A newborn baby should be given breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth.
If breast feed is given immediately after birth, it is shown to regularize baby’s temperature, increase breast milk output, soothes baby and also helps mother relieve the pain and stress of delivery.
The amount of breast milk is less in the first few days but the milk is thick and sufficient for the baby.
This thick initial milk (colostrum) is very rich in nutrients and immunoglobulins and so protects the baby from various diseases.
Always try to feed the baby in a sitting position.
For the first 5-7 days feed the baby every 2-3 hours, later on, you can feed when baby demands. Sometimes babies demand feeds frequently, but gradually the rhythm is set and you starts understanding baby’s demands.
Always burp the baby after feeding for 15-20 minutes.
• If you don’t burp properly then chances of spitting or throwing out milk increase significantly.
• Some babies despite proper burping throw out some milk, which is mostly harmless. To ensure, keep a watch on baby’s weight gain and urine output.
Correct attachment of baby at breast
Some positions to burp the baby
Advantages of breast feeding
For the mother
• Reduces the pain in stitches
• Reduces the chances of breast cancer
• Helps losing extra calories stored during pregnancy
For the baby
• Provides hygienic and sufficient milk supply
• Protects from infections and help build up immunity
• Protects from allergies and asthma
• Provides all essential vitamins and minerals
How do you know breast milk is enough for baby?
Who decides how many chapattis u eat in a day?? You or someone else…? In the same manner, the baby is best to judge of if your milk is sufficient for her or him.
We can ensure this by some signs like
• Passing urine 8 -10 times
• Gaining weight appropriately
• Sleeps 17-20 hours a day in the first month
How to increase milk production?
• The strongest stimulation of breast milk production is a baby’s suckle itself!!!!! The more you feed your baby, the more milk would be produced. The more you give him soothers or feeding bottle or even top milk with Katori and spoon, the milk production will reduce……
So as far as possible go for exclusive breastfeeding.
• Drink more water. Most of the milk is made of water with other nutrients. So if the mother is dehydrated then there would be less milk. A feeding mother should be drinking about 3-4 liters of water every day, may be even more in summers.
• Eat healthily. Eat fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains like Dalia, oats, pulses.
Another very important factor is the beliefs of mother and family regarding breastfeeding and child rearing. If mother believes she can breast feed her baby without any issues, then it is usually stress free period. But, if mother is very stressed and she does not get positive reinforcements from family then this period becomes very tiring and stressful.
Enjoy the moments you spend with your baby while feeding. They make your most treasured memories for life.