Oct/Nov/Dec 2007
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 Breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition for infants. A mother's milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein that is needed for a baby's growth and development. Most babies find it easier to digest breast milk than they do formula. As a result, breastfed infants grow exactly the way they should and tend to gain less unnecessary weight and to be much leaner. This may result in being less overweight later in life. Premature babies do better when breastfed compared to premature babies who are fed formula. Breast milk is designed for a baby's sensitive and still developing digestive system, and as a result breastfed babies may be less likely to suffer from colic, gas, and excessive spitting up. Breast fed babies have less risk for allergies. Most babies are almost never allergic to breast milk. An infant on the other hand may be sensitive to something the mother has eaten which has passed into her milk. Most breastfed babies have no problems with constipation. Their stool is usually loose, and never hard. More importantly, every time a baby nurses, they are getting a healthy dose of antibodies to protect them from bacterial and viral infections. Generally, they will have fewer colds, ear infections, or other illnesses that would lead to them to having very little or perhaps no emergency room visits. Breast milk is convenient. Wherever you are---at the mall, restaurant, or just in bed, all the nourishment your baby needs is always ready and waiting.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that mothers breastfeed for at least the first year of a child's life and continue until they both feel they are ready to stop. In the first six months, the baby should be nourished exclusively by breast milk. The slow introduction of iron-enriched foods may complement the breastfeeding in the second half of the first year. Breast milk without supplements during the first six months reduces the possibility of food contamination due to tainted water or malnutrition as a result of over-diluted formula. Therefore, the child should be nursed without the interference of water, sugar water, juices, or formulas, unless a specific medical condition indicates otherwise. The AAP asserts that breast milk has the perfect balance of nutrients for the infant. It is by itself enough sustenance for approximately the first six months of life and should follow as the child's staple throughout the first year.
Breastfeed Your Baby Often...
Babies differ from one another in the number of times, they want to breastfeed. Some babies feed a lot from the very beginning; others take a little while to get going. A baby who often feeds, fewer than a half a dozen times or so in 24 hours may need some encouraging or even waking up in order to feed more often. The baby could be very sleepy and lack the energy to wake for feeds. Most babies feed very frequently in the first few weeks of life, and then space their feeds out as time goes on. Feeds tend to take less time, too after the first couple of months or so, though there may be the occasional longer, more restful feed during bedtime when your baby is likely to have several different feeding patterns as he grows. The most important thing to remember is to feed your baby on demand. If it suits you to feed him or her earlier, (because your going out, for instance) then do so.
Tips on Breastfeeding
- Put your baby on your breast straight after birth. Ask a nurse or lactation specialist for help in getting your baby well positioned.
- It's important to have a drink (preferably water) at your side while breastfeeding. Feeding is thirsty work at first, and water helps replenish fluids that your baby is taking from you.
- To avoid sore nipples, feed your baby in different positions and alternate breast during feeding time.
- Invest in a special nursing bra, so you can use it on one side at a time.
- Leaking is common during early weeks, so buy special breast pads to tuck in your bra. Remember to change them regularly so your breast stays dry.
- Feed your baby on demand helps to increase your milk supply.
- Express your milk by using a good breast pump or use both hands to gently squeeze milk from your breast.
- You know that your baby is getting ample amounts of milk from your breast when she has 6-8 wet diapers, 3-4 yellow stools and is gaining weight stated by the pediatrician.
BENEFITS FOR MOM:
Reading about breast-feeding is one thing. Doing it on your own is something else. The first few times you breast-feed your baby - starting as soon after delivery as possible - ask for help. The hospital's lactation consultant can help you position the baby and make sure he or she is latching on correctly. Your doctor, your child's pediatrician or your childbirth educator may be able to help, too. Learning correct technique from the very beginning can help you avoid trouble later on. Moms should know that:
- Breastfeeding will help your uterus shrink back to prepregnancy size more quickly, which will in turn reduce the flow of lochia (postpartum discharge) more rapidly.
- Nursing uses up extra calories, making it easier to lose the pregnancy pounds, by burning at least 500 extra calories a day. Breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding (no supplementing with formula), delays the return of normal ovulation and menstrual cycles. (However, you should still talk with your doctor or nurse about birth control choices.
- Breastfeeding lowers the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer.
- Women who lactate for a total of two years reduce their chances of developing breast cancer by 25 percent.
- Breastfeeding reduces the mother's risk of developing osteoporosis in later years. Although mothers experience bone-mineral loss during breastfeeding, their mineral density is replenished and even increased after lactation.
- Research has shown that breastfeeding is good for a mother's body, as well as her mind. Studies have shown that mothers that breastfeed show less postpartum depression.
- Breastfeeding makes your life easier. It saves time and money. You do not have to purchase, measure, and mix formula. There are no bottles to warm in the middle of the night!
- A mother can give her baby immediate satisfaction by providing her breast milk when her baby is hungry, especially during night time feedings.
- Breastfeeding helps a mother bond with her baby. Physical contact is important to newborns and can help them feel more secure, warm and comforted. Breastfeeding provides you with the opportunity to have skin-to-skin, eye to eye contact as you cuddle, and coo at your bundle of joy.
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