Breastfeeding is a true gift of nature to man. This gift brings health to the child and preserves the health of the woman.
Benefits of breastfeeding for baby:
Breast milk is the ideal food for a baby in its first year of life. It is optimal in its composition. Better than any other product based on cow's or goat's milk, it is suitable for feeding a baby. Proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins are absorbed best when breastfed.
The basis of breast milk is made up of special whey proteins. They have a high biological value, are easily digested and absorbed. They contain all the essential amino acids, in particular, cystine and taurine, necessary for the full development of the baby. It is especially important that the own proteins of breast milk do not cause allergic reactions and manifestations in the child, which we often see when using artificial mixtures based on cow's milk.
Breast milk fats contain a large amount of special beneficial fatty acids that are easily broken down and absorbed by immature intestinal enzymes. Milk itself contains the enzyme lipase, an enzyme that ensures the digestion of fats. It is lipase that provides soft stools, protection against constipation and colic.
Carbohydrates in breast milk are predominantly lactose (milk sugar). It is she who provides the optimal acidic environment for babies in the intestines and prevents the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in it.
The energy value (calorie content) of breast milk fully meets the needs of the newborn for energy. Breastfeeding allows the baby to eat according to his appetite, allows you to adapt to his needs in such a way that bottle feeding seems never to be possible.
Breast milk contains enzymes, hormones and other biologically active substances that are extremely important for the growth and development of the baby.
The uniqueness of breast milk lies in the fact that it kind of "adapts" to the intestines of your baby, facilitating the adaptation of the entire gastrointestinal tract, ensuring its proper colonization with beneficial microorganisms. Thanks to this, the intestinal flora can be restored without the use of drugs.
Breast milk contains a unique composition of immune factors (secretory immunoglobulin A, lactoferrin, lysozyme). Thanks to them, human milk has a powerful anti-infective property. Moreover, the immune protection of milk is individual for each baby. With mother's milk, protective antibodies are transmitted to the child from many pathogenic bacteria and viruses. These substances are absent in mixtures and in animal milk. That is why breastfeeding is so important for a child in the first year of life. After all, during this period, the children's immune system is still not sufficiently developed, does not function at full strength, and the kids are so exposed to infection.
Breast milk protects the baby in summer when there is an increased risk of intestinal infections, and in winter when there is a high risk of viral diseases. The correct physiological colonization of the intestines with beneficial bacteria, which we talked about above, also plays a big role in the protective forces of the child's body.
Breastfeeding forms the correct bite when covering the nipple, reduces the frequency of dental problems in early childhood, and reduces the incidence of caries.
It is important that breastfeeding provides a close emotional and psychological contact baby with mom. Breastfeeding creates an amazing sense of security, closeness and trust that lasts for years to come. Nothing compares to those happy moments of feeding, when the baby gives his mother the first smiles.
And finally breast milk no need to cook and it is sterile and has the right temperature.
The benefits of breastfeeding for the mother's body:
Successful recovery after childbirth
The hormone oxytocin, produced when a baby suckles, causes the uterus to contract. This is especially true in the first half hour after the birth of the baby for the safe separation of the placenta and the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage.
The first attachment to the breast and the first long-term feeding should be carried out immediately after childbirth - this is called for by foreign doctors and WHO in their document "Ten steps leading to successful breastfeeding". Feeding the baby in the first 2 months will help the uterus restore its pre-pregnancy shape, and the neighboring abdominal organs will safely take their usual "places".
"Rest" of the reproductive system
Breastfeeding produces the hormone prolactin in the mother's body, which is responsible for the amount of milk. This hormone suppresses the production of estrogen and progesterone, hormones necessary for ovulation and changes in the walls of the uterus for a new pregnancy. Thus, breastfeeding reliably protects you from conception.
