By AYODEJI LIOUS
A child needs the breast milk more than anything after birth. Nature has made it in such a way that the larger percentage of a child growth is stimulated by breastfeeding. In fact it is said that a child develops the brain cells and general needed growth the first 1000 days after birth.
Breastfeeding should be done at least for the first six months. It shouldn’t be mixed with baby food products or likes. Truth be told, this is not an easy task. Stories from my mother, who gave exclusive breastfeeding to her four children for six months tells me clearly that it isn’t an easy task. However, it is also not an impossible task. If the purpose of the breastfeeding is seen forehead. It will be the motivation to stick to the plan and break through. Breast-feeding helps a baby in more than one way.
This is why you should breast feed your baby.
- your breast milk is perfectly designed for your baby
- breast milk protects your baby from infections and diseases
- breastfeeding provides health benefits for you
- breast milk is available for your baby whenever your baby needs it
- breastfeeding can build a strong emotional bond between you and your baby
According to Bridget Halnan, a Fellow of the Institute of Health Visiting “Any amount of breast milk has a positive effect, the longer you breastfeed, the longer the protection lasts and the greater the benefits. Formula milk doesn’t provide the same protection from illness and doesn’t give you any health benefits”
Breastfeeding and making breast milk also has health benefits for you. The more you breastfeed, the greater the benefits. Breastfeeding lowers your risk of Breast Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, osteoporosis (weak bones), cardiovascular disease, obesity.
For a woman to be able to lactate and feed her new born child. She has to be in the best of shape. Health wise, physiological and mentally. A woman breastfeeding must eat well, take care of her body and be informed on the purpose wherewith she is breastfeeding. Knowledge gives purpose. Purpose gives persistence. As a woman breastfeeding her baby, here are health tips to help you.
Mother’s milk is easily digested. When your baby is breastfeeding well and often, there is no need to supplement with food or other liquids, not even water (you should still give your baby vitamin D drops. The usual pattern is: feed your baby on one breast until he stops suckling, then a burp or diaper change, and then offer the other breast. The next time you breastfeed your baby, start with the breast on which he finished the last time.
Some babies prefer several “short courses”; others prefer one long feeding. Don’t rush your baby – take your time.
The more your baby breastfeeds, the more milk you produce. As your baby gets older, he may breastfeed for a shorter time or less frequently and be satisfied. Your baby will have periods of growth spurts in the first few months. During these growth spurts your baby will feed more often for a few days, to satisfy an increased appetite. During these times, your breast milk will increase to meet your baby’s needs.
Beginning at 6 months of age babies need to replenish their iron reserves by adding a variety of foods in addition to breast milk, which continues to provide nutrition and protection. Many mothers continue to breastfeed until their babies are two years old or more
For the first few days, expose your nipples to air or light after each feeding. Allow some breast milk to dry on your nipples; it has lubricating and anti-infective properties.
If your breasts get swollen and painful (engorged), cold compresses decrease swelling, then gentle massaging and warmth (warm towels or taking warm showers) will help the milk to flow. Expressing some milk before feeding to relieve fullness and breastfeeding more frequently will help your breasts to feel more comfortable.
If you are a working mom, you can store up your breast milk in a flask for your baby while you go to work. Your breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator (3 days) or frozen (about 6 months). Refrigerate or freeze breast milk in clean bottles or bags and date them. Warm up the breast milk by standing it in hot tap water before it is used. Microwaving and stove heating also causes the milk to have hot spots that can scald your baby. Ask your employer about some flexibility to have breastfeeding or pumping breaks, and access to refrigeration to store your breast milk. Some mothers have childcare facilities at their place of work, school, or nearby, so they can breastfeed during their breaks.
Exclusive breastfeeding (no food or liquids other than breast milk are given to baby) for the first 6 months of baby’s life may delay the return of your menstruation, but ovulation can still occur, so you and your partner should discuss other birth control methods with your doctor, nurse or midwife. If you love your baby and you want a sound growth of your baby in all areas. You will do everything possible for your child the best as you should.
AYODEJI LIOUS
TWITTER @_Fraulious
