It takes practice to get used to the idea of breastfeeding.
Many mothers worry about how well and how much their baby is eating, especially in the first few days. But once you get to know it, you’ll probably discover that it’s the simplest and most enjoyable way to feed your child.
In addition to providing nutrition, breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and child by fostering comfort and confidence, which promotes better cognitive and physical growth.
We’re here to offer plenty of breastfeeding-related guides and information.
Breastfeeding benefits for the baby
The World Health Organization recommends initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth. You should breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first 6 months, after six months introduce complementary foods and continue breastfeeding for up to 2 years or longer. Breastfeeding benefits for your baby include:
Provision of ideal nutrition for your baby
Breast milk contains all the nutrients your baby needs for the first six months after birth. The nutrients are in the right proportions and can change according to the baby’s changing needs mostly in the first few months of life.
The breasts produce a viscous, yellowish fluid known as colostrum in the early days after delivery. It contains a lot of beneficial components and low in sugar and is rich in protein. It’s an extraordinary food that cannot be substituted by infant formula.
Colostrum aids in the maturation of a newborn’s developing digestive system. As the baby’s stomach expands in the initial days, the breasts increase milk production accordingly.
Breast Milk contains important antibodies
Breast milk is packed with antibodies, especially in the early months. This is essential for fighting off bacteria and viruses.
Colostrum or first milk particularly contains high levels of several protective factors that have anti-infective action, including enzymes (lysozyme, lactoferrin, etc.), immunoglobulins, leukocytes, oligosaccharides, nucleotides, lipids, hormones, complement system elements, and others that interact with the mucous membranes of infants’ digestive and upper respiratory tracts, providing passive defense as well as stimulation for the development and maturation of the immune system.
Some antibacterial properties shared by colostrum and milk include resistance to digestion enzyme breakdown, protection of mucosal surfaces, and bacterial eradication without inducing inflammatory responses. The presence of numerous bioactive substances with anti-inflammatory and multifunctional capabilities in breast milk provides substantial evidence in favor of the advice for exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life.
Breast milk protects against infections
Research shows that exclusively breastfed babies are better protected from a variety of infections. Breast milk can reduce the risk of death from diarrhea.
Babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of developing asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Babies who are breastfed are also less likely to get stomach illnesses and ear infections.
Breastfeeding promotes healthy weight gain
Lactating helps in better weight gain and aids in the prevention of childhood obesity.
According to research, if a mother breastfed her baby for more than four months, her baby’s risk of being overweight and obese was significantly lower.
This might be brought on by the diversification of gut microorganisms. Beneficial gut bacteria are most prevalent in breastfed babies, which may have an impact on how fat is reserved.
In comparison to infants fed with infant formula, breastfed babies exhibit elevated levels of leptin in their bodies. Leptin plays a vital role in appetite regulation and the storage of fat.
Breastfed babies naturally regulate their milk intake, stopping when they are satisfied. This supports the development of healthy eating habits as they learn to eat until they feel full.
Mothers can breastfeed anywhere, anytime
Mothers may feed their babies on the go without having to mix formula or prepare bottles. Infants whose regular schedule is disrupted may find comfort in breastfeeding when traveling.
Breastfeeding benefits to the mother
Mothers benefit from breastfeeding in various ways which include:
Breastfeeding helps in uterus contraction
Throughout pregnancy, the uterus undergoes substantial expansion, transitioning from the dimensions of a pear to nearly filling the entirety of the abdomen.
After childbirth, the uterus undergoes a process of evolution that facilitates its return to its pre-pregnancy size. Hormone oxytocin aids this procedure, which rises during pregnancy.
Your body releases a lot of oxytocin during labor to help with delivery and reduce bleeding. Additionally, it can create a bond between you and your newborn baby.
During breastfeeding, oxytocin levels also rise. It enhances uterine contractions and reduces bleeding, thereby assisting the uterus in regaining its original size.
Research also indicates that breastfeeding mothers undergo reduced postpartum blood loss and faster completion of uterine involution.
Increase emotional and physical bonding
Breastfeeding is a special and unique method to feel a connection to your baby. According to some researchers, breastfeeding fosters a relationship that may help prevent social and behavioral issues in both toddlers and adults.
Breastfeeding helps in weight loss
While some women appear to put on weight while breastfeeding, others appear to lose without any effort.
In comparison to non-lactating women, breastfeeding does burn more calories, and after three months of lactation, you’ll probably see an increase in fat burning. Although there isn’t much of a difference.
Benefits of skin-to-skin contact
- It relaxes and calms you as well as your infant.
- Skin-to-skin contact controls your baby’s respiration, heart rate, and body temperature.
- It promotes appetite and digestive function.
- It contributes to infection prevention.
Tips and ways to promote effective breastfeeding
Although newborns are born with a natural reflex to reach for their mothers’ breasts, many moms require assistance in properly positioning their infants for nursing and proper attachment. Both mothers and newborns need to practice lactating until they get it right.
Breastfeeding tips
Good latch signs
- A comfortable and painless experience.
- Above your baby’s mouth, there is more areola than below.
- Your infant’s mouth should be wide open.
- The lower lip turned out.
- The baby’s chin should be close to or touching your breast.
Signs of good positioning
- The infant’s head and body should be in line. It is difficult for a baby to suckle and swallow while in a bent position.
- You should hold your baby close to you. If a baby is distant from the breast, it cannot latch on properly.
- Your arm should be supporting the entire body of your infant. This is especially crucial for newborns and young babies. For older babies supporting the upper torso is enough.
- Your baby approaches the breast nose to the nipple so that it comes to your breast from underneath the nipple.
Signs of effective suckling
- Your infant suckles slowly and deeply, pausing occasionally.
- After one or two suckles, you might be able to see or hear your baby swallowing.
- You don’t experience any pain while sucking.
- Your infant finishes the feeding, lets off of the breast, and displays a relaxed and content expression.
- After the feed, your breasts feel softer.
Breastfeeding has positive impacts on growth, development, and anti-infective resistance from infancy to maturity. In addition to providing the newborn with the proper nutritional composition, breastfeeding fosters a remarkable immunological bond between the mother and the child.
Treasure this precious time you have to feed and bond with your child. Also, keep in mind that breastfeeding takes practice. Always be patient with yourself and ask for assistance from your doctor if you need it.