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After the miracle of birth comes the miracle of breastfeeding. Learn about the benefits and keys to success for giving your baby the ultimate natural food.
During pregnancy, a woman’s body prepares to make milk. Breasts expand, adding an extra one to one-and-a-half pounds on each side. The nipples enlarge and darken in color. The blood vessels in the breast also enlarge and become more visible. Once the baby is born and the placenta is delivered, hormonal changes signal the breasts to begin milk production. Each time the infant suckles at the breast or cries, hormones are activated that cause the breasts to release their milk to the baby. This is called the let-down reflex. These hormones also lead to the production of more breast milk. In this way, a mom’s breasts produce milk in response to her infant’s needs. Breastfeeding, also called nursing, is considered the best and most natural way to feed a baby.
You may have heard that “breast is best.” This refers to the many health benefits associated with breastfeeding. The benefits are so great that the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and World Health Organization recommend that women feed their infants only breast milk for the first four to six months of life. At six months, you may begin to supplement with food, but are encouraged to continue breastfeeding until after your baby’s first birthday.
So, what’s so great about breast milk? It’s easy on a baby’s tummy. All of its ingredients are easily digested by an infant’s young digestive system. It also provides enzymes, antibodies, and other factors that boost immunity. In fact, babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory infections, meningitis, allergies, asthma , sudden infant death syndrome , iron-deficiency anemia , and diabetes later in life. There is even research to suggest that people who were breastfed are less likely to become obese. In comparison, babies who are fed infant formulas are more likely to have infections and to be admitted to the hospital than babies who are fed breast milk. In addition, both mom and baby benefit from the bonding that occurs with skin to skin contact during breastfeeding.
Women who breastfeed return to their pre-pregnancy weight quicker than moms who don’t breastfeed. Nursing burns about 500 calories per day; this is even more than pregnancy, which demands an extra 300 calories daily. Breastfeeding also stimulates the uterus to contract back to its normal size, and reduces bleeding. There are long-term benefits as well. The risks of breast , uterine , and ovarian cancers , as well as hip fractures and osteoporosis are lower among women who breastfeed their babies.
Financially speaking, breast milk is free. The cost of formula and supplies can add up to $1,000 per year. Preparing formula also takes time which is precious in those early days. Breast milk is always available and requires no preparation. Formula, on the other hand, needs to be bought, made, put into bottles, warmed up, and properly stored.
Think of breastfeeding as a skill that needs to be learned and practiced. During pregnancy, take a class or read books on this new skill. To get off to a good start, follow these guidelines:
Breastfeeding Positions
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Like pregnancy and delivery, each woman’s experience with breastfeeding is different. Common concerns and difficulties include worry that your baby isn’t eating enough, planning for times away from your baby, sore nipples, and breast engorgement.
Instead of measuring the ounces going in, as you would with a baby drinking formula, breastfeeding moms count what’s coming out. In the first few days of life, your baby will have one to three wet diapers per day. From day four on, your baby should have five to six wet diapers and one to three dirty diapers every 24 hours. In addition, your pediatrician will weigh and measure your baby regularly. All babies lose weight after they are born. Normal weight gain is three to seven ounces per week. A breastfed baby should be back at birth weight by two weeks.
Many women continue breastfeeding when they return to work. You can pump your milk and store it for your baby’s caretaker to feed when you are away. Many employers will provide a clean, private place for you to pump during the work day. If you have difficulty pumping enough to store, another option is to supplement with formula. You can breastfeed the times you are with your baby, and use formula for times you are not there. You should still pump your breasts during the work day to relieve the pressure and maintain your milk supply.
If possible, wait two to three weeks before giving your baby a bottle. Since it is easier for a baby to get milk from a bottle than from your breast, she may develop a preference for the bottle. Also, your milk supply will decrease if you do not feed often. Allow at least two to three weeks to establish your milk supply before making changes.
The longer you are able to breastfeed your baby, the better. But also remember that any length of time is beneficial to your baby, even if it’s only a few weeks.
You can rent or buy a breast pump to help express your milk. Manual pumps cost about $50 and electrical pumps can cost $200 or more. The pricier versions include a carrying case and an insulated section for storing milk. Many hospitals have pumps for rent so ask your care providers when you deliver your baby.
Once pumped, breast milk can be stored in sterile glass or plastic containers in a refrigerator for up to 72 hours. In the freezer, it will keep for 6 months (if you have a deep freezer, milk will stay good for 12 months). Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator or under lukewarm running water. Do not leave breast milk at room temperature for a long time, expose it to very hot water, or put it in the microwave. Once thawed, milk can stay in the refrigerator for 24 hours. It cannot be refrozen.
Breastfeeding should not hurt. For the first week to ten days, you may have some tenderness at the beginning of a feeding. If this pain is severe, lasts throughout the feeding, or persists for more than a week, talk with your doctor or a lactation consultant. Sore nipples are most likely due to poor latching on. Steps to prevent or minimize nipple soreness include the following:
Breast engorgement normally occurs around the second to fifth day after birth when breasts produce large amounts of mature milk to replace colostrum. Your breasts will feel heavy, firm, and tender. As your baby feeds, and your milk supply gets in synch with your baby’s needs, your breasts will feel more comfortable. But if your baby doesn’t remove enough milk from your breasts, your breasts may feel hard, painful, and hot. The best way to resolve engorgement is to keep feeding. Breastfeed every two to three hours; if you miss a feeding, pump your breast. Avoid giving your baby formula for the first three to four weeks. Do not give your baby water unless your doctor advises you to.
Breastfeeding is a great way to get your baby’s life off to a healthful start. Take advantage of breastfeeding classes, lactation consultants, support groups, and other people who can help make breastfeeding a wonderful experience for you and your new baby.
References:
Breastfeeding. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamicmedical.com/dynamed.nsf?opendatabase (password protected). Accessed August 11, 2005.
Breast-Feeding: helpful hints for you. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000401/2103ph.html . Accessed August 11, 2005.
Breastfeeding. University of Michigan Health System. Available at: http://www.med.umich.edu/obgyn/smartmoms/newborn/breastfeeding/index.htm . Accessed August 11, 2005.
Breastfeeding. Womenshealth.gov website. Available at: http://www.4woman.gov/breastfeeding/ . Accessed August 11, 2005.
Breastfeeding vs. formula feeding. Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/food/infants/breast_bottle_feeding.html . Accessed August 11, 2005.
Feeding your newborn. Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/food/infants/feednewborn.html . Accessed August 11, 2005.
Infant nutrition. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy online. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual/section19/chapter256/256g.jsp#A019-256-0223 . Accessed August 11, 2005.
Postpartum breast engorgement. University of Michigan Health System. Available at: http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/pa/pa_engorgem_hhg.htm . Accessed August 12, 2005.
Tips for breastfeeding success. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20010915/991ph.html . Accessed August 11, 2005.
RESOURCES:
Breastfeeding
Womenshealth.gov
http://www.4woman.gov
International Lactation Consultant Association
http://www.ilca.org
Kids Health: Food and Nutrition
Nemours Foundation
http://www.kidshealth.org
La Leche League International
http://www.lalecheleague.org
Smart Moms
University of Michigan Health System
http://www.med.umich.edu
Last reviewed May 2007 by Jeff Andrews, MD, FRCSC, FACOG
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.