BREASTFEEDING, It's Easy If You Do It Smart. %%Esslearning%

Breastfeeding is the most complicated part for new parents. Many parents really worry related to breastfeed their child. They have many questions regarding breastfeeding. How to do breastfeeding?
Can we store milk? How to care for the breast? And Which is a balanced diet regarding breastmilk, or many more... Which we are going to cover today in this post.

ONCE PARENTS ARE REASSURED their newborn is normal and everything is good working order. The major concern becomes feeding their baby. Actually, it's a lot simpler than seems to be indicated by the length of this post! For at least the first four months, there are only two choices, breast milk or formula. All the export agree that breast milk is the best for the babies.

•  If you decide not to breastfeed your baby or must stop for some reason, commercial infant formula is an acceptable alternative. Its composition is designed to be as close as possible to breastfeed milk and it has been processed so it's more digestible and less likely to cause allergies then cows milk.

•  Solid food or juice is not recommended for the baby before at least 4-month-old, Preferably 6 months. Solid puts more strain on the baby's digestive system and may make him more susceptible to food allergies and they WON'T help him sleep through the night!

Now whether you breastfeed or formula feeds your baby you are the most important thing to keep mind. EACH BABY IS AN INDIVIDUAL... especially when it comes to eating! Some newborns might take light longer than others to work upon appetite. And just like older children and adults, they don't always feel like eating the same amount every day. So relax and don't compare your baby's eating habits with those of his siblings are the baby next door!

Breastfeeding your baby.

Breastfeeding.

THE "LETDOWN REFLEX".

 The best place to begin is by understanding how your breast produces milk. During pregnancy, your breast has become two or three times heavier as the milk gland increase. These grape-like clusters are where the milk is produced. The milk then drains into ducts that empty into milk reservoirs or sinuses that lie beneath the areola ( the pigmented area surrounding the nipples). There are between 15 and 20 openings. When the baby begins to nurse, this is what happens:-

1.  Nerves within the nipples are stimulated and a message is sent to the brain's pituitary gland.
2. A  hormone Oxytocin has released that contract the tissue around the milk glands. Another hormone Prolactin that stimulates the glands to produce milk is also released.
3.  The milk drains into the sinuses and out through the opening of in the nipples.

The whole process takes two or three minutes. It's called the "letdown reflex". You will usually feel your breast become full and the around area the areolas and nipples will tingle. Some mothers never have this feeling, even though they are"letting down". This reflex can also be inhabited by pain, emotional stress, or extreme fatigue. That why it is important to still relax and get as much rest as possible.

         Once breastfeeding is established, the "letdown reflex" can occur in response to other stimuli. Such as hearing any infant cry, the sight of another baby, or during intercourse. Mothers who are away from their babies often claim they have a sixth sense when their babies are crying and will “let down”. What’s happening is that the baby and the mother are on the same internal “timer” that signals a feeding.

TYPES OF BREAST MILK FOR BREASTFEEDING...

           The first milk that you produce is called colostrum. It is thick, yellow, and rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, and immunities that help prevent infections. Colostrum even though it looks creamy, is low in fat than formulas. One reason breastfeeds babies tend to lose a little weight after birth. It also helps the Infant pass his first Stools called Meconium. Also, Research indicated that the Soneer meconium is out of Baby's system, the less chance of developing jaundice.

      After the 15th-day transition milk is produced, which has more calories. Somewhere around the 15th day, mature milk starts to come in. Don't worry if it appears to be thin, with the bluish tinge. It is rich in all nutrients your baby needs.

Getting started BREASTFEEDING...

     for countless generations when the baby was born at home, they were put to the Mother's breast soon after delivery. Then as hospitals became the norm, a series of Routine procedures tended to separate the mother and baby for the first few hours. However current research has shown the advantages of early nursing and it's become common practice in many hospitals to allow babies to breastfeed as soon as possible after delivery.

     Your baby is born with the sucking reflex and its strongest in the first hour during the baby's quiet alert stage. Then it's normal for a baby to go into a sleepy stage without much interest in eating for a while. He may not have gotten much during this feeding first feeding, but at least he has the idea of where to find his food supply!

This early nursing also helps! Your baby's sucking or even licking the nipples helps to stimulate the release of the hormones that produce colostrum. One of the hormones Oxytocin also causes uterine contractions. This can lessen Postpartum bleeding and it gets your uterus back into its non-pregnant state more quickly. As you know you can actually feel your uterus is contracting. The strange sensation that may be a little uncomfortable but it's another example of how well the whole system is designed.