However, it should be noted here that the necessary protective level of prolactin is maintained only when the child is fed in a natural way:
mother does not offer the baby to suck on foreign oral objects (pacifiers, bottles);
the breast is given to the child as often and for as long as he wants - during the day and, most importantly, at night (at least 3 times per night);
complementary foods are introduced to the baby after 6 months, the volume of adult food increases very gradually;
at night, the baby sleeps next to the mother and is breastfed at the first sign of sleep disturbance.
Studies have shown that about 95% of mothers who organize natural feeding remain incapable of a new conception for an average of 13-16 months. And in a third of mothers, ovulation does not resume during the entire period of breastfeeding!
Prevention of breast cancer
Estrogen hormones promote the growth of cancer cells in the reproductive system and are closely associated with cancers. As mentioned above, prolactin - the main "milk" hormone - suppresses the production of estrogen and slows down cell growth in general. Feeding one child for at least 3 months reduces the risk of breast cancer and ovarian epithelial cancer by 50% and 25%, respectively.
Also, against the background of breastfeeding, mastopathy improves. There is even such a way of natural treatment of this disease: breastfeed the baby up to 3 years.
Reduced need for insulin in patients diabetes
Calcium is absorbed better during pregnancy, lactation and another six months after the cessation of lactation!
Foreign scientists came to such sensational conclusions in the course of a number of studies. Why, then, in some women during these periods of life there are suspicions of a lack of calcium for their body? Most likely, the matter is in the improperly organized nutrition of a nursing mother.
It is important, after all, not just to absorb foods containing this element in sufficient quantities. It is important to "help" calcium fully absorb from food. Also, possible causes of calcium deficiency can be a small (less than 3 years) interval between pregnancies and errors in breastfeeding.
The fact is that the birth of a child causes a whole series of hormonal changes: pregnancy - childbirth - the formation of lactation (up to 3 months after childbirth) - mature lactation - involution of lactation (between 1.5 and 2.5 years of the baby) - cessation of breastfeeding - return body to the pre-pregnancy state (within six months). It is the work of hormones during these periods that contribute to a more complete absorption of calcium.
If this reproductive chain was interrupted (for example, the mother stopped feeding the baby before the onset of lactation involution, or a miscarriage occurred, or the mother hurried with a new pregnancy), if at any of the stages there was a gross intervention from the outside and the natural hormonal balance was disturbed (for example, artificial stimulation of labor, or lactation was interrupted by medication, or a woman uses hormonal contraceptives), if breastfeeding was not organized in a natural way - the hormonal system of a nursing mother does not work properly, and calcium can really be absorbed in insufficient quantities.
Therefore, before blaming breastfeeding for tooth decay, consider whether you are doing everything in accordance with nature and common sense.
For the same reason of better absorption of calcium, the risk of osteoporosis in old age (osteoporosis - a disease caused by the leaching of calcium salts from the bones) also decreases by 25% with each breast-fed baby.
Perhaps, for many women, this item will not seem very important. However, if you look around - senile fractures are not so rare. And if you consider that they are difficult to compensate for, then you should think about prevention in advance!
Restoring normal weight
One of the most important questions of a woman who has given birth: "When will I again become as slender as before the pregnancy?" Answer: in about a year - if you feed your baby naturally!
The fact is that during the period of bearing a baby, the mother’s body “makes reserves” for its subsequent feeding: what if there is a crop failure? or a natural disaster? or drought? Mom should have a lot of "reserve" calories prepared for milk production in the first, most important year of a baby's life. Therefore, there is absolutely no need to follow diets for weight loss - they, as a rule, will not help restore pre-pregnancy weight. Nature has provided only one way to return the former attractiveness - long-term breastfeeding.
Prevention of depression
In the absence of breastfeeding after childbirth, if there are problems with feeding, as well as when it is abruptly interrupted, the mother experiences a sharp drop in the level of female sex hormones. The so-called endogenous depressions begin, to overcome which the professional help of a psychotherapist is often needed.
