Breast feed- Essential benefits for Mother And Baby

Breast feeding is the first complete diet for new born.  It is advised to provide the child with mother feed within one hour after his birth. It is important for the survival of newborn as it provides best antibodies to fight against any infection. And it also has high portion of energy.

First milk that is produced right after the birth is rich in water and antibodies and has fewer amounts of fats. Water content in this milk helps to increase apatite of newborn and developing immunity. Later on fat portion increases and water portion in milk decreases that gives satisfaction to apatite of newborn. Every time mother breast feeds the child, the quantity of fat change as required by the baby.

Nutritional value of breast milk

First diet of new born is breast milk. So it is very rich in nutrition as it will provide the foundation for the development and growth of baby. It also helps in developing immunity to cope with infections and germs. Main component of human breast milk is water. There is about 87-88% water as major component. It also had carbs, proteins and fats as its component.  Complete nutritional value of 1 cup breast milk is as follows

 It is clear from above table that breast milk is a complete diet for new born. It provides all the major nutrition which is required for the growth, development and immunity for a baby.

Breast Feeding benefits for Mother

Breast feeding is not only beneficial for child but it is also beneficial for mother.

1. There are fewer chances of breast cancer and ovarian cancer if mother is breast feeding the baby as compared to a mother who is not nursing her child.
2. It is helpful in weight management as well. When mother breast feeds the child it is also helpful to lose extra weight which she gained during pregnancy. If a new mother wants to gain her figure as it was before pregnancy then it is important to breast feed your child.
3. It also Decreases the chances of diabetes.
4. When mother feeds her child she develops stronger bond with child. She feels more love and affection for the child. And child also gets attached with mother.
5. Mother gets psychological satisfaction as well by providing feed to her child. It provides mental satisfaction that her child is full and will be healthy.
6. In normal vaginal birth there is post-partum hemorrhage which is loss of blood due to deliver.  The amount of this blood can be reduced if mother starts to feed her child.

Breast Feeding Benefits for New Born

Breast milk is very beneficial for child as well. It helps to develop immune system of baby. It is observed that there is lower rate of infection in babies who are taking mother feed as compared to those who are nor taking mother feed. They are better in health.

Breast milk has water, carbs, minerals, fats and vitamins which are needed for growth of baby. This is easily digestible for babies as it is according to their bodily needs. It is also worthy to note that composition of milk changes with the need of baby.

Best Positions for Breast Feeding

While discussing the importance of breast feeding it is also important to mention the position of feeding.  Always make yourself comfortable while feeding your child. Comfort of mother and child is important factor. It depends in which position you feel more comfortable but here are some positions which are comfortable as well easy to manage.

Cradle hold for Breast feeding

This position is considered to be most comfortable position for baby and mother. In this position simply take your baby in your lap along the length of your arm. Put his arm under your arm and place nipple in baby’s mouth. Make sure that you are sitting comfortably. 

This position is difficult for a mother who is having caesarean.  Because baby will touch scar of cut and will hurt the mother. So it is suggested that a caesarean mother don’t try this position in early days.

Laid back

This position is comfortable for mother. In this position mother lays back comfortably on sofa or bed. she does not lay back straight but lean with help of cushion or pillow support. Then takes the baby on her tummy and fed him from opposite breast. This position is good for mother who is having C- section as baby will not touch her scar.

Lying on your side

This is a good position for mother who is having caesarean or normal deliver. This position is also helpful when you are sleeping during night.

In this position mother lays side wise with baby facing her. Make it sure that baby is not twisted. His ear arm and hip must be aligned. Use support of your hand to hold baby and guide him towards the nipple

Rugby hold

This position is best for caesarean mother as in this position baby will not touch her scar area.

In this position mother sits comfortably and places a cushion on her side from where she wants to feed the child. Place the baby’s head on pillow and feed him from opposite side. It is helpful for twin babies too as they can feed together side by side.

Diet for Nursing Mother

It is very important to keep your diet healthy to cope with needs of yours as well as baby needs.  While breast feeding,  most of mother feels thirsty or hungry so keep something like shake or milk with yourself when you feed baby and drink it when you feel thirsty. Try to drink more water and also include milk and healthy shakes in your diet. They will help you to increase production of milk.

Include good amount of protein, vegetables, whole grains and fruits in your diet. They will provide you with essential nutrition as well. Try to avoid processed food while nursing your baby. It is not nutritious and good for baby.