       But what if you have to deliver your baby through Cesarean Section... how soon can you nurse?  If you have had an epidural for spinal anesthetics, your baby can be put to your breasts after delivery. With general anesthetics, you must wait until the effect has worn off and then help me be needed in holding your baby. Most pain medication that is prescribed after delivery will not affect a baby through breast milk.

Now, to get you started, here are La Leche league's recommendations on basic breastfeeding technique that are based on the latest research:-

Breastfeeding.

 1) Wash your hands with soap and water but not your breast-

Too much washing can cause your nipple to dry and Crack.

 2) Position yourself so you are most comfortable-

Pain and tension can inhibit letdown. Sitting up in bed or in a rocking chair is usually the easiest, with plenty of pillows to support your back and the arm that is holding the baby. It helps to put your feet up on something or rest them on the footstool.

• Don't nurse your baby in hunched over position- you are back will start to protest.
• If you cannot sit up, you can nurse while lying on your side - place a pillow behind your back.

3) It's very important to position your baby properly.

The pillow in your lap should raise him to the level of your breast. Nestle him in your arms so that his neck rests in the bend of your elbow. His back is a long your forearm and his buttocks are in your hand. Turn your baby's entire body so he is facing you. Tuck his lower arm between him and your midriff close to your body. This is called the 'cradle hold'.

•  your baby should not have to turn his head or strain his neck to reach the Nipples. It should be right in front of his mouth.
• Don't allow his neck to tilt backward- milk could be forced into his middle ear.

4) Cup your breast with the other hand supporting it with your fingers underneath and your thumb on top.

This helper a newborn who has not a strong enough suction to hold the breast in his mouth by himself.

• Your fingers should not be touching the areola. This prevents the baby from placing his Jaws on the areola.

5) Tease the baby's mouth open by gently tickling his lips with your nipples. You can also tempt him by expressing a little milk to moisten the nipple.

• Don't mash the baby's lips- he may not recognize the signal.
• don't touch the baby's cheek or side of the head to push him towards the nipples. Babies have a rooting reflex that causes them to turn towards any touch- in this, it would be away from the Nipples.

6) Here comes the most important part!

As soon as your baby opens his mouth wide, like a baby bird, center the nipple and quickly pull him. In closed underarm that's holding him. This way he will latch on to the Aeola where the milk sinuses are. The tip of the nose should touch your breast. Don't worry that he won't be able to breathe. He will get air from the sides of his nose or if your breast is very full you can use your thumb and presently on the breast to uncover his nose.

• Don't worry about getting all the areola in his mouth. If it's a large area this won't be possible.
• Don't allow the baby to let on only your to your nipple. Not only won't he be getting enough Milk but you are likely to get sore nipples. If this happens remove him and try again.
• Make sure he is not pulling in his lower lips as he sucks. If he gently pulls out his left after he begins to nurse.
• If your breast is so engorged with milk that the baby can't get a proper hold on Aeorla, hand Expresses a little milk so the area becomes softer.

7) To remove the baby from the nipple, break the suctions by placing your little finger in the corner of his mouth.

• Don't pull him off-- that hurts the nipples!

8) Give him a chance to burp, although babies don't always need to.

It's ok to wake him up if he is sleepy and then switches to the other breast. At each feeding, you should always start with the alternate breast. That way each breast has the opportunity to be completely emptied at least every mother feeding. This is important in preventing infections.

HOW OFTEN {BREASTFEED}

                Breastfeeding follows the basic principle of SUPPLY AND DEMAND. In the beginning, your body does not know much milk for baby needs. But the more often your baby nurses, the more milk you will produce. The less often you nurse the less milk. Since breastfeed milk is produced almost continuously, you don't have to wait for your breasts to fill up.

      When your milk supply is been established, the most important thing is to feed your baby whenever he's hungry. That means "demand feeding", not trying to follow any schedule. Breast milk is digested more quickly than the formula so most newborn needs to nurse at least every 2 hours 3 hours... some even more frequently. Don't be tempted into having someone else to give a relief bottle of formula during this time. Not only can it confused your baby, but he may not be hungry enough at the next feeding. You may have to become an expert at catnaps, but try to remember that your baby will eventually settle down to longer intervals.

 HOW LONG TO BREASTFEED...

