Baby Breastfeeding | Breastmilk

BREAST FEEDING and BREAST MILK

Breast feeding is the best choice when it comes to feeding your baby. Not only does breast milk provide the best possible nourishment for your baby, but breast feeding is good for both of you. Breast feeding helps the two of you to bond, as well as helping your uterus to contract more quickly and aiding weight loss.

Breast milk is easily digested and helps protect babies from some infections, diarrhea, earaches and fever. It can also delay the development of some allergies, but not prevent them. The world health organization (WHO) recommends that babies be breastfed until at least one year old.

Breast Feeding Step by Step

1. Get into position

A firm backed chair, and cushions or pillows, will provide good support. Your baby may be resting on your forearm, so make sure your elbows are supported, with feet flat on the floor. A cushion under your baby to lift him up to your breast will take the weight off your arm. If you have to bend forward for your nipple to reach his mouth, your baby may not be able to feed correctly. Try not to lean back either, in case the nipple is pulled away from his mouth. Hold your baby diagonally across your body with his chest against yours and his head higher than his body. Keeping his head, neck and shoulders in a straight line, line up his nose with your nipple so that, as he latches on, his head will tilt back slightly and his mouth will be level with your nipple as he feeds.

2. Get him interested

Most baby will instinctively search out the nipple when they're hungry. This is known as the rooting reflex. However, if he's a bit slow, you can encourage your baby by rubbing your nipple over his check, he'll turn instinctively to face the touch. Once he's heading for the nipple, don't touch his check with your finger as it will only confuse him. Tip: if your nipple is soft and small and your baby finds it hard to locate, try firming it with a cold wet cloth or an ice cube.

3. Latch him on

'Latching on' is the phrase given to the way your baby attaches to your breast. If your baby latches on correctly, that is, positions his mouth correctly around your breast, it will stimulate your milk supply, ensuring that your baby gets enough and that you don't get sore and cracked nipples. When you first offer your breast to your baby, make sure he opens his mouth wide and closes it around the areola (the dark area around the nipple), taking a good mouthful of breast as he does. Remember, move your baby onto your breast, don't lean forward to give him the nipple.

4. Check his position

Your baby's mouth should be open wide because his tongue and jaw muscles both need to work. His nose and chin will be pushed right up against your breast but he will still be able to breathe easily, a baby's turned up nose means his nostrils will be clear of the breast when he is attached well. When your baby is latched on properly, you'll find he'll have more of the underneath part of the areola in his mouth than the top. If your baby is using his jaw muscles correctly, and not just sucking, his temples and ears will be moving.

Tips: if your breast are very heavy and your baby is having problems breathing while feeding, you may need to help him breathe easier. Use the flat of your hand underneath the breast, but avoid pressing on the areola as the milk ducts may become blocked

5. Changing Position

You may find your baby isn't in the right position and you'll need to try again. You can do this by gently slipping your little finger into his mouth and between his jaws to break the suction and then try latching him on again. Don't pull away suddenly or you'll have sore nipples.

6. End of the feed

Let your baby finish at the first breast before offering the other. As soon as your baby has had enough, he'll turn away from the breast or fall asleep. Occasionally, if you have a very sleepy baby, you may be advised to wake him so that he feeds for longer. Follow the advice of your health professionals.

7. Burping

Give your baby the chance to burp after the feed by putting him over your shoulder or holding him on your lap with your hand under his chin for support. Rub your baby's back gently, using slow circular movements. Do this for a few minutes, but if he doesn't burp every time, don't worry about it. It's fine to put your baby to bed without hearing a burp first.

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