Alcohol is not absorbed in milk but in the blood. If you take alcohol then wait until you feel sober then you may feed the child.  But Caffeine passes into the milk. So if you will take it will be transferred to your baby so try to avoid it. It may affect health of baby.

Natural Remedies to increase breast milk

Some mothers do not have enough milk to fulfill the need of baby. There are some natural remedies that help to increase production of milk inside breasts.

1. Cumin is a natural remedy used to increase production of milk. One can simply eat it with water or sprinkle it on meal and eat it. It has good taste and also helps in production of milk.
2. Fenugreek water is also helpful in this regard. Soak it in water for night and then drink this water in the morning. It will help to increase production of milk.
3. Fennel tea is good remedy for mother to take while breast feeding the child. It just not only helps in production of milk but it also help to cure gastric and colic problems of babies.
4. Taking good amount of milk and meat in die4t is also helpful.

Duration and Frequency of Breast Feeding

Mother should feed the child for 15 -20 minutes every time. New born baby are needed to be fed after every two hours. Mother should only give her breast milk for first 6 months. Do not give anything other than milk to babies until they are 6 months old. After that soft diet can be added to their diet with milk. A Mother must feed the child for at least 2 years.

Myths Regarding Breast Feeding

1. Many people consider milk of first three days is poisonous for child growth and do not give it to baby. It is wrong concept. Mother must feed baby within 1 hour of his birth because it is first vaccination injection for baby that will help them to develop immunity.
2. In most of population people give honey or gutti to the newborn. It is very dangerous for new born.

People consider powder or packed milk is healthier then breast milk so they prefer it. But the best feed for newborn is mother milk.

Questions and Concerns Regarding Breast Feeding

Brest feeding is beneficial for both mother and baby but there are some questions and concerns about breast feeding.

Here you will get answer to these questions, concerns and misconception.

Breast Feeding and Alcohol

It is most common question which is asked by first time nursing mothers that whether they can drink alcohol while nursing their baby?

Normally it is safe to have one light drink but time must be correct.

If you have drunk alcohol you must wait for 2-3 hours then you may breast feed.  These hours will allow your system to get clear of alcohol.

If baby is less than 6 months old then you have to avoid it because their metabolism is slow to process it as compared to grown up baby.

Although a nursing mother must avoid drinking alcohol but may consume it occasionally.

Breast Feeding and Caffeine: Beer and Coffee

Coffee

If a mother is breastfeeding his baby then it is safe to drink coffee or caffeine. But this consumption must not exceed from 1-2 cups.

Excessive caffeine might have some effects on baby. Some babies gets irritated, have poor sleeps or fussiness with excess coffee.

Beer

There is a myth that beer increases the production of milk. They believe that beer contains barley and hope so it increases milk in breast. But this is only a misconception.

Alcoholic beer inhibits milk ejection reflex. It also decreases milk if consumed regularly.

Non- Alcoholic beer is safer option but still you need to check ingredient carefully before drinking.

Breast Feed and Formula Feed

Another common question which is asked by most nursing mother is

Is it safe to feed baby with both formula milk and Breastfeed?

Yes, it is safe and this is called as combination feeding or mixed feeding. This is very common practice by most of the mothers.

Sometime mother is not having enough production of milk according to baby’s need. Some mothers are working and can’t feed them properly.

 In such situations baby remains hungry. So it is better to provide baby with formula milk and breastfeed as well.

It is important for mother to feed that baby for at least 4-6 weeks and then add formula milk into routine. Only feed with formula when necessary.

Does Breastfeeding Hurts?

Normally breastfeeding itself doesn’t hurt. Sometimes there is discomfort in early days of feeding. Nipples sored at times due to sucking f baby. But there is nothing to worry about it. This soreness of nipples is just for few days and nipple will adjust in week two of breastfeeding.

If pain persists after two week then consult a healthcare provider. Pain may be due to poor latch, tongue tie in the baby, engorgement or cracked or bleeding nipples. So it is necessary to consult a healthcare provider for proper guidance.

Lump in the Breast While breastfeeding

It is alarming to have lump in the breast while breastfeeding your baby.

Sometimes there is clogged milk duct which feels like firm and tender lump.

In some cases milk production is more than baby feeds. So mother might feel engorgement. Breast feels swelled and tender.

There might be some infection in the tissue of breast. It causes red and painful lump which leads to fever.

What to do if Lump is formed in Breast during breastfeeding

if you feel lump is formed in you breast then gently massage it and compress it with warm cloth. Frequent nursing and pumping also gives relief if breast is tender and firm.

If lump doesn’t improve and fever remains then you must seek medical attention.