           In the first few days, some doctors recommend limiting the amount of time on baby nurses at each feeding in order to prevent sore nipples. However other doctors and the La Leche league feel this isn't necessary if the baby is not nursing properly. Since it may take two or three minutes for the milk to let down, a baby should be allowed at first to knows to nurse about ten minutes on each breast. The time can be lengthened to 10 minutes on each first breast and 20 minutes on the second. A full feeding usually takes about a half-hour.

      If you are baby starts to lose interest before feeding its finish you may perk up his appetite by switching back and forth between breasts. However, some baby becomes real pros and can efficiently take in enough milk with only 5 minutes of nursing for breast.

HOW MUCH MILK...

Its natural for a new mother to wonder "Is my baby getting enough milk"? After all, there is no weight you can measure the ounces as the baby-nurses. According to the La Leche League here are the signs that should reassure you:-

• Your baby has 6 to 8 really wet diapers per day and is receiving nothing but breast milk ...no supplemental bottle of water. {Disposable diapers often do not feel as wet as cloth diapers}.
• Your baby is gaining weight at an average of 4 to 7 ounces a week. Remember that it's normal for breastfeeding babies to lose a little weight in the first week. Some babies might take three or four weeks to regain their weight.
• Your baby appears healthy, with good color and resilient skin {not loose}. He is also alert and active with good muscle tone.

CARING FOR YOUR BREASTS...

 Another advantage of breastfeeding is that you don't have to boil the nipples... thank goodness!

While no one would go that far, some women feel that it's necessary to thoroughly wash their breast with soap and water before each feeding. Not only it is unnecessary{an anti-bacterial substances is secreted with breast milk} but these frequent washing can cause the nipple to dry and Crack. Then feeding really can be painful! You can gently wipe your breast with a damp washcloth or cotton balls after feeding, but one daily washing with plain water is sufficient.

        To prevent cracking and Soreness the best treatment is to leave your nipples exposed to the air after each feeding and till they are completely dry. A nursing bra makes it easy to leave the flap down and it provides good support but makes sure it is not too tight. Cream on the breast is usually not necessary and the process of removing it before the feeding can be tough on the nipples. If you are doctor recommended and ointment like A and D apply it lightly so it has time to be observed before the next feeding some babies are fussy about flavored milk.

       It's common for the breast to become engorged 2 to 4 days after delivery or if a feeding is missed. The breast feels hard heavy and maybe painful. Your baby may also have difficulty latching on properly. You can get relief by expressing milk, on massaging the breast while taking of warm shower. During nursing, you can help your baby empty your breast more completely by massaging the breast in a circular motion. this is important in preventing mastitis or infection in the breast. If an area becomes so warm or there is redness call your doctor right away.

 HAND EXPRESSING MILK...

 It may take a little practice, but it's important for the nursing mother to be able to express some milk by hand especially if the breast is so engorged that the baby can't let on properly. The Basic technique is really quite easy:-
1) Cup your breast in your hand with your thumb above, fingers below, supporting the breast.

2) Push back towards the chest wall while squeezing your thumb and fingers together rhythmically just behind the areola. do not slide your finger along the skin.

3) Rotate your hand around the breast in order to reach all the milk ducts, it should take about 3 to 5 minutes. If you are expressing to relieve and engorgement before feeding, only do it until the areola is soft enough for the baby to grasp.

4) Switch to the other breast and repeat.

          If you want to save the milk for the later feeding make sure your hands are clean and the milk is expressed in a sterile plastic container. ( Plastic is better than glass container for collection and feeding since the cell in breast milk that protects against infection tends to cling to the side of glass jars they never get to your baby.) The milk should then be refrigerated immediately.

      Once your baby becomes an old pro at breastfeeding usually by 3 or 4 weeks and the occasional bottle is not likely to confuse him. It will certainly give you a well-deserved chance to catch up on sleep or have an afternoon off. Also, this is the time father or older sibling can get in on the fun of feeding the baby.  A bottle has the best chance of being accepted if it's given by someone other than the mother.

STORING BREAST MILK...

 If you must be separated from your baby for any time or you return to work you can express milk regularly. That way you can continue breastfeeding and your baby can benefit from all the advantages of breastmilk. Fortunately, it can be stored quite well up to the 48 hours in the refrigerator. 2 weeks in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator for up to two years in a separate freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember to label each batch of milk with a date and time.

BREASTFEEDING, It's Easy If You Do It Smart. Storing breast milk.