In turn, in the presence of successful feeding in a nursing woman, there are in large numbers neuropeptide hormones, including the well-known hormone endorphin. Its action causes a state similar to the joyful elated state of two lovers: "we are knee-deep in the sea, the main thing is that I have you, and that we are together!"
Such a mother endures difficulties with courage, takes care of the baby with joy, radiates emotional satisfaction and, despite frequent fatigue, seems to fly on the wings of love.
Stronger immunity
This is caused by increased metabolism in the body of a nursing mother. Intensive metabolic processes accelerate the elimination of toxins, increase the rate of bone and tissue renewal, and also make the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx less susceptible to infectious agents.
Increased stress resistance
This effect is achieved due to the work of two hormones: prolactin is a strong tranquilizer. He seems to be sending a signal to a nursing mother: "Calm down, don't be nervous, everything will be fine..." Oxytocin helps a woman focus mainly on the needs of a small child, leaving worries about various everyday issues as if on the periphery of consciousness.
In addition to all of the above, breastfeeding is very economical, breast milk is always with you, you do not need to buy it, heat it up, and this is an exclusive product - it was created exclusively for your baby! Long and happy feeding to you!
A woman who is aware of the benefits of breast milk for a child will never have to choose whether to breastfeed or not. In this case, there can be only one justified reason for not breastfeeding - medical contraindications to this.
Meanwhile, some new mothers are ready to deny their baby the most necessary things for him in the first months of his life. They find for themselves a variety of excuses and arguments, among which, perhaps, a change in the shape and former youth of the breast.
No matter how embarrassing a woman is about breastfeeding, her doubts are likely to be completely dispelled if she is well aware of the benefits of breastfeeding for herself.
Benefits of breastfeeding for a woman
All neonatologists and pediatricians unanimously declare that earlier attachment to the breast (that is, in the first minutes after childbirth, still in the delivery room) is extremely important and useful. Therefore, it would be good to study this issue even before childbirth, in order to start feeding the baby from the first minutes of his life.
Perhaps not in great detail and not comprehensively, but every woman knows about the benefits of mother's milk for a newborn. But as a rule, we think least of all about ourselves. But it turns out that the lactation process has many benefits for the mother as well.
Rapid recovery after childbirth
Breast sucking by a child has a beneficial effect on the state of the mother's body already from the first application. It stimulates the production of hormones - prolactin and oxytocin, which accelerate postpartum recovery and help you quickly return to your previous shape. In particular, while the baby is suckling the breast, the uterus of the nursing mother begins to contract intensively. Thus, it is better cleared of spotting, decreases in size faster and returns to the prenatal state. At the same time, not only the stomach “leaves” after childbirth, but also the internal organs take their proper places, returning to their previous mode of operation.
Due to more effective uterine contractions during breastfeeding, postpartum bleeding lasts less, and this prevents the development of anemia in a woman due to large blood loss.
In addition to this, it is breastfeeding mothers who return to their previous prenatal forms more easily, more naturally and more efficiently. At first, the mother will have to forget about losing weight for a while, because the body needs resources to produce milk. But what she eats will be intensively spent on lactation (only breastfeeding takes about 500 kcal per day), and gradually, without much effort, the mother will return to her previous form if she adheres to proper nutrition (without special diets and training). This is facilitated by the accelerated metabolism during lactation.
As for women who are not breastfeeding after childbirth, they will have to make a lot of efforts to lose weight, and it is possible that they will harm their health.
Disease prevention
The health benefits of breastfeeding are not limited to this. Numerous studies indicate that breastfeeding is an effective prevention of female cancers, in particular breast and ovarian cancer. Moreover, the longer a woman breastfeeds, the more this effect is expressed. If a tumor in her breast (fibroadenoma) was found in her, then lactation with a very high probability can contribute to its disappearance. This is especially true for women at risk (who suffer from mastopathy): they need to breastfeed for at least a year. And doctors have come to the conclusion that during lactation in diabetic women, dependence on insulin decreases.
