BREAST FEEDING

    

                        VIDEO BREAST FEEDING TIPS

WHY BREAST FEEDING

From the moment your BABY IS BORN, your body starts producing the perfect mix of NUTRIENTS in your breast milk for him. While formula contains essential VITAMINS and PROTEIN that a baby needs, it doesn't have all the benefits of breast milk, such as ANTIBODIES that strengthen your BABY"S IMMUNE SYSTEM.

It's good for your baby. Research shows that breastfed babies are significantly less likely to suffer from ear infections, VORMITING,DIARRHEA, PREUMONIA, ASTHMA, DIABETES, and urinary-tract infections, as well as from food allergies and ECZEMA if your family has a history of either. Nursing may also boost babies' brainpower. Mother's milk also helps protect babies from becoming obese later in life, and girls who are breastfed are also less likely to develop BREAST CANCER as adults.

It's good for you.OXYTOCIN, a HORMONES released during nursing, helps to return your uterus to its regular size more quickly and reduces POSTPARTUM BLEEDING. Breastfeeding also burns about 500 calories a day, which can help you lose your baby weight faster. And women who nurse are at lower risk of developing breast cancer,  RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, and possibly OSTEOPOROSIS. Not to mention that breastfeeding is convenient (no bottles to wash or formula to mix) and cheaper than formula (you need only a few nursing bras and a breast pump).

How milk adjusts for your baby's needs

At birth: Your first milk is COLOSTRUM, a thick, yellowish pre-milk that's high in the fats and PROTEINS your newborn needs and easy for her to digest. It's also extremely rich in the substances that protect her against infections.

Two to five days after birth: Your milk will begin to "come in" now. This transitional milk is thinner than colostrum but far more plentiful, and higher LACTOSE and fat, which help your baby's brain develop. Your breasts will feel their largest and firmest now. You'll begin to feel your milk "let down," or move through your breasts - often described as a pins-and-needles sensation.

Two weeks after birth: Your milk will become even thinner and more watery, but it's still rich in NUTRIENTS. Your breasts will probably feel smaller and softer now. Mature milk becomes fattier over the course of a feeding (the first part is mainly water), so allow your baby to drink for about ten minutes before you switch to the other breast.

When and how often should you feed

Day 1: Your first breastfeeding session should take place within an hour of your baby's birth, if possible. This timing takes best advantage of his instinct to suckle, kick-starts your milk, and is a great way to bond. It also helps your uterus contract, which reduces bleeding. Don't worry about getting the technique exactly right at this first feeding.

After that, make sure he's latching on correctly as early as possible. If he's not, he'll be hungry, your nipples will hurt (a lot), and both of you will get frustrated - and you may decide to throw in the towel. Signs that you're both doing it right:

• His mouth is open wide, with his lips curled out.
• His mouth covers the entire AREOLA, not just the nipple.
• He's swallowing regularly and seems content.
• It doesn't hurt you (except maybe for the first few suckles).
• If he doesn't seem to be latching on properly, ask to see the hospital's lactation consultant.

The first few weeks: Your baby may eat as often as once an hour. Some signs your baby is hungry: smacking his lips, suckling motions, moving his head around in search of your breast, kicking and squirming, and looking alert.

From around 1 month: Once a routine is established, most newborns feed every two to three hours during the day, and around every four hours at night. Your baby should have between 8 and 12 feedings a day - even if you have to wake him up.

Almost all moms worry that their babies aren't eating enough. But your baby's appetite will ebb and flow depending on his needs; the quantity of your milk will adjust in kind. He'll be hungrier during growth spurts, which often occur at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.

From 6 months on: Once he starts solids at around this age, he'll need less breast milk. But as long as you choose to breastfeed -even if it's in combination with food and/or formula - your milk will provide your baby with important nutrients and protection against illness.

Breastfeeding tips;

Information and advice to help you with breastfeeding, including what to expect in the first week, getting the position and attachment right, how to know if your baby's getting enough milk, and expressing your breast milk.

Skin-to-skin contact

All mothers and babies should have the opportunity to have skin-to-skin contact straight after birth. This will keep your baby close, warm and calm, and it will steady their breathing.

This can be a bonding experience for mum and baby. It's also a great time to start your first breastfeed because your baby will be alert and keen to feed. If you need any help, your midwife will offer support with positioning and attachment.

Your baby will be happier if you keep them near you and feed them whenever they’re hungry. This will remind your body to produce plenty of milk.

Skin-to-skin contact is good at any time. It will help to comfort you and your baby over the first few days and weeks as you get to know each other.

Skin-to-skin after casarean

If your baby is born by CASAREAN section, you should still be able to have skin-to-skin contact with your baby straight after the birth. Some births involve complications that mean skin-to-skin may be delayed. If this happens, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to breastfeed your baby. Your midwife will help you have skin-to-skin contact with your baby as soon as it's possible.

Premature and ill babies

If your baby is in a NEONATAL unit in hospital after the birth, you'll probably be encouraged to try KANGAROO CARE. This means that when your baby is ready, you can hold your baby against your skin regularly, usually under your clothes. This skin-to-skin contact helps you to bond with your PREMATURE BABY, and it increases your milk supply. Read more information about breastfeeding a premature baby.

What to expect in the first few days

In the first few days, you and your baby will be getting to know each other. It may take time for both of you to get the hang of breastfeeding.

Before the birth

It’s good to find out as much as you can about breastfeeding before the birth. Knowing what to expect should help you feel as confident as possible when you've just given birth and want to breastfeed your baby.

