Reasons To Breast Feed | Baby Tips Home
 

For many years, scientists have been playing out the ingredients that make
breast milk the perfect food for babies. They've discovered to day over 200 close compounds to fight infection, help the immune system mature, aid in digestion, and support brain growth - nature made properties that science simply cannot copy.

The important long term benefits of breast feeding include reduced risk of
asthma, allergies, obesity, and some forms of childhood cancer. The more that scientists continue to learn, the better breast milk looks.
In addition to making your baby healthier, breast feeding may also make him smarter. Many studies have proved that breast fed babies tend to be
more smarter than babies who were fed with formula or other methods. Brest feeding does help with nutrients and the support of brain growth, which is something every mother should think about. The benefits for the nursing mom are just as good as they are for the baby. The hormones that are released during breast feeding will curb blood loss post delivery and help to shrink the uterus back to it's normal size. Long term, the breast feeding mom will have a lower risk for pre-menopausal breast cancer, which is the kind that strikes before the age of 50. The benefits
will begin to show with three to six months of breast feeding and increase
the longer that breast feeding continues.

By now, you should realize that breast milk is one power packed liquid. It offers more for your baby than formula, or any other scientific creation for that matter. As you begin to plan for the future of your baby, make a commitment to breast feeding him for as long as you possibly can - as it will do both your bodies good.

Benefits Of Breast Feeding
Once you've given birth, breast feeding is the single most important thing you can do to protect your baby and help to promote good health. Best of all, breast feeding is free.
Along with saving you money on HMR (Human Milk Replacement), breast feeding can also help you to keep your medical bills down. Babies that are fed with formula get sicker more often and more seriously than babies that are breast fed They also have more ear infections, respiratory infections, and other problems.
This can be even more true if your family has had a history of allergies. When a baby is breast fed, the antibodies pass on from the mother to the baby, helping to protect against illness and allergies. As the baby's system matures, his body will begin to make it's own antibodies, and he'll be more equipped to handle sensitivities of food.
Sucking on the breast will also help with the development or jaw alignment and the development of the cheekbone. For this very reason, there is less of the need for costly orthodontic work when the child gets older.
Unlike formula, breast milk is always ready, always available, convenient, and always the right temperature for feeding. Plus, it contains all of the vitamins and minerals your growing baby needs, saving you a lot of money.
Breast feeding also offers many benefits for the mom as well. The baby sucking at the breast will cause contractions right after birth, leading to less bleeding for the mom, and helping her uterus to it's shape before pregnancy much faster.
Breast feeding will also burn calories, so a mom can lose weight much faster than if she fed her baby with a bottle. Breast feeding will also create a special bond with the mother and the baby - which is one thing formula simply cannot do.
How Breast Milk Is Made
If you've every been pregnant or if you are pregnant now, you've probably noticed a metamorphosis in your bra cups. The physical changes (tender, swollen breasts) may be one of the earliest clues that you have conceived. Many experts believe that the colour change in the areola may also be helpful when it comes to breast feeding.
What's going on Perhaps what's even more remarkable than visible changes is the extensive changes that are taking place inside of your breasts. The developing placenta stimulates the release of estrogen and progesterone, which will in turn stimulate the complex biological system that helps to make lactation possible.
Before you get pregnant, a combination of supportive tissue, milk glands, and fat make up the larger portions of your breasts. The fact is, your newly swollen breasts have been preparing for your pregnancy since you were in your mother's womb!
When you were born, your main milk ducts had already formed. Your
mammary glands stayed quiet until you reached puberty, when a flood of the
female hormone estrogen caused them to grow and also to
swell. During pregnancy, those glands will kick into high gear.
Before your baby arrives, glandular tissue has replaced a majority of the fat cells and accounts for your bigger than before breasts. Each breast may actually get as much as 1 1/2 pounds heavier than before!
Nestled among the fatty cells and glandular tissue is an intricate network of channels or canals known as the milk ducts. The pregnancy hormones will cause these ducts to increase in both number and size, with the ducts branching off into smaller canals near the chest wall known as ductules.
At the end of each duct is a cluster of smaller sacs known as alveoli. The cluster of alveoli is known as a lobule, while a cluster of lobule is known as a lobe. Each breast will contain around 15 - 20 lobes, with one milk duct for every lobe.
The milk is produced inside of the alveoli, which is surrounded by tiny muscles that squeeze the glands and help to push the milk out into the ductules. Those ductules will lead to a bigger duct that widens into a milk pool directly below the areola.
The milk pools will act as reservoirs that hold the milk until your baby sucks it
through the tiny openings in your nipples.