Doctors say that the immunity of a nursing mother remains protected by nature, and therefore the mother is less susceptible to viral infections. If she interrupts the chain of natural changes, that is, she refuses to breastfeed, then there is a gross invasion and a sharp violation of the hormonal background, which affects her health in a negative way.
In addition, due to a whole range of natural mechanisms in the body of a wet nurse, calcium and other nutrients are absorbed better during this period! For this, the main thing is to eat right and lead a healthy lifestyle, which breastfeeding contributes to in the best possible way: only in exceptional cases, nursing mothers allow themselves to drink and smoke. As a rule, women approach this period with all responsibility, realizing that the health and strength of the child is being formed for the rest of his life, and the quality of this very life largely depends on the mother.
Resilience to stress and depression
Nature also took care of the mental comfort, peace of mind of a nursing mother. Scientists came to the conclusion that thanks to all the same hormones, the woman's nervous system seems to be abstracted from the factors provoking her instability. Mom does not seem to react to the “unimportant” episodes now. All her consciousness and subconsciousness is aimed at the well-being of the baby and getting satisfaction from the feeding process, from physical and spiritual intimacy with the baby.
It has been observed that women in labor who refuse breastfeeding are more prone to stress and more often find themselves in depression, which is not only difficult to get out of, but often impossible without the help of specialists. This is due to a sharp decrease in the level of hormones in a woman's body when she refuses to breastfeed, for which the mother's body has already prepared. These hormones cause feelings of euphoria and happiness in a new mother, very similar to feelings in a state of love.
Natural method of contraception
Not at all the most important argument in favor of breastfeeding a baby, but if you think carefully ... It takes about 3 years for a woman's body to fully recover and strengthen after childbirth, doctors say. Only after this period, a newly pregnant woman will be able to provide the growing fetus with everything necessary without harming him and herself. Therefore, the issue of contraception after childbirth is very relevant.
Today it is already absolutely known that it is possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding. And yet, properly organized natural feeding enhances and prolongs the contraceptive effect. You just need to know that you can rely on such a method of protection only if you follow all the rules and recommendations (feeding on demand, co-sleeping, at least three applications at night, feeding the baby only (!) With breast milk, giving up pacifiers, introducing complementary foods before 4-6 months, etc.). The onset of pregnancy during breastfeeding is prevented by the hormone prolactin that is now produced in large quantities. It suppresses the production of female sex hormones (progesterone and estrogen) necessary for ovulation, conception and implantation of the fetal egg.
Saving money and time
This advantage of breastfeeding is underestimated by many at first. But it is extremely difficult to return to such a convenient way of nursing a child after switching to milk mixtures. Therefore, do not rush to refuse the newborn in the chest, but just think carefully ...
Milk formula today is quite expensive. The better the mixture, the more expensive it is, and the jar is enough for a very short time. It is not at all a fact that you will find an infant formula that will suit your child the first time. You will probably have to try many brands before there is a food from which the gastrointestinal tract of the crumbs and in general his body will not suffer.
Each package of "inappropriate" mixture will remain unused (unless you consciously torment the child with such food). Since the appetite of children is not always the same, often the remains of an uneaten norm will have to be poured out (because the baby must receive freshly prepared formula each time).
In general, with regard to the financial side of the issue, here all the advantages of breast milk are obvious: it is completely free.
But, in addition, mother's milk is always fresh, warm (exactly the temperature as required, which is extremely difficult to achieve when preparing the mixture, and a temperature discrepancy of even a few degrees negatively affects the absorption and digestion of food by the child's ventricle).
Such food is always available, nearby. No need to suddenly quickly run to the store or home, it is extremely beneficial and convenient when mom and baby go on long walks or long trips.
Mother's milk is always sterile and ready to drink: there is no need to bother with washing and sterilizing pacifiers, nipples, bottles, cooking and doubts about how many grams a child should eat. One has only to offer the baby a breast - and you can relax. The child will eat exactly as much as he needs in this period. It's completely free and hassle-free! It also saves your physical strength.