Here other some other tips:-

•  After expressing your milk into a sterile plastic container, transfer into sterilized baby bottles or plastic nursery bags.
• Uses separate sterile containers to refrigerate the milk each time you Express. These cooled batches can then be combined for feeding or freezing.
• Freeze the milk in a small amount for 2 to 4 ounces so there's less chance of waste. Allowed room for expansion.
• When freezing in plastic nurser bags use them double to avoid tearing. Squeeze out the air roll down to 1 inch above the milk and fasten well. Store the bags in a box or bag design for long-term freezer storage.
• Once breast milk is defrosted never refreeze it.
• Refrigerated or thawed breastmilk will separate. So Shake it gently before giving it to your baby.

THE FATHERS ROLE IN BREASTFEEDING...

Father's role in breastfeeding.

 There is obviously no way that a father can be directly involved. When an infant is breastfed, so there is no reason for him to feel guilty about the amount of the mother's time that's required for feeding. And even though it's not also normal for the father to feel a little left out of this close relationship between the mother and their baby. That is known during these early weeks when so much of mothers' energy is concentrated on nursing the father's support and help is really necessary.

        In the first place, it's so important to recognize all the time and energy new mothers spend with a baby and to give her loving reassurance and understanding. Think of it this way a baby needs to be fed with lots more than just milk babies need hugs kisses words even music and fathers adjust capable of giving this as mothers. When you do enough little things it really adds up both for the baby and for the father.

       Of course there can be a fine line between encouraging a father to be involved( that includes not been critical of the way he burps or bathes the baby and putting on more demand than. He can handle it.
        On the other hand, giving an occasional supplemental bottle can allow the mother of you are of well needed uninterrupted sleep. The most important thing is for both parents to communicate with each other how they feel and the work out the best way to make these last few weeks as relax as possible it's a very special time and it should be enjoyed.

  SAFE BREAST MILK...

 You must also be aware that your breast milk will reflect many other things besides the nutrients in your diet. Almost every drug that you take prescription or over the counter will transfer into your milk. So you must check with your doctor before taking any medication you are some other things to watch out for...

•  Alcohol___ Research is being done on the effect of alcohol. And the general opinion is that a moderate amount of one drink or glass of wine or beer a day is harmless to an infant. keep in mind that the concentration of alcohol in your milk will be nearly as much as the concentration in your blood.
• Caffeine___ This is present in coffee tea chocolate and many soft drinks. Its level is the same in breast milk as in The mother's system and may accumulate in the baby's blood. There is controversy over what level is harmful to an infant so it's best to keep your caffeine intake as low as possible.

•  Nicotine___ Although the amount of nicotine in the breast milk of moderate smokers has not been shown to be harmful to infants. Nicotine can reduce the amount of milk production. So the recommendation is don't smoke.
•  Environmental Contaminants___ There has been concerned about the level of the chemical PCB and insecticides in breast milk.

 The American Academy of Pediatrics states that most women have little to fear. If you have worked directly with toxic chemicals. Or have it in a large amount of fish taken from contaminated water. All live in an area where there is a continuously high level of pollutants. you can have your breast milk tested.

PRODUCING NUTRITIOUS BREASTMILK...

 The quantity and quality of your breast milk depend on your eating. A balanced diet of healthy foods it's basically the same requirement as to when you were pregnant this is not the time for a crash diet. Here or daily recommendations:---

A nutritious diet for producing breastmilk.

1.  Five serving of the milk group __milk, cheese yogurt, etc for calcium.
2.  4 servings of protein foods. If you are vegetarian you must combined foods carefully so you are eating complete protein.
3. Four more servings of vegetables and fruits including at least one citrus fruit. Vitamin C and at least one serving of a Yellow or green vegetable or fruit vitamin A.
4. To produce enough milk your total fluid intake should be 2 to 3 quarts of milk, juice, or water, not soda with just fill up you with empty calories and often contain caffeine.
5. Four servings of whole green or enriched bread and cereals.

• Continue taking your prenatal vitamins and minerals supplements but don't consider it as a substitute for a good diet. Also don't take a large number of other supplements they can be toxic to your baby.
•  If you are strict vegetarian no milk or eggs you will produce milk this that is deficient in vitamin and you should take the supplement under your doctor's direction.

Overview-

In this post, I gave you detailed information related to breastfeeding. The types of breastmilk during breastfeeding. How can you store your milk for Breastfeeding? Hand expressing breastmilk for breastfeeding. Father's role, etc all information related to breastfeeding.