Mother Nature is so smart that your milk duct system will become fully
developed around the time of your second trimester, so you can properly
breast feed your baby even if he or she arrives earlier than you are anticipating.
Health And Diet
The nutritional requirements for the baby will rely solely on the breast milk, and
therefore the mother will need to maintain a healthy diet. If the baby is large
and grows fast, the fat stores gained by the mother during pregnancy can be
depleted quickly, meaning that she may have trouble eating good enough to
maintain and develop sufficient amounts of milk.
This type of diet normally involves a high calorie, high nutrition diet which
follows on from that in pregnancy. Even though mothers in famine conditions
can produce milk with nutritional content, a mother that is malnourished may
produce milk with lacking levels of vitamins A, D, B6, and B12.
If they smoke, breast feeding mothers must use extreme caution. More than 20
cigarettes a day has been shown to reduce the milk supply and cause vomiting,
diarrhoea, rapid heart rate, and restlessness in the infants. SIDS (Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome) is more common in babies that are exposed to smoke.
Heavy drinking is also known to harm the imfant, as well as yourself. If you are
breast feeding, you should avoid alcohol or consume very small amounts at
a time.
The excessive consumption of alcohol by the mother can result in irritability,
sleeplessness, and increased feeding in the infant. Moderate use, normally 1 - 2
cups a day normally produces no effect. Therefore, mothers that are breast
feeding are advised to avoid caffeine or restrict intake of it.
By following a healthy diet and limiting your intake of the above, you'll ensure
that your baby gets the right nutrients during your time of breast feeding.
This stage of life is very important - as you don't want anything to happen to
your baby.
Avoiding Foods While Breast Feeding
Many women find that they can eat whatever they may like during breast
feeding. Even though it's true that some strongly favoured foods can change the
taste of your milk, many babies seem to enjoy the varieties of breast milk
flavours. Occasionally, your baby may get cranky at the breast after you
eat certain foods. If you notice this happening, simply avoid that particular food.
The most common offenders during breast feeding include chocolate, spices,
citrus fruits, garlic, chilli, lime, gassy vegetables, and fruits with laxative type
effects, such as prunes and cherries.
You can have a cup or two of coffee a day, although too much caffeine can
interfere with your baby's sleep and even make him or her cranky. Keep in
mind, caffeine is found in many soda's, tea, and even over the counter type
medicine as well.
It's okay to have an alcoholic beverage every now and the, although having more
than one drink can increase your blood alcohol level, putting the alcohol into
your breast milk.
If you are planning to have more than one drink at a time, it's best to wait two
hours or more per drink before you resume any type of nursing or breast
feeding. There is no need to pump and dump unless your breasts are full and its
time to feed your baby. While breast feeding, any type of heavy drinking should
be avoided.
Before you actually omit any foods from your diet, you should talk to your
doctor. If you avoid certain foods and it causes a nutritional imbalance, you may
need to see a nutritionist for advice on taking other foods or getting
nutritional supplements.
Your Nursing Area
Once you've reached the third trimester, you'll probably start stocking up on
nursing bras, breast pads, and loose button down shirts for the coming
months ahead. While getting ready to breast feed, you can also create your
personal area, a custom designed breast feeding area for yourself.
Your nursing area should reflect your personality. If you like a loud, yet friendly
surrounding, you should consider setting in a corner of the living room or family
room. Keep an extra chair or two near you so family members or even friends
can keep you company.
If you prefer peace and quiet, a cosy study or empty guest room would be ideal.
You can close the door, dim the lights down, then take a few deep, calming
breaths while you breast feed.
Your own chair
No matter if it's a glider, overstuffed recliner, or desk chair with wheels, you
should make sure your nursing chair is very comfortable. You'll be sitting in the
chair for hours each day, so you'll want it to be very comfortable. You should
always look for one that offers back and shoulder support, along with arm rests.
Support underfoot
You can use a footstool, low coffee table or a stack of pillows to elevate your feet
as you breast feed. If you raise your legs and feet to bring your baby to your
breast, you'll avoid possible backache.
Pillows and more pillows
Your neck, arms, feet, and back will need as much support as you can give, so
don't hesitate to surround your body with pillows. If you lay a pillow across
your lap for your baby to lay on, he'll be very comfortable and that much closer
to your nipple. For extra comfort, you can even purchase a specially made
nursing pillow that will encircle your waist.
Table for one
You should always keep a small table or stand within arm's length of your breast
feeding chair. What you use should be big enough to hold a coaster and glass of
liquid. Some women prefer to drink through a straw, while others prefer to
drink from the glass.
You'll also want to keep healthy snacks on hand as well, such as fresh fruit, nuts,
or crackers and peanut butter to help you replace the energy you use while you
breast feed.