Convenient way to soothe your baby
What can we say that nothing calms the child better and faster than mother's breast. If you don’t want to be tormented by baby crying, trying in every possible and impossible way to calm an upset baby, then lactation should certainly be adjusted.
Of course, even such a “sedative” does not always work. But if the chest does not help, then the pacifier and motion sickness will be all the more powerless.
Strong bond with the child
Every mother would like to build a strong warm relationship with her child and raise a sympathetic, kind, attentive, loving child. The foundations for this are laid precisely during lactation. Together with mother's milk, mother gives the baby not only a sense of security, safety and comfort, but also conveys her mood, attitude, vision of this world to him. That is why it is necessary to breastfeed with great desire, pleasure, love and confidence that this is the right decision and that you will certainly succeed.
Actually, it's quite simple and easy. But if you have any difficulties in the process of breastfeeding, invite a specialist to your home who will not only teach you comfortable effective positions for feeding, how to properly attach the baby to the breast, but also answer all your questions. Believe me, it's worth the money spent on such services.
healthy and smart child
And the most important thing! If you want to raise a healthy, smart and confident child, then breastfeeding will contribute to this better than anything else. It has been proven that children who are breastfed for a long time grow up many times healthier and stronger, as well as smarter and more capable of learning than artificial ones.
Together with mother's milk, the child receives strong immune protection. Rickets, anemia, hypovitaminosis, allergic, gastrointestinal, endocrine, viral and many other diseases in infants develop much less frequently! Moreover, scientists came to the conclusion that even in adulthood, such children get sick less often, in particular, diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, and cancer.
Is it better to be constantly on sick leave and exhausted from childhood illnesses than to enjoy the time spent together, which flies very quickly and never returns!
If you are still in doubt about whether to breastfeed your newborn baby, then ask breastfeeding mothers what they experience during moments of such intimacy with his blood. Believe me, it is impossible to convey in words, but even what you hear in response should convince you: you definitely need to feed, even if you see certain difficulties in this for yourself.
Treat the process of breastfeeding with warmth and love, perceive it simply and naturally - and then everything will be exactly as it should be: easy, pleasant and useful in every sense!
Especially for - Margarita SOLOVIEVA
Breastfeeding has many benefits for mother and baby. Our portal conducted a large survey in which more than 1000 mothers took part. 95% decided. 27%, more than a quarter of all mothers, decide to breastfeed after the baby is 1 year old. What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
Benefits of breastfeeding for a baby
- The nutrients contained in breast milk are ideally suited to the needs of the baby and its digestive capabilities.
- Breast milk contains important antibodies, or immunoglobulins, that are passed on to the baby. Thanks to them, the child will be protected from allergies and infectious diseases.
- Mother's milk is at the optimum temperature and always meets the needs of the baby.
- The sucking movements themselves during breastfeeding contribute to the development of the tongue, palate and facial muscles of the child.
- Breastfeeding promotes mental development: Breastfed babies have an IQ level three points higher than formula-fed babies. This is due to the presence of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) in breast milk. And the iron contained in milk supports the formation of many neurotransmitters and, therefore, also affects the active mental development of the child.
- Another advantage of breastfeeding is the close tactile contact between the baby and mother. The baby, being next to his mother, feels safe. In addition, a feeling of affection develops between a woman and a child during breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding: Benefits for Mom
The benefits of breastfeeding are also tangible for the woman - it's practical, you don't have to pay for it and, with a little practice, it doesn't require much effort. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer and accelerates the recovery of the body after childbirth. During feeding, the hormone oxytocin is released, which is responsible for labor pains and, subsequently, for the restoration of uterine muscles.
Why is the right attitude important when breastfeeding?
The most important prerequisite for successful breastfeeding is the woman's confidence and sincere desire. Sluggish attempts to breastfeed “on duty” are usually doomed to failure. If you're not yet comfortable with breastfeeding, seek the help of an experienced lactation consultant.
