Breast Feeding

The first time you hold your newborn in the delivery room is a great time to start breastfeeding. You have the best nutrition your baby can ever have in the right quantity. It has water, high protein content and lactose in first few days (colostrum) and after few days the sugar content increases. It is important to give baby the colostrum, for developing a strong immune system. It has all the essential nutrients for growth and development, antibodies that will protect your baby from infections like diarrhea, pneumonia, and allergies.

Breastfeeding is the most natural and healthiest way to feed your baby, but it is not always easy or simple. Many new moms struggle, if you are struggling with breastfeeding, don’t wait too long to ask for help. Here is some information to guide you:

Beware of these common Misconceptions:

I need to supplement with formula. My baby was born via C-section so my milk is less. 

• No! and No! Mother has all the milk a baby needs. The way your baby was born doesn’tmatter at all.I

I didn’t eat anything today or yesterday so I don’t have milk. 

• It doesn’t matter. Not eating even for several days will not affect your milk supply as long as you’re well hydrated. 

My milk still didn’t come after delivery.

• Your milk is there whether you can squeeze few drops out or not. Do not squeeze your nipples to see the milk. You will only hurt yourself. Your milk is in the breast. 

My baby is not taking my breast so I will wait few days and then I will try again. 

• The longer you will wait the harder it will get as your baby will get used to the feeder and will refuse your breast even stronger. 

I have fever/flu/ stomach upset/loose motion or other infection so I have to stop breastfeeding otherwise it will make the baby sick too. 

• No! The exact opposite will happen. You will protect your baby. When you get sick, your body makes antibodies to fight the infection. These antibodies are transferred through breast milk to your baby. You will make sure your baby will not get sick. 

I should not eat egg, meat, nuts, since my baby will have jaundice and eating lentils might cause colic.

• No! it will not have any effect.

Hepatitis B/C patients cannot breast-feed their babies

• No, they can, once their babies have been vaccinated. 

I cannot drink cold water, as it will make the baby sick.

• No! The temperature of the food you eat or the drinks you drink have no effect on your baby’s health. 

Drinking too much water will make my belly big. 

• No! All the fluids that you will drink will be excreted in urine. No water stays in your belly to make grow. 

 HOW TO START BREAST FEEDING?

Get yourself in a comfortable position. You may sit, you may lay down, you may recline. There is no right or wrong position. Turn your baby’s whole body toward you, chest to chest or tummy to tummy. Baby must be facing you. Touch your baby’s upper lip with your nipple, and,when it opens mouth wide, push it  onto your breast, holding your breast for support. Baby’s mouth should cover not only the nipple but as much of the areola (the darker part surrounding it) as possible. Don’t worry if your newborn seems to have trouble finding or staying on your nipple. Do not push your nipple into baby’s mouth. This will result in a bad and painful latch. You baby must take the breast. Breastfeeding requires patience and lots of practice. 

Probably suckling on the nipple only which hurts throughout the feeding and baby is not getting satisfied even after a prolonged feeding. You need to correct the latch to help you heal and to feed your baby more efficiently. 

Once you get started, remember that nursing shouldn’t be painful. Pay attention to how your breasts feel when your baby latches on. Baby’s mouth should cover a big part of the areola below the nipple, and your nipple should be far back in your baby’s mouth. If the latch hurtss, break the suction (by inserting your little finger between your baby’s gums and your breast) and try again. Once your baby latches on properly, it will do the rest. Suffering through a painful feeding will result in your nipples cracked and very painful. Also, your baby will not be able to feed efficiently if suckling only on the nipple. 

How often should you nurse?

The more you nurse, the more milk you’ll produce. Nursing eight to 12 times every 24 hours is pretty much on target with baby’s needs. Rather than nursing according to a rigid schedule, you should nurse your newborn whenever it shows early signs of hungerr, such as increased alertness or activity, mouthing, or rooting around for your nipple. Crying is a late sign of hunger – ideally, you should start feeding your baby before it starts crying.

During the first few days, you may have to gently wake your baby to begin nursing, and she may fall asleep again mid-feeding. (To keep your baby awake during feedings, you may want to  remove a layer of clothing.) To make sure your baby’s eating often enough, wake him up if it’s been four hours since your last nursing session.

What you should eat and drink?

A normal healthy diet is all you need while you’re nursing. There is nothing that you need to avoid or overdo eating while breastfeeding your baby. 

However, you will need to drink at least 15 glasses (3 to 4 liters)of water or other fluids ,to remain well hydrated. Always have a water bottle with you, especially at the time of breastfeeding since you will feel thirsty then. Whether you choose to drink icy cold water or hot chocolate, the temperature of the drink or food you take does not affect you or the baby. 

Many moms feel hungrier while breastfeeding, which makes sense – your body is working around the clock to make breast milk for your baby. Eating small meals with healthy snacks in between is a good way to keep your hunger in check and your energy level high.

How to heal dry, sore and crack nipples?

Your nipples will feel a bit dry and sensitive the first 7-10 days after delivery. This is normal. Sore and cracked nipples are a result of improper latch. Your baby is most Probably suckling on the nipple only, which hurts throughout the feeding and baby, is not getting satisfied even after a prolonged feeding. You need to correct the latch to help you heel and to feed your baby more efficiently.

After each feeding, express few drops of you own milk and let it air dry on your nipples. This is the best medicine to prevent dryness, irritation and infection. 

You can also start using a nipple cream from the start to prevent or minimize the dryness. Make sure to buy a cream that is safe for the baby and does not need to be washed (eg. Bepanthen ointment).

 Clean the mouth of baby, at least thrice, with your little finger. If needed, sometimes an oral anti fungal drops are given to baby for few days .

Breast Care and Hygiene

You do not need to wash your breast before or after feeding. A regular shower is all you need to keep clean. Avoid using soap during showers, which further aggravate dryness and irritation. 

Lactation Consultant is a breastfeeding specialist who helps mothers and babies work together.

Dr. Ayesha Azam Khan