Distractions
If your baby is a slow eater or has a really big appetite, you may want to keep
yourself busy while he feeds. You can fill the shelves of a nearby cupboard or
bookcase with your favorite books or crossword puzzles to occupy yourself
until your baby is full. You should also keep a phone nearby as well so that you
can talk to family or friends to pass the time.
The First Six Weeks
Breast milk is the best food you can give to your baby. Breast milk is a complete
food source, containing all the nutrients your baby need - at least 400 of them to
be exact, including hormones and disease fighting compounds that aren't found
in formula.
The nutritional makeup in breast milk will adjust to your baby's needs as he or
she grows and develops. Aside from the brain building, infection fighting
benefits of breast milk, which no formula can match, nursing will also help to
build a special bond between you and your baby. When nursing, your child
thrives on the contact, cuddling, and holding - which you will as well.
Since breast feedings can take up to 40 minutes or more, you should pick a cozy
spot for nursing. The atmosphere is very important, even more so in the early
days of breast feeding when you're still trying to get the hang of it. If you get
easily distracted by noise, go somewhere quiet.
You should always hold your baby in a position that won't leave your arms or
back sore. It works the best to support the back of your baby's head with your
hand, although which position you choose depends on what's more comfortable
to you.
When supporting your baby, a nursing pillow can sometimes be a big help. You
should never feed until both you and your baby are comfortable. Pay attention
to how your breasts feel when your baby latches on, as his mouth should cover
most of the areola below the nipple, and the nipple should be far back into your
baby's mouth.
While some women adjust to breast feeding easily, other moms find it hard to
learn. If you feel discouraged, always know that you aren't the only one.
Everyone feels different when starting, it all depends on the mother and the
situation.
Breast feeding will take practice. Therefore, you should give yourself as much
time as you need to get it down to second nature. Always take it one feeding at a
time. If you are having a bad day, tell yourself that it'll get better. Keep in mind
that any problems are temporary, as you'll be nursing like a pro by your six
week postpartum check up.
The first six weeks will be both an adventure and training. You can't expect to
know everything when you begin, which is where training and practice will
really help you excel. The more you breast feed, the more you'll learn. You'll
also build a bond with your baby - which is something you'll always have for the
rest of your lives.
Low Supply Of Breast Milk
Almost all mothers who breast feed go through a period of questioning whether
or not their supply of milk is adequate. Some mothers simply aren't able to
produce enough milk to meet the needs of her baby. According to many experts,
true insufficiencies of milk are very rare.
A lot of women think their milk supply is low when it actually isn't. Thinking
this can happen if you lose the feeling of fullness in your breasts or if the milk
stops leaking from your nipples. Babies that go through growth spurts may want
more milk than usual, and these more frequent feedings may leave your breasts
less than full.
Breast Feeding Complications
Sore nipples
A lot of mothers complain about tender nipples that make breast feeding painful
and frustrating. There is good news though, as most mothers don't suffer that
long. The nipples will toughen up quickly and render breast feeding virtually
painless.
Improperly positioned babies or babies that suck really hard can make the
breasts extremely sore.
Below, are some ways to ease your discomfort:
1. Make sure your baby is in the correct position, since a baby that isn't
positioned correctly is the number one cause of sore nipples.
2. Once you have finished feeding, expose your breasts to the air and try to
protect them from clothing and other irritations.
3. After breast feeding, apply some ultra purified, medical grade lanolin, making
sure to avoid petroleum jelly and other products with oil.
4. Make sure to wash your nipples with water and not with soap.
5. Many women find teabags ran under cold water to provide some relief when
placed on the nipples.
6. Make sure you vary your position each time with feeding to ensure that a
different area of the nipple is being compressed each time.
Clogged milk ducts
Clogged milk ducts can be identified as small, red tender lumps on the tissue of
the breast. Clogged ducts can cause the milk to back up and lead to infection.
The best way to unclog these ducts is to ensure that you've emptied as completely
as possible. You should offer the clogged breast first at feeding time, then let
your baby empty it as much as possible.
If milk remains after the feeding, the remaining amount should be removed by
hand or with a pump. You should also keep pressure off the duct by making
sure your bra is not too tight.
Breast infection
Also known as mastititis, breast infection is normally due to empty breasts
completely out of milk, germs gaining entrance to the milk ducts through cracks
of fissures in the nipple, and decreased immunity in the mother due to stress or
inadequate nutrition.
The symptoms of breast infection include severe pain or soreness, hardness of the
breast, redness of the breast, heat coming from the area, swelling, or even
chills.
The treatment of breast infection includes bed rest, antibiotics, pain relievers,
increased fluid intake, and applying heat. Many women will stop breast feeding
during an infection, although it's actually the wrong thing to do. By emptying
the breasts, you'll actually help to prevent clogged milk ducts.