If, for some objective reason, you are forced to transfer the baby to artificial feeding, read a lot useful tips on this topic in the article "All About Bottles".
Breast milk is a natural and complete food for babies. Caring mothers know about its benefits, but feeding is not always possible. Often, an early start to work, unwillingness to comply with a strict regimen, lack of information on how to ensure stable lactation, and other reasons interfere.
Almost every mother can breastfeed. This process requires the abandonment of a number of habits, but only it is the most natural and correct for a newborn child. That is why it is important to re-evaluate the benefits of breastfeeding before switching to artificial formulas with cow's milk..
Doctors say the vast majority of moms can breastfeed on their ownThe uniqueness of breast milk
The beginning of breastfeeding is a difficult period for a mother who is not strong after giving birth. Helps to regulate lactation proper nutrition, mode and application of the baby to the chest (up to 15 times a day). The support of the husband and relatives is especially important here, because the mother will have to devote most of her time only to the baby. When the process improves, the mother will be able to fully experience the benefits of breastfeeding.
No matter how many vitamins and microelements are included in a quality mixture, it will not be able to protect against infections and bring as many benefits as mother's milk. Breast milk is based on valuable amino acids necessary for the proper development of the child. It also contains lipase - a unique enzyme responsible for the digestion of fats, the absence of digestive problems. Other benefits of breast milk include:
- protection against infections, colic and allergies - it is provided by leukocytes, immunoglobulins, antibodies against pathogens transferred by the mother earlier;
- easy absorption and effective use by the body of the baby - thanks to lipase, which is only in mother's milk;
- calmness of the baby - at the mother's chest, the baby calms down faster and falls asleep;
- improved mental performance - it has been proven that 5-year-old babies who were breastfed up to 6 months have higher mental capacity than their "artificial" peers;
- no hassle - picking up a mixture for a baby is not always easy, and bottles and nipples need to be sterilized.
Benefits of breast milk over cow's milk adapted formula
According to the content of fats, proteins and antibodies, breast milk in women and animals differs. It also changes as the baby grows. As a rule, it contains 87% water, 7% carbohydrates (including lactose), 4% fat, about 1% protein. Water satisfies the need for fluid, carbohydrates give the child's body energy and accelerate the formation of the nervous system. Proteins serve as the basis for the formation of hormones, enzymes.
Fats are allocated unevenly during lactation. There are few of them in foremilk, but by the end of feeding, the baby gets the most nutritious drops. Therefore, when the baby suckles slowly, do not take the breast.
Fats from mother's milk are easier to digest than those from cow's milk, goat's milk or a mixture. For their splitting, the enzyme lipase is responsible, which is not found in substitutes. Ready-made antibodies, hormones and amino acids (taurine, cystine, methionine) are also found only in breast milk.
Mix features
Modern mixtures based on cow's and goat's milk are close to breast milk, but cannot replace it (for more details, see the article:). They include more protein, which puts an increased burden on the baby's metabolism. Its large molecules hardly pass through the filters in the renal glomeruli. Due to the low digestibility of the proteins of the mixture, the risk of obesity in "artificial" children is higher.
For better assimilation, cow's milk proteins are split when creating a mixture, whey proteins are added, which are involved in metabolic processes. Milk fat is digested by the child's body on its own, since there is no assistant (lipase) in milk substitutes. The carbohydrate composition of the mixture is as close as possible to mother's milk. The quality product also includes prebiotics, unsaturated fatty acids.
Although manufacturers are trying to develop a formula that would completely repeat the composition of mother's milk, there is no such product yet. Cow and goat milk
Unadapted cow and goat milk are not suitable for development baby. They do not contain unsaturated fatty acids important for brain development, but they contain a lot of protein that animals need to form muscle fibers. With difficulties in organizing feeding, you need to choose good adapted mixtures, but do not use goat and cow milk.
