Years ago, breastfeeding was not very popular. Back in the day, no one encouraged breastfeeding. “General” practice physicians back then did not totally understand the importance of breastfeeding for the health of the newborn and growing infant.. Therefore, most mothers chose to bottle-feed without giving a thought to the possibility of breastfeeding.. Most new mothers did not even try to breastfeed their newborn infant.
Breastfeeding protects and nurtures your baby in unique ways. As little as six weeks of breastfeeding can increase a baby’s brain function and IQ. Breastfed babies are less likely to be obese since there is no bottle to finish or left-over formula to go to waste.. Babies who have breastfed for about six months are also less likely to have breathing problems.
It is now widely accepted how very nourishing breast milk is for your baby. All knowledgeable health care providers now recommend breastfeeding as the best way to feed an infant. In addition to supporting brain function, breast milk provides valuable nutrients that would not otherwise be available to the infant. Breast milk is uniquely designed for each baby.. Every mother’s milk is slightly different, tailored to her own baby’s needs. Without the antibodies in mother’s milk, baby is more likely to become ill due to an immature immune system.
Besides the physical benefits that breast milk provides, the actual feeding time itself is extremely important to the developing relationship between mother and baby. Without the distractions that can occur while bottle feeding, the breastfeeding mother and her infant can concentrate on one another. A new mother will really get to know her baby by breastfeeding and will feel much more at ease with him or her during breastfeeding. The baby in turn comes to know his/her mother by smell, touch, feel, as well as sight. The bonding promoted by the breastfeeding process lays a foundation for emotional development for years to come..
Milk induced sleep in her baby is one of the most wonderful things a mother will experience. Being cuddled is among a newborn’s favorite things to experience. They also love to eat. Cuddling and eating combine to make baby drowsy and willing to snuggle long after finishing eating. Breastfeeding baby often leads to baby taking a nap. The “mothering hormones” that promote successful breastfeeding are the same ones that encourage the new mother to sit and rock a sleeping baby with a full tummy long after he is asleep and “unplugged”. The calming effect on the mother cannot be denied.
Babies have a built-in latching on instinct. Although some babies will have difficulty latching on properly, most learn the proper way very quickly with assistance from the mother. If a baby is not properly latched on, the mother’s nipples will be painful. Most breastfeeding problems will show up within the first few days. Most hospitals these days have a lactation consultant who can help to determine if baby is latching on properly. If a new mother is experiencing sore nipples or incomplete emptying of the breast in the first week, she should consult with her doctor, a lactation consultant, another experienced, successufully breastfeeding mother, or a LaLeche League leader. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time! Be persistent! It’s worth it!
Breast milk is not only good for the baby. It is good for the mother as well. Mothers who breastfeed their babies for at least six months have shown a dramatical reduction in the risk of various types of cancer including breast cancer and ovarian cancer. And yet another benefit… Breastfeeding makes weight loss easier. Making breast milk for a rapidly growing baby burns about 500 calories per day. If nothing else changes, that amounts to a one pound per week weight loss. Breastfeeding also helps the new mother’s uterus resume its non-pregnant size and reduces the postpartum bleeding more rapidly.
All new parents want the very best for their new baby. Nutritionally, breast milk is best as baby’s “first food”. Premies often thrive when fed breast milk through a tube or a bottle–even if they are not able to suck from the breast themselves. While these little ones may tire out too soon if they try to nurse, they thrive when they receive “nature’s best” breast milk!
Successful breastfeeding requires the new mother to have some idea of what is supposed to be happening. Since baby will not likely know what’s going on, the parents need to be sure to find out ahead of time…so somebody knows what’s going on. A support person who can run interference for the breastfeeding mother improves the chances for successful breastfeeding. Find more resources here…along with a place to ask breastfeeding-related questions of a Registered Nurse with 35+ years experience.
There may a few challenges getting started with breastfeeding. However, nursing a newborn can be one of the best experiences a new mother and her baby will have together. Later in life, when the mother looks back on this wonderful, unique time shared with her little one, she may wish those days had lasted longer.
Read, read, read about breastfeeding. Investigate…be curious. Other nursing mothers can offer helpful hints…so listen up. This blog will have more info, hints, and tips on breastfeeding soon.