If the pain is so bad you can't feed, try using a pump while laying in a tub of
warm water with your breasts floating comfortably in the water. You should
also make sure that the pump isn't electric if you plan to use it in the bath tub.
You should always make sure that breast infections are treated promptly and
completely or you may risk the chance of abscess. An abscess is very
painful, involving throbbing and swelling. You'll also experience swelling,
tenderness, and heat in the area of the abscess. If the infection progresses
this far, your doctor may prescribe medicine and even surgery.
Engorged Breasts
Within the first two to three days after you have given birth, you may discover
that your breasts feel swollen, tender, throbbing, lumpy, and overly full.
Sometimes, the swelling will extend all the way to your armpit, and you may run
a low fever as well.
The causes
Within 72 hours of giving birth, an abundance of milk will come in or become
available to your baby. As this happens, more blood will flow to your breasts
and some of the surrounding tissue will swell. The result is full, swollen,
engorged
breasts.
Not every postpartum mom experienced true engorgement. Some women's
breasts become only slightly full, while others find their breasts have become
amazingly hard. Some women will hardly notice the pain, as they are involved in
other things during the first few days.
Treating it
Keep in mind, engorgement is a positive sign that you are producing milk to feed
to your baby.
Until you produce the right amount:
1. Wear a supportive nursing bra, even at night - making sure it isn't too tight.
2. Breast feed often, every 2 - 3 hours if you can. Try to get the first side of your
breasts as soft as possible. If your baby seems satisfied with just one breast, you
can offer the other at the next feeding.
3. Avoid letting your baby latch on and suck when the areola is very firm. To
reduce the possibility of nipple damage, you can use a pump until your areola
softens up.
4. Avoid pumping milk except when you need to soften the areola or when your
baby is unable to latch on. Excessive pumping can lead to the over production of
milk and prolonged engorgement.
5. To help soothe the pain and relieve swelling, apply cold packs to your breasts
for a short amount of time after you nurse. Crushed ice in a plastic bag will also
work.
6. Look ahead. You'll get past this engorgement in no time and soon be able to
enjoy your breast feeding relationship with your new baby.
Engorgement will pass very quickly. You can expect it to diminish within 24 - 48
hours, as nursing your baby will only help the problem. If you aren't breast
feeding, it will normally get worse before it gets better. Once the engorgement
has passed, your breasts will be softer and still full of milk.
During this time, you can and should continue to nurse. Unrelieved engorgement
can cause a drop in your production of milk, so it's important to breast feed right
from the start. Keep an eye for signs of hunger and feed him when he
needs to be fed.
Refusal To Breast Feed
Sometimes, a baby that is breast fed may suddenly decide to refuse breast
feeding. The baby will pull away from the breast, then toss his head from
side to side. This can happen at anytime, so there really is no way to predict it
happening.
Reasons why
Refusal to feed from the breast could occur when the baby is in pain. Normally,
this can be due to an ear infection, sore head from vacuum delivery,
thrush in the baby's mouth, or teething.
The use of dummies, teats or nipple shields may also contribute to refusal. Some
babies actually find it difficult to feed from the breast and bottle as the sucking
action is very different. Some become confused, therefore it's always best to
avoid using any type of teats or dummies.
Sometimes, the milk just takes bitter. This can be due to antibiotics, if you
starting or in the middle of your period, or nipple creams. If the milk tastes
bitter, your baby will normally not want to feed.
Solving the problems
First, you should always try to identify what may have caused the breast refusal
then begin to treat the cause. Always remain patient and gentle with your baby.
Be sure to hold your baby next to you, skin to skin, so that he can take the breast
when he wants to, so that he begins to realize that breast feeding is both
enjoyable and comfortable.
Older babies may suddenly take shorter and fewer breast feeds, although this
can be normal with some babies. Therefore, it's always best not to try and make
the baby feed longer, but instead let the baby decide how often and also how long
each individual feeding will last.
Breast Compression
The sole purpose of breast compression is to continue the flow of milk to the
baby once the baby no longer drinks on his own. Compression will also
stimulate
a let down reflex and often causes a natural let down reflex to occur. This
technique may also be useful for the following:
1. Poor weight gain in the baby.
2. Colic in the breast fed baby.
3. Frequent feedings or long feedings.
4. Sore nipples for the mother.
5. Recurrent blocked ducts
6. Feeding the baby who falls asleep quick.
If everything is going well, breast compression may not be necessary. When all is
well, the mother should allow the baby to finish feeding on the first side, then if
the baby wants more - offer the other side.