The benefits of breastfeeding
Neither mixed nor artificial nutrition has all the benefits that breastfeeding provides. The use of mother's milk has a positive effect on the mood, well-being and development of the crumbs, and has a positive effect on his health in the future. It is sterile, always at the optimum temperature and produced in the amount needed to cover the daily needs of the child.
Benefits for the baby
In addition to the advantages described above, breastfeeding contributes to the crumbs feeling of security and personal security, which lasts for many years. At an older age, this feeling remains, helps to reduce aggressiveness and increases adaptation in society. Breastfeeding allows for bite formation and reduces the risk of early dental problems.
Breast sucking allows you to form an excellent correct bite Benefits for a premature baby
Mother's milk is necessary for premature babies, digestive system which suffers from a lack of essential enzymes. It starts to develop ahead of time- immediately after childbirth, contains an increased amount of protein, fat, promotes active weight gain and protects the baby from infections.
Preterm infants who are breastfed are less likely to be diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis and pathological changes in the intestinal microflora.
If the baby is being fed through a tube, it is recommended to breastfeed if possible. Sucking will stimulate the mother's lactation, speed up the emptying of the baby's stomach and help him gain weight.
Benefits for Mom
In the postpartum period, oxytocin and prolactin are produced during lactation. The hormone oxytocin prevents postpartum hemorrhage and helps the uterus return to its previous size within 2 months. Prolactin calms the nervous system, allows you to relax during feeding.
Breastfeeding moms don't need to carry bottles around, so being away from home becomes more comfortable. All you need is to drink the right amount of water, eat right, and wear comfortable clothes that will allow you to feed your baby when necessary.
Menstruation to a nursing mother does not come immediately, but this is not a 100% guarantee against pregnancy. If there is no next pregnancy in the plans, it is important to take care of contraception. Subject to proper diet the young mother will not recover, but will even lose the weight accumulated during pregnancy.
The only food and drink that a baby needs, even on a walk, is mother's milk. Benefits for dad
Dad's support is one of the components of harmony in the family. Understanding the benefits of breastfeeding for spouse and child, he can adequately respond to attempts by loved ones to sabotage efforts to establish lactation. Night feedings will not bother the head of the family, he will not have to help his wife with boiling bottles and preparing the mixture.
Among other things, babies have a pleasant milky smell, which "artists" are deprived of. Their stools are soft, devoid of a pungent odor, and even a squeamish dad will master the change of diapers. For safety reasons, parents do not need to take the baby to their bed - it is better for mom to get up when he cries and feed on demand.
Memo to a young mother: how to breastfeed the first six months
The first food of a newborn is colostrum. It saturates, has a beneficial effect on the immune system and the gastrointestinal tract of the baby. Within 3-4 days after birth, milk begins to arrive. During this period, the mother needs to choose comfortable positions for feeding, learn how to attach the baby (we recommend reading:) to the chest. Questions that will definitely arise during feeding should be asked to the doctor. Answers to many of them can be obtained in the memo, which describes the features of feeding up to six months.
1 month
At this time, it is important for the mother to apply the baby to the breast from 8 to 15 times a day (on demand). Some of the babies suck for more than half an hour. Someone, on the contrary, spends 10 minutes at the breast and falls asleep, but after an hour he demands to eat again. For the first month, it is important for a mother to adapt to the regimen of a newborn, and not vice versa.
2 month
At the age of two months, the baby should also receive milk or breasts for soothing on demand. Some experts argue that intervals between feedings should be introduced at 4 hours. This is unacceptable because the child's diet remains chaotic. 2-3 months after giving birth, the mother may experience a decrease in the amount of milk (lactation crisis). You should not follow the lead of relatives and switch to cow's milk or formula. To overcome the situation will allow the regimen and consultation of a specialist in feeding.
3-4 month
During this period, the time intervals between feedings increase, as the baby has its own routine. If the baby is being fed on demand, there is no need for complementary foods and bottled water. According to WHO, up to 6 months, a baby does not need anything other than mother's milk.
