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There is no more relevant and controversial topic than breastfeeding when it comes to feeding the newborn. The insistent promotion of exclusive breastfeeding is arousing increasing interest among young mothers. The benefits of this natural food source for the baby have long been promoted by neonatologists and pediatricians. They are becoming more and more, just like mothers who breastfeed motivatedly.
The most important arguments “for” breastfeeding?
In the first six months of a child’s development, the only food that meets all the requirements for rational nutrition is breast milk. Prolonged breastfed babies do not gain weight unnecessarily. The risk of developing allergic diseases is much lower. Significantly fewer get sick from respiratory tract infections, middle ear infections, digestive system infections, urinary tract infections. In later life, they are less likely to suffer from diabetes, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and severe malignancies. Breastfed children have been shown to have better intellectual development because some of the constituents of breast milk influence brain cell development. They are more emotionally connected to their mothers.
Breastfeeding also has a beneficial effect on the woman herself. It is known to affect the early recovery of the uterus after childbirth. Women who breastfeed for a long time are less likely to get breast cancer, ovarian myoplasma, iron deficiency anemia. More quickly regain weight after childbirth. They feel more relaxed and confident.
What are the rules for successful breastfeeding?
Applying the rules of successful breastfeeding, a woman can ensure the health of her child and create the best prerequisites for his development. What is needed for full breastfeeding:
- Early breastfeeding – in the first 30-60 minutes after the baby is born, when the suckling reflex is strongest.
- Do not use pacifier-soothers or feeding bottles before the newborn has been put to suckle, so as not to create an attitude of feeding other than breastfeeding.
- Mother and child should be accommodated in the same room after birth – communicating with the baby helps the mother lactate.
- The duration of breastfeeding determines the child – until he does not let go of the breast, he should not be weaned from it.
- The breast should be offered to the newborn on every occasion, whenever and as much as it wants. This is necessary not only for his satiety, but also for his optimal emotional state. For the sake of the baby’s psychological comfort, it is possible to breastfeed 4 times within an hour. After the first month, the child only dilutes the hours of breastfeeding.
- Nocturnal breastfeeding is most beneficial, supports lactation and prevents a woman from having another pregnancy up to the 6th month after birth in 96% of cases.
- One should not move the baby to the other breast before it has just finished with the first. This deprives the final (last) milk, which contains the most fat.
- Prolonged suckling ensures better functioning of the newborn’s stomach.
- Bare-breasted breastfeeding is recommended – skin-to-skin contact. The child feels good because he hears the beats of the mother’s heart, the warmth of her skin reminds him very much of the intrauterine way of life, he calms down and begins to suckle.
- Giving water is not desirable as the newborn is actively sucking not because it is thirsty but because it is hungry. If the mother does decide to give water, she should not sweeten it.
- Trial breastfeeding does not give a real idea of the amount of breast milk the child is taking in. It can only create worries that affect lactation and cause unwarranted milking.
- It is not necessary to drain the breast after each breastfeeding. With properly organized breastfeeding, as much milk is produced as the baby needs. Draining is only recommended in cases where temporary separation is necessary or if the mother is working.
- It is not recommended to wash the breasts more than once a day, because around the areola are located the so-called Montgomery’s glands, which secrete secretion. It prevents nipple damage, is specific to each woman and attracts the newborn to its mother.
Source: http://www.moetobebe.net, Prof. Dr. Vanya Nedkova