How to use breast compression
1. Hold the baby with one arm.
2. Hold the breast with the other arm, thumb on one side of your breast, your
finger on the other far back from the nipple
3. Keep an eye out for the baby's drinking, although there is no need to be
obsessive about catching every suck. The baby will get more milk when drinking
with an open pause type of suck.
4. When the baby is nibbling or no longer drinking, compress the breast, not so
hard that it hurts though. With the breast compression, the baby should begin
drinking again.
5. Keep up the pressure until the baby no longer drinks with the compression,
then release the pressure. If the baby doesn't stop sucking with the release of
compression, wait a bit before compressing again.
6. The reason for releasing pressure is to allow your hand to rest, and allow the
milk to begin flowing to the baby again. If the baby stops sucking when you
release the pressure, he'll start again once he tastes milk.
7. When the baby starts to suck again, he may drink. If not, simply compress
again.
8. Continue feeding on the first side until the baby no longer drinks with
compression. You should allow him time to stay on that side until he starts
drinking again, on his own.
9. If the baby is no longer drinking, allow to come off the breast or take him off.
10. If the baby still wants more, offer the other side and repeat the process as
above.
11. Unless you have sore nipples, you may want to switch sides like this several
times.
12. Always work to improve the baby's latch.
Breast Feeding And Positioning
For some people, the process of breast feeding seems to come natural, although
there's a level of skill required for successful feeding and a correct technique to
use. Incorrect positioning is one of the biggest reasons for unsuccessful feeding
and it can even injure the nipple or breast quite easily.
By stroking the baby's cheek with the nipple, the baby will open its mouth
towards the nipple, which should then be pushed in so that the baby will
get a mouthful of nipple and areola. This position is known as latching on. A lot
of women prefer to wear a nursing bra to allow easier access to the breast than
other normal bras.
The length of feeding time will vary. Regardless of the duration of feeding time,
it's important for mothers to be comfortable. The following are positions you can
use:
1. Upright - The sitting position where
the back is straight.
2. Mobile - Mobile is where the mother carries her baby in a sling or carrier
while breast feeding. Doing this allows the mother to breast
feed in the work of everyday life.
3. Lying down - This is good for night feeds or for those who have had a
caesarean section.
4. On her back - The mother is sitting slightly upright, also a useful position for
tandem breast feeding.
5. On her side - The mother and baby both lie on their sides.
6. Hands and knees - In this feeding position the mother is on all fours with the
baby underneath her. Keep in mind, this position isn't normally recommended.
Anytime you don't feel comfortable with a feeding position, always stop and
switch to a different position. Each position is different, while some mothers
prefer one position, other's may like a totally different position. All you need to
do is experiment and see which position is best for you.
Breast Feeding Adopted Babies
Not only is breast feeding an adopted baby easy, the chances are that you will
produce a large amount of milk. It isn't complicated to do, although it is
different than breast feeding a baby you have been pregnant with for 9 months.
Breast feeding and milk
There are two objectives that are involved in breast feeding an adopted baby.
The first is getting your baby to breast feed, and the other
is producing enough breast milk.
There is more to breast feeding than just milk, which is why many mothers are
happy to feed without expecting to produce milk in the way the baby needs. It's
the closeness and the bond breast feeding provides that many mothers
look for.
Taking the breast
Even though many feel the early introduction of bottles may interfere with
breast feeding, the early introduction of artificial nipples can interfere a great
deal. The sooner you can get the baby to the breast after birth, the better
things will be.
Babies will however, require the flow from the breast in order to stay attached
and continue to suck, especially if they are used to getting flow from a bottle or
other method of feeding.
Producing breast milk
As soon as you have an adopted baby in sight, contact a lactation clinic and start
getting your milk supply ready. Keep in mind, you may never produce a full
milk supply for your baby, although it may happen. You should never feel
discouraged by what you may be pumping before the baby, as a pump is never
quite as good at extracting milk as a baby who is well latched and sucking.
Breast Feeding And Jaundice
Jaundice is a result of build up in the blood of the bilirubin, a yellow pigment
that comes from the breakdown of older red blood cells. It's normal for the red
blood cells to break down, although the bilirubin formed doesn't normally cause
jaundice because the liver will metabolise it and then get rid of it in the gut.
However, the newborn baby will often become jaundiced during the first few
days due to the liver enzyme that metabolizes the bilirubin becoming
relatively immature. Therefore, newborn babies will have more red blood cells
than adults, and thus more will break down at any given time.
Breast milk jaundice
There is a condition that's commonly referred to as breast milk jaundice,
although no one knows what actually causes it. In order to diagnose it,
the baby should be at least a week old. The baby should also be gaining well
with breast feeding alone, having lots of bowel movements with the passing of
clean urine.