ANTENATAL SESSIONS, whether held by the NHS or another organisation, should cover the most important aspects of breastfeeding, such as positioning and attachment, expressing, common questions and concerns, and how to overcome them. You can find out more from your midwife

There are lots of groups and drop-ins, some specially designed for pregnant women who want to know more about breastfeeding. You can find out more by asking your midwife, health visitor, local peer supporter or GP. Or visit your local Children’s Centre.

Immediately after your baby is born

Having skin-to-skin contact with your baby straight after the birth will help to keep your body warm, calm your baby, and help with the first breastfeed.

Every pregnant woman makes milk for her baby, which is ready and available at birth. This milk is called colostrum and is sometimes a yellow colour. It's very concentrated, so your baby will only need a small amount at each feed (approximately a teaspoonful). Your baby may want to feed quite frequently, perhaps every hour. But they will begin to have longer feeds less often when your milk comes in, in a few days. The more you breastfeed the more milk you'll produce. The time between feeds will vary, and you and your baby will settle into a pattern, which may change from time to time.

How often will my baby feed?

All babies are different, and it may depend on the type of birth you've had. Your baby should feed within the first hour after birth to get off to a good start. Babies then sometimes have a sleep and will start to give you signs that they're ready for the next feed. These signs include:

• starting to move about as they wake up
• moving their head around
• finding something to suck, usually their fingers 

Building up your milk supply;

Around two to four days after birth you may notice that your breasts become fuller and warmer. This is often referred to as your milk ‘coming in’. Your milk will vary according to your baby’s needs. It will look thin compared with colostrum, but gets creamier as the feed goes on.

Each time your baby feeds, your body knows to make the next feed. The amount of milk you make will increase or decrease depending on how often your baby feeds. In the early days, ‘topping up’ with infant formula can decrease your milk supply.

Feed your baby as often as they want. This is called baby-led feeding (it's also known as 'on-demand'). Let your baby decide when they’ve had enough. It's not necessary to time the feeds. In the beginning, it can seem that you're doing nothing but feeding, but gradually, you and your baby will get into a pattern of feeding, and the amount of milk you produce will settle.

It's important to breastfeed at night because this is when you produce more hormones (PROLACTIN) to build up your milk supply. At night, your baby will be safest sleeping in a cot in the same room as you.

The let-down reflex;

Your baby’s sucking causes milk stored in your breasts to be squeezed down ducts towards your nipples. This is called the let-down reflex.

Some women get a tingling feeling, which can be quite strong. Others feel nothing at all. You'll see your baby respond, and their quick sucks will change to deep rhythmic swallows as the milk begins to flow. Babies often pause after the initial quick sucks while they wait for more milk to be delivered. If your baby seems to fall asleep before the deep swallowing stage check they’re effectively attached.

Sometimes you'll notice your milk flowing in response to your baby crying or when you have a warm bath or shower.

Leaking breast milk;

Sometimes, breast milk may leak unexpectedly from your nipples. Press your hand gently but firmly on your nipple when this happens. This usually helps very quickly. Wearing breast pads will stop your clothes becoming wet with breast mi

Positioning and attachment

Breastfeeding is a skill that needs to be learnt, and it can take time and practice to get the hang of it.

How to breastfeed

There are lots of different positions for breastfeeding. You just need to check the following points.

• Are you comfortable? It’s worth getting comfortable before a feed. Remember when you feed to relax your shoulders and arms. 
• Are your baby’s head and body in a straight line? If not, your baby might not be able to swallow easily.
• Are you holding your baby close to you, facing your breast? Support their neck, shoulders and back. They should be able to tilt their head back and swallow easily, and shouldn’t have to reach out to feed.
• Is your baby’s nose opposite your nipple? Your baby needs to get a big mouthful of breast from beneath the nipple. Placing your baby with their nose level with your nipple will allow them to reach up and attach to the breast well.

How should you attach your baby to your breast?

1. Hold your baby close to you with their nose level with the nipple.

2. Wait until your baby opens their mouth really wide with the tongue down. You can encourage them to do this by gently stroking their top lip.

3. Bring your baby on to your breast.

4. Your baby will tilt their head back and come to your breast chin first. They should take a large mouthful of breast. Your nipple should go towards the roof of their mouth.

How do you know that your baby is getting enough milk?

• Your baby will appear content and satisfied after most feeds.
• They should be healthy and gaining weight after the first two weeks.
• Your breasts and nipples should not be sore.
• After the first few days, your baby should have at least six wet nappies a day.
• After the first few days they should also pass at least two yellow stools every day. 

Is my baby getting enough milk?

All mums want to know that their baby is feeding well. When you first start breastfeeding, you may wonder if your baby is getting enough milk. There are clear signs that you can look out for. 

Signs that your baby is feeding well

• Your baby has a large mouthful of breast.
• Your baby's chin is touching your breast.
• It doesn't hurt you to feed (although the first few sucks may feel strong).
• If you can see the dark skin around your nipple, you should see more dark skin above your baby's top lip than below their bottom lip.
• Your baby's cheeks stay rounded during sucking.
• Your baby takes rhythmic, long sucks and swallows. It's normal for them to pause sometimes.
• Your baby finishes the feed and comes off the breast on their own.

Signs that your baby is getting enough milk

• Your baby will appear content and satisfied after most feeds.
• They should be gaining weight after the first two weeks.
• Your breasts and nipples should not be sore.
• In the first 48 hours, your baby is likely to have only two or three wet nappies.
• From day 5 onwards, wet nappies should start to become more frequent, with at least six wet nappies every 24 hours. 
• They should appear healthy and alert when they're awake

Posted in: BREAST FEEDING