At 3-4 months, the interval between feedings increases, but the baby still eats only milk. 5 month
The baby is growing up, but mother's milk is still his only food. Feeding becomes more rare and longer, the mother does not need to often interrupt her night's sleep. During this period, kids are interested in what adults eat. Parents, in turn, perceive this as a signal to start complementary foods. WHO recommends waiting a little, postponing cereals, juices, vegetables and fruit purees for up to 6 months.
6 month
Favorable time to get acquainted with new tastes. Complementary foods are introduced after agreement with the pediatrician, starting with cereals, hypoallergenic vegetables, fermented milk products. During this period, it also becomes necessary to supplement the baby with a bottle or spoon. Every month, the baby's diet becomes wider, but breastfeeding continues. By the age of one, mom can gradually reduce the number of attachments if she plans to wean the baby from the breast.
How much milk does a baby need?
A baby who has enough mother's milk gains about 600 grams of weight every month. He is active, and the number of urinations since the middle of the first month is 12 per day (wet diaper test). If the mother is concerned about the lack of weight of the baby, you need to find out how much he ate during feeding, weighing on an electronic scale before and after applying will help. Distant milk is more nutritious: if the baby has not completely sucked out the breast, he will feel hungry much earlier. Before you give him a second breast, it is important to make sure that there is no milk in the first one.
You can find out if the baby has enough milk by the results of the control weighing Until what age should you breastfeed your baby?
According to the WHO, the minimum duration of breastfeeding is 6 months if there is no reason to introduce formula early. In the first 6 months after birth, mother's milk is the only food for the baby. It is recommended to supplement with water only in the heat, in order to prevent dehydration.
There are no definitive recommendations on the question of what age to breastfeed. A number of experts advise to continue up to 2 years, their opponents are convinced that 12 months is enough. In countries with an unstable economy and the risk of the spread of infectious diseases, babies are fed up to 1.5-2 years. After a year, mother's milk changes its composition, becomes more nutritious, helps to create a reliable barrier against infectious pathogens in the child's body.
lactation and physiology
Over time, the mother's milk production decreases. Approximately after 2.5-3 years, the mammary glands involute (they return to the “pre-pregnancy” state). Moms who want to experience the maximum benefits of breastfeeding can keep babies until they wean themselves or until milk production is complete.
After about 2.5-3 years, lactation ends on its own (see also:) Difficulties during breastfeeding
The disadvantages of breastfeeding are related to the discomfort of the mother. She will have to follow a diet and regimen, give the crumbs most of her time. When milk overflows, tingling and soreness may occur in the glands, which will require additional pumping, since the baby will not be able to suck from the swollen heavy breast.
Sometimes the nipples of a nursing mother crack, which is accompanied by inflammation and pain during feeding. This can be prevented by regular breast care and the use of a cream based on lanolin and panthenol after each feeding. Many mothers are afraid that the breast will lose its shape, but this depends only on the individual characteristics of the body.
During lactation, the mother's body experiences a lack of vitamins and minerals. Nature is arranged in such a way that the rule “first to the baby, then to yourself” applies. In order not to lose teeth, maintain skin elasticity and hair shine, you need to ask the doctor to prescribe a vitamin-mineral complex. If a nursing mother is sick, the selection of drugs for treatment is also entrusted to the doctor, since many drugs contain substances that are passed into breast milk.
If a nursing mother is sick, only a doctor should prescribe her medicines. Cons of formula feeding for a baby
The reasons why mothers switch to artificial feeding are different. However, it is important to remember that good adapted mixtures are expensive, and it is not always possible to choose the most suitable product in terms of composition. Other disadvantages of artificial feeding include:
- allergic reactions to the components of the mixture;
- low resistance of the baby to infections;
- weak emotional connection with mother;
- increased risk of anemia, obesity, allergization;
- violation of the formation of intestinal microflora.
Not a single competent specialist will advise switching to mixtures, if there are no good reasons for that. Insufficient lactation cannot be a reason for not breastfeeding (see also.