In this type of setting, the baby has what is referred to as breast milk jaundice.
On occasion, infections of the urine or an under functioning of the baby's thyroid
gland, as well as other rare illnesses that may cause the same types of
problems.
Breast milk jaundice will peak at 10 - 21 days, although it can last for 2 - 3
months. Contrary to what you may think, breast milk jaundice is normal.
Rarely, if at all ever, does breastfeeding need to be stopped for even a brief
period of time.
If the baby is doing well on breast milk, there is no reason at all to stop or
supplement with a lactation aid.
Breast Feeding In Public
Babies that are breast fed are very portable and easy to comfort no matter where
your schedule has you going. Many women however, worry about breast feeding
in public. The worry of nursing in a public place is normally worse than the
actual experience and often times the only people who notice you feeding are the
other mothers who are doing the same thing.
Many women find ways to breast feed discreetly. You can ask your partner or
even a friend to stand in front of you while you lift your shirt from the waist.
When you breast feed, the baby's body will cover most of your upper body and
you can pull your shirt down to her face to cover the tops of your breast. Some
mothers prefer to put a light blanket over their shoulders as a type of cover.
When you are visiting someone else's home, you may feel more comfortable
either leaving the room or turning away from people when you first put the baby
to your breast. If you would like more privacy, breast feed in an empty room,
car, or public restroom.
A lot of restrooms are becoming more baby friendly and they even have a
separate are with a changing table and a chair. Several shopping malls now
offer special mother's rooms where the mom can breast feed her baby in privacy,
which will help sensitive babies who are too distracted by feeding to nurse well in
public. It won't take long at all though, before your baby will learn to breast feed
without any fuss at all.
An alternative way is expressing or pumping your milk at home and then offer it
in a bottle while in public. Keep in mind, offering bottles with artificial nipples
in the first few weeks can and probably will interfere with breast feeding.
When breast feeding in public, you should always use what works best for you.
During the first few weeks, it will take some getting used to, as it will be as new
for you as it is for the baby. With some time, you'll have no problems at all.
If you don't feel comfortable breast feeding in a certain location, then you
shouldn't. You should feel a certain level of comfort when you feed, as the baby
can tell when you aren't comfortable doing something. If you show your baby
that you aren't nervous - you and your baby will be just fine.
How To Choose A Breast Pump
The milk production in the breasts, much like so many other things, work on the
shear principal of supply and demand. The more breast milk your baby
consumes, the more your body will need to make.
Breast pumps are generally used to insure continued production of breast milk
when you cannot feed your baby - whether you are back to work, traveling,
taking medication, or just out of town.
Basic types of pumps
Breast pumps can either be battery operated, hand operated, semi automatic
electric, or even self cycling electric.
Hand Pumps
Manual hand pumps are designed to use the strength of your hand or arm
muscles for pumping one breast at a time. You can also get pumps that will use
the leg and foot muscles for pumping both breasts at one time. Mothers that
with carpal tunnel syndrome may want to consider using a pump designed for
the arm
or leg muscles or even an automatic model.
Battery operated pumps
Pumps with battery operation are the best for women who have an established
supply of milk and want to pump once or even twice a day. These pumps use
batteries to create suction, minimizing any type of muscle fatigue. Most battery
type pumps are designed for pumping one breast at a time and are recommended
for occasional usage.
Electric pumps
Even though electric pumps are more efficient than hand or even battery
operated pumps, they also tend to be more expensive. You can however, rent
them if you need to. Electric pumps can normally plug directly into an outlet
and are designed for pumping both breasts at a time and even frequent use.
Hospital
grade pumps are the most efficient for initiating and maintaining milk supply,
and are available for rent or purchase.
How To Use A Breast Pump
Just like breast feeding, pumping is a skill that you learn. When first trying a
breast pump, most mothers are only able to express a few drops of milk. With
the proper practice and knowledge, the mother will be more efficient at
pumping.
Preparing the breast pump
1. Read all the instructions in the kit very carefully.
2. Every part of the breast pump will need to be sterilized before you begin
using it.
3. After use, all the parts of the pump will need to be washed in warm, soapy
water, then rinsed with hot water and drained on a clean towel. The plastic
tubing doesn't need to be cleaned unless you get milk into it. If you do wash it, it
should be hung to allow time to dry and drain thoroughly.
4. If your doctor feels the need, the entire kit can be sterilized every day.
5. When you first start with an electric pump, the suction level should be on the
lowest possible setting.
Getting started
- Warm compresses, gentle massages of the breast and gentle nipple stimulation
will help to stimulate a quick let down.
