Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the best food you can offer your new baby. At about 6 months, your baby will be ready for other foods, but you can continue breastfeeding until your child is 2 years of age and beyond.

Breast milk:

  • Is naturally and uniquely produced—by each mother for her own baby. So your baby is less likely to be exposed to foreign allergenic material.
  • Contains antibodies and other immune factors that help prevent illness.
  • Has the right amount and quality of nutrients to meet your baby’s first food needs.
  • Is easy on your baby’s digestive system, so there is less chance of constipation or diarrhea.

Breastfeeding offers your baby the best start, but it’s not always easy. Problems are common. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support.

Breastfeeding burns a lot of calories so it is important that you eat a variety of nutritious foods and drink plenty of fluids. You don’t need to avoid milk, egg, peanut or other foods while breastfeeding. There is no evidence that avoiding certain foods will prevent allergy in your child.

You should avoid dieting while you are breastfeeding.

    Colostrum is the first milk produced in the early days after your baby is born. For some women it is thick and yellowish and for others it is thin and watery. Colostrum is very rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and infection-fighting antibodies that are found only in breast milk.

    You will know that your colostrum is changing into breast milk when it becomes milky white in colour and your breasts feel full. This is known as your milk “coming in”. The amount of time it takes for milk to “come in” varies from mother to mother. If your milk hasn’t come in within 72 hours of your baby’s birth, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor.

    The milk at the beginning of each feeding is called foremilk. Foremilk is watery to satisfy your baby’s fluid needs.

    As the feed continues, foremilk is gradually replaced by rich, fatty hindmilk. Hindmilk will satisfy your baby’s hunger and provide the calories he needs.

    How do I know when it’s time for a feeding?

    At first, you will feed your baby on demand, which means feeding her whenever she’s hungry. This could be as often as every 2 to 3 hours. Typically, you can expect to breastfeed 8 to 12 times over a 24-hour period. Let your baby set the pace.

    Sometimes babies  want to feed more frequently and for very short periods of time. This is called “cluster feeding” and often happens in the evening. “Cluster feeding” is normal and might  mean your baby is going through a growth spurt.

    When should I express breast milk?

    If your breasts are engorged (large, sore, and feeling extremely full), your newborn may have difficulty latching on. Express some milk by gently massaging or pushing on your breast with your hand or a breast pump. This may help your baby latch on.

    If you will be away from your baby during feeding time, you can express your breast milk. This will allow your baby to drink breast milk from a cup or a bottle when you are not available.

    Expressed breast milk is also a way to keep breastfeeding while your baby is in child care. Make sure the centre or home has a refrigerator. Breast milk has to be kept chilled until feeding time.

    Are there ever reasons not to breastfeed?

    Rarely are there reasons not to breastfeed. If you are receiving chemotherapy (especially cyclosporine, methotrexate, bromocriptine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin), have HIV disease, or take street drugs (especially PCP) talk to your doctor. You may be advised not to breastfeed.

    If you have a medical condition or take prescription medications, always talk to your doctor before nursing your baby. With most prescription medications you can continue to breastfeed because only small amounts will pass through your breast milk.

    How will I know if my baby is feeding well?

    Feed your baby from each breast for as long as she wants and alternate the breast you begin with at each feeding.

    Your baby is feeding well when:

    • You hear short swallowing sounds (making a “K” sound) which gradually become longer and deeper as your milk is released.
    • He is content after feeding.
    • The nursing process isn’t painful.
    • Your breasts feel full before and empty after.

    How will I know if my baby isn’t feeding well?

    Your baby isn’t feeding well when:

    • You hear a lot of lip smacking.
    • She isn’t content after a feeding.
    • The nursing process is painful.
    How will I know if my baby is getting enough to eat?

    Signs that tell you your baby is getting enough to eat include:

    • Six or more wet diapers in a 24-hour period.
    • Stools that are yellow, soft and seedy. Early on, these may come after every feeding. After the first month, stools may not be as frequent (1 bowel movement every 2 to 7 days), but they should be soft and yellow.
    • Weight gain (your baby’s doctor will check at each visit).

    What else should I know about breastfeeding?

    • Wash your hands before breastfeeding.
    • If you experience cracked or sore nipples, try exposing them to the air after each feeding, allowing them to dry naturally. You can also apply lanolin cream. You can buy a lanolin product at your local pharmacy.
    • Avoid using soap on your nipples. Soap will wash away your breasts’ natural lubricants.
    • Some women get mastitis, a serious bacterial infection which causes painful swelling of the breasts, and sometimes fever. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor. Mastitis is treated with antibiotics. You can continue to breastfeeding during treatment.
    How should expressed breast milk be stored?

    Expressed breast milk should be kept in a clean container, such as a glass bottle or milk bags for breast milk, with the date marked on it. Plastic polyethylene bags, such as commercial bottle liners, and containers made of bisphenol A (BPA) are not recommended because they can affect the quality of your milk.  

    Breast milk can be stored for:

    • 6 to 8 hours at room temperature (no warmer than 25°C [77°F]),
    • up to 5 days in the refrigerator (at a temperature of below 4°C [<39°F]),
    • 2 weeks in your refrigerator freezer (not in the door),
    • 3-6 months in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator with separate doors, or
    • 6-12 months in a separate chest-type freezer (at a temperature below -20°C [-4°F]).

    Never mix fresh breast milk with chilled or frozen breast milk because it can cause bacteria to grow and lead to food poisoning

    How do I prepare expressed breast milk for a feeding?

    • Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator and keep it there until you’re ready for it. Do not use a microwave to thaw or warm frozen expressed milk because it can affect the quality of the milk. .
    • Prepare clean bottles and nipples.
    • Put the thawed milk into a feeding bottle or cup. You can warm the milk by placing the bottle of expressed milk into a container of warm water before the feeding.
    • Shake the bottle of breast milk well to mix any separated layers.
    • After each feeding, throw away any leftover milk.
    • Do not refreeze breast milk once it has been thawed or partially thawed.

    Does my baby need anything else besides breast milk?

    Since breast milk has only small amounts of vitamin D, babies who are breastfed should receive a daily supplement, which is available as drops.

    What do I feed my baby when I cannot breastfeed?

    If breastfeeding is not an option, use a store-bought iron-fortified infant formula for the first 9 to 12 months.

    • Formula should be cow milk-based.
    • Homemade formulas made from canned, evaporated, whole milk (cow or goat) are not recommended as a breast milk substitute. 
    • Soy, rice or other plant-based beverages, even when fortified, are not appropriate as a breastmilk substitute as they are nutritionally incomplete for infants.  There is no evidence that soy-based formula will prevent your child from developing an allergy. 
    • Soy-based infant formulas should only be used as an alternative to cow milk-based formula if your baby has galactosemia (a rare disorder that will affect how your baby’s body processes simple sugar) or if your baby cannot consume dairy-based products for cultural or religious reasons. 
    • Talk to your doctor if you are unsure which formula is best for your child.

    Since vitamin D is already added to infant formula, most full-term babies who are formula-fed don’t need a supplement. However, formula-fed babies in northern communities should receive a supplement of 400 IU/day from October to April to ensure they have enough vitamin D.

    At about 6 months, you can begin to introduce solids to your baby’s diet.

    Who should I ask if I have questions about breastfeeding?

    Although breastfeeding is the natural way to feed your baby, you may find it hard in the beginning. This is normal and like most aspects of motherhood, you’ll learn through experience. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from health professionals or experienced friends and relatives.

    Your doctor or midwife can counsel you about the principles and practice of breastfeeding

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