Breast Feeding

Breast feeding is the most normal and natural way to supply the nutritional, immunological and emotional support necessary for the growth and development of a baby.

The prevalence of breastfeeding in the United States varies. In certain parts of the country and among certain socio-economic groups we can find high rates of breastfeeding being used exclusively, and high rates of the introduction of breastfeeding.

The health goals for the United States in the year 2010 is that 75% of women will be breastfeeding their babies when they leave the hospital and that 50% will be breastfeeding their babies at the age of 6 months. This goal was established so that more children and mothers may benefit from breastfeeding.

Due to the protective substances found in human milk, the children who drink mothers' milk have a lower risk of having the following medical problems:

  • Ear infections (otitis media)
  • Allergies
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Pneumonia, whistling, and bronchitis
  • meningitis

Research also suggests that breast feeding may help to protect against crib death, also known as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Other reasons why mothers' milk is good for your baby are:

  • It is easier for babies to digest.
  • No preparation is necessary.
  • It is free.

Breastfeeding also offers physical contact and human warmth, which help to create a special relationship between a mother and her baby.

here are also benefits for the mother who breastfeeds. These are:

  • It helps her to lose weight and return more rapidly to her pre-pregnancy weight.
  • It strengthens bones to protect them from fractures in later years.
  • It delays menstruation after giving birth, which may extend the time between one pregnancy and the next. (Remember, breastfeeding does not prevent pregnancy)
  • It helps the uterus to return to its normal size more rapidly.

The first drink of milk

Immediately after the delivery or cesarean, your baby should be placed on your breast or stomach so that its skin comes into contact with your skin. The first swallow of mothers' milk should be between the first 30 minutes to one hour after birth. The protection against infection supplied by mothers' milk is important immediately after birth. Your milk gives your baby the nutrients necessary to prevent a low level of sugar in the blood.

If you have given birth vaginally, you may breastfeed in the bed or in a chair in the following manner:

  • Rest on the side of your body with your baby turned toward you.
  • Arrange your baby as if sleeping in your arms, with its head situated in the bend of your arm.
  • Offer firm support to the back and hips of the baby. When feeding your baby in this way, be sure that the child's body is turned toward you, not toward the ceiling.

If you have had a cesarean, you may breastfeed in the following manner:

  • Sit up using one or two pillows to support your baby and to protect the incision.
  • Rest your baby on its side with your baby turned toward you.
  • Use the technique as if you were holding a ball as in American football.

Taking the Breast

If you touch the center of your baby's lips with your breast, your baby will open his/her mouth. This reflex allows you to move your baby to the nipple and areola of your breast. Your baby's lips and gums must position themselves around the areola and not directly on the nipple. This is very important so that the baby's mouth remains completely open.

You can help your baby to take your breast, with your other hand if you place your fingers below your breast and rest your thumb above. Be sure that your baby is in the correct position in relation to your breast and that your fingers are behind the areola so that they do not interfere with feeding your baby.

When your baby breastfeeds for the first time, you will feel the way in which your baby sucks at your breast. If this hurts or bothers you, it could be that your baby has not taken your breast correctly. Remove your baby from your breast by placing a finger in the corner or the baby's mouth, reposition your baby, and try again. You may have to try several times before your baby takes your breast correctly.

Your nipples should not hurt while breastfeeding. If they hurt, your baby is not breastfeeding in the proper fashion.  If you have problems beginning breastfeeding, ask your pediatrician or nurse for help.  If you have problems beginning breastfeeding, ask your pediatrician or nurse for help.

How to care for your breasts

On the third or fourth day of lactation, your milk will change from colostrums to what appears to be non-fat milk. Your breasts will also become firmer. If your nipples drip, use a breast pad or fold a handkerchief to place in your nursing bra. Be sure to change it frequently. Do not use plastic pads, as these prevent air from circulating around your nipples.

When your baby is not nursing, dry your nipples. Drying them helps to prevent irritation. You may also apply colostrums from you own breast or lanolin to your nipples so that they do not dry out.

How often should I breastfeed my baby?

Babies that breastfeed nurse more frequently that those that are nourished by formula. The main reason for this is that their stomachs empty more rapidly because mothers' milk is easier to digest.

Initially, your baby will probably nurse every 2 hours, both day and night. At the end of the first month, your baby may begin to sleep during the night. Instead of watching the clock, learn to observe your baby to see if it is hungry.

When your baby is hungry, he or she will do any or a combination of the following things. He or she will:

  • Look for your breast.
  • Open his/her mouth.
  • Make sucking movements or place a hand in his/her mouth.
  • Cry.

If your baby does not want you to feed him/her, try to waken him/her if more than 3 or 4 hours have passed since the last feeding. If this persists and your baby sleeps when it is time to eat, call your pediatrician or nurse.

 Print