- You should always relax while doing breast massages during pumping. Some
mothers prefer to close their eyes then think about nursing the baby, imagining
the baby in their arms. The more relaxed a mother is, the better let down she'll
have and the more milk will be dispensed.
- Your first attempts at pumping should beconsidered practice sessions with
learning to use the breast pump as the goal, not how much milk is actually
dispensed.
- When you use a hand pump, quick, short pumps at the start is stimulating and
will imitate more closely the way a baby breast feeds. Once the let down occurs
and milk starts to flow freely, long, steadier strokes are more effective and less
tiring.
- When you learn to pump, you should practice for 5 minutes on a side at least
once or twice a day. Always pick the least stressful part of your day for pumping
Relaxing and realizing that the pump is your friend is the single most important
thing that a mother can do. There are several things that a mother can do to
help herself relax, such as putting a picture of the baby on the pump, playing
cards or a game with friends, watching television, read books, or talk on the
phone. Simply watching the collection bottle is not helpful and will probably put
more stress on you than you actually need.
Breast Feeding Toddlers
Because more and more women are choosing to breast feed their babies, more
and more are also finding that they enjoy it enough to continue longer than the
first few months they planned on. Breast feeding to 3 - 4 years of age is common
in much of the world recently, and is still common in many societies for toddlers
to be breast fed.
Because mothers and babies often enjoy to breast feed, you shouldn't stop it.
After six months, many think that breast milk loses it's value -which isn't true.
Even after six months, it still contains protein, fat, and other important nutrients
which babies and children need.
The fact is, immune factors in breast milk will protect the baby against
infections. Breast milk also contains factors that will help the immune system
mature, and other organs to develop and mature as well.
It's been shown and proven in the past that children in daycare who are still
breast feeding have far less severe infections than the children that aren't breast
feeding. The mother will lose less work time if she chooses to continue nursing
her baby once she is back to work.
If you have thought about breast feeding your baby once he gets passed 6 months
of age, you have made a wise decision. Although many feel that it isn't necessary,
breast milk will always help babies and toddlers. Breast milk is the best milk
you can give to your baby.
No matter what others may tell you, breast feeding only needs to be stopped
when you and the baby agree on it. You don't have to stop when someone else
wants you to - you should only stop when you feel that it's the right time.
Returning To Work
Once you return to work, you can continue to breastfeed. If you live close to
work or have an on site day care, you may be able to breast feed during
your breaks.
If that isn't possible, you have 2 choices:
1. Keep your milk supply by using a high quality automatic electric breast pump
to express milk during the day. Save your milk that you collect for your baby
sitter.
2. If you don't want to or can't pump at work, you can gradually replace
daytime feedings with formula while your at home but still continue to nurse at
night and in the morning. The milk your body produces may not be enough to
keep your
baby satisfied, even if you only need enough for 2 feedings.
Advantages of pumping at work
Pumping at work will help stimulate your production of milk, so you'll have
plenty available when it comes time to feed. You can also collect the milk you
pump, so your baby will have the health and nutritional benefits of breast milk
even when you aren't there. To make things better, pumping can be an ideal
way to feel a connection to your baby during the work day.
Although it can seem like a hassle, many mothers find that the benefits of breast
pumping far outweigh the inconvenience.
To manage pumping at work, you'll need to have the following:
1. Breast pump, preferably a fully automatic electric pump with a double
collection kit so you can pump both breasts simultaneously.
2. Bottles or bags for collecting and storing the milk.
3. Access to a refrigerator or cooler to keep the milk cold until you return home.
4. Breast pads to help protect your clothes if you start to leak.
Make sure that you get used to pumping before you return to work, so you'll
know what to expect and how it feels. You'll be much more confident with
pumping at work if you already know that you can produce enough milk.
At work, you'll want to have somewhere that's away from everyone else when
you pump, such as an empty office or empty room. This way, you'll be away
from everyone else and you can have the quiet tranquility you need to pump. In
most offices, this shouldn't be a problem.
For the time frame, you'll want to pump every 2 - 3 hours if possible. If you
can't, every 4 hours or so will have to suffice. After you have finished pumping,
store the milk in the bags or bottles, clean yourself up, then go back to work.
When you return home, you can feed the milk to your growing baby.
Other Foods While Breast Feeding
Breast milk is actually the only food your baby will need until 4 months of age,
although most babies do well on breast milk alone for 6 months or better. There
is really no advantage to adding other foods or milks before 4 - 6 months,
except under unusual circumstances.
Water
Breast milk is over 90% water. Even in the hottest days of summer, a baby
won't require any extra water. If a baby isn't feeding well, they still don't
require any extra water - although they will need the breast feeding problems to
be fixed.
