, powders, and tinctures. You
can even leave any milk on the nipple after feeding because it
contains some anti-infective agents
* Mastitis.
This is inflammation or infection of the breast, caused by a cracked
nipple or a blocked nipple duct. Symptoms include shiver, fever,
sore reddened or hard nipples or breasts. This can be caused by
poor attachment of the baby to the nipple, engorgement in the
breast due to missed feed, ill-fitted bra, a high saturated fat
diet, or nipple creams which can damage the skin. Treatment includes
massaging the nipple which can be beneficial to clear any nipple
blockage. The baby must be attached correctly to the breast before
feeding. Wearing of loose clothing, avoiding nipple cream and
ointment use for a long period of time, washing hands before touching
the breasts, and heating the sore area of the breast before feeding
can relieve the pain. Paracetamol can be taken to help reduce
any fever or pain. It is recommended to keep fluid levels up and
get plenty of rest. If symptoms persist for longer than eight
hours, visiting your doctor would be recommended, and antibiotics
could be necessary.
* Some medications
are contra-indicated in breast feeding, and may cause the baby
to become restless, nauseous, or alter the suckling reflex.
* Lifestyle
adjustments may be necessary: smoking and alcohol consumption
CONCLUSION
There are
benefits and possible difficulties for breastfeeding, and the
decision is the mother’s. Overall, breastfeeding would be
recommended, because it has nutritional, emotional, physical,
and practical benefits for the mother and the baby. If the mother
requires more information, relevant people to contact include:
* Doctor
* Pharmacist
* Local Nursing
Mothers Association
* Parent help
line
* Local baby,
child or infant health centre
* Tresillian
Guide: How to stay sane in baby’s first year, Simon and Schuster,
1999
* Australian
Breastfeeding Association: PH (03) 9885 0855
|
.jpg)