Vitamin D
Although breast milk doesn't contain much vitamin D, it does have a little. The
baby will store up vitamin D during pregnancy, and remain healthy without any
vitamin D supplementation, unless you yourself had a problem with vitamin D
deficiency when pregnant.
Exposure to the outside will give your baby vitamin D, even in winter and when
the sky is covered. An hour or more exposure during the week will give your
baby more than enough vitamin D.
Iron
Breast milk contains less iron than formulas do, especially those that are iron
enriched. Iron will give the baby added protection against infections, as many
bacteria need iron in order to multiply.
The iron found in breast milk is utilized well by the baby, while not being
available to bacteria. The introduction of iron should never be delayed beyond
the age of 6 months.
Breast milk is the best that your can feed your baby, as it provides everything he
will need for probably the first 6 months. After the first 6 months, you can
introduce solid foods to your baby if he is taking an interest to them.
Weaning From Breast Feeding
When your baby has stopped breast feeding and gets all of his nutrition from
other sources than the breast, he's actually considered weaned. Even though
babies are also weaned from the bottle as well, the term weaning often refers to
when a baby is stopped from breast feeding.
When weaning is a mother's idea, it normally requires a lot of patience and can
take time, depending on the age of your baby or toddler, and also how well your
child adjusts. The overall experience is different for everyone.
Weaning is a long goodbye, sometimes emotional and sometimes painful. It
doesn't however, signal of the end to the intimacy you and your child have
developed during the nursing stage. What it means, is that you have to replace
breast feeding with other types of nourishment.
Starting weaning
Your the best judge as to when it's the right time to wean, and you don't really
have a deadline unless you and your child are actually ready to wean. The
recommended time for weaning is one year. No matter what relatives, friends,
or even complete strangers tell you, there is no right or wrong time for weaning.
How to wean
You should proceed slowly, regardless of what the age of your child may be.
Experts say that you shouldn't abruptly withhold your breast, as they results can
be traumatic.
You should however, try these methods instead:
1. Skip a feeding - Skip a feeding and see what happens, offering a cup of milk
to your baby instead. As a substitue, you can use a bottle of your own pumped
milk, formula, or a cow's milk. If you reduce feedings one at a time, your child
will eventually adjust to the changes.
2. Shorten feeding time - You can start by cutting the length of time your child is
actually at the breast. If the normal feeding time is 5 minuts, try 3. Depending
on the age, follow the feeding with a healthy snack. Bed time feedings are
usually the hardest to wean, as they are normally the last to go.
3. Postpone and distract - You can postpone feedings if you are only feeding a
couple of times per day. This method works great if you have an older child you
can actually reason with. If your child wants the breast, say that
you'll feed later then distract him.
If you've tried everything and weaning doesn't seem to be working at all, maybe
the time just isn't right. You can wait just a bit longer to see what happens, as
your child and you have to determine the right time to wean together.
Starting Solid Foods
Breast milk is all your baby will need until at least 4 months of age. There does
come a time, when breast milk will no longer supply all of your baby's nutrition
needs. Full term babies will start to require iron from other sources by 6 - 9
months of age.
Some babies that aren't started on solid foods by the age of 9 - 12 months may
have a great level of difficulty accepting solid foods. It's actually a
developmental milestone when your child starts solid foods - as he is now
growing up.
When to start
The ideal time to begin solid foods is when the baby shows interest in starting.
Some babies will show interest in solid food when it's on their parents' plates, as
early as 4 months of age. By 5 - 6 months, most babies will reach out and try to
grab the food. When the baby starts to reach for food, it's normally the time to
go ahead and give him some.
Sometimes, it may be a better idea to start food earlier. When a baby seems to
get hungry or once weight gain isn't continuing at the desired rate, it may be
good to start solid foods as early as 3 months. It may be possible however, to
continue breast feeding alone and have the baby less
hungry or growing more rapidly.
Breast fed babies will digest solid foods better and earlier than artificially fed
babies because the breast milk will contain enzymes which help to digest fats,
proteins, and starch. Breast fed babies will also have had a variety of
different tastes in their life, since the flavours of many foods the mother eats will
pass into her milk.
Introducing solid foods
When the baby begins to take solid foods at the age of 5 - 6 months, there is very
little difference what he starts will or what order it is introduced. You should
however, avoid spicy foods or highly allergenic foods at first, although if your
baby reaches for the potato on your plate, you should let him have it if it isn't too
hot.
Offer your baby the foods that he seems to be interested in. Allow your baby to
enjoy the food and don't worry too much about how much he takes at first, as
much of it may end up on the floor or in his hair anyhow.
The easiest way to get iron for your baby at 5 - 6 months of age is by giving him
meat. Cereal for infants has iron, although it is poorly absorbed
and may cause your baby to get constipated.