Useful Information on Breastfeeding a Baby

Having a baby is a completely new experience in life. In the very first month of his birth, the parents gradually learn to hold him right, feed him correctly and understand the complete process. It is seriously one challenging thing which can be really very stressful and tiring for the parents. And the most important thing out of everything is breastfeeding a child. It is a new thing for a mother and it starts right after your baby comes in the world. For a normal baby, the art of sucking and rooting comes naturally. As soon as you place the infant at the mother’s breast, he reacts. Doctors check for these reflexes as soon as the baby is born and sometimes within first four hours.

By the second or third day, when colostrums changes into milk, the baby starts to settle. Allow the baby to have as my feed as he desires as the first few days as important for having a healthy breastfeeding routine.

Benefits of Frequent Breastfeeding:

It is really very time consuming and tiring for a mother to give frequent breastfeeds to the baby but then it has its own benefits.

  • Important for stimulating full production of milk.
  • Colostrums are essential for baby for better immunity against infections.
  • It helps in reducing risk of breast engorgement.

Importance of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the natural way of nourishing the bond between you and your child. Let us see how important breastfeeding is for the baby.

  • It is considered to be a wholesome diet for the infant as it is rich in all the nutrients, minerals, vitamins and supplements that are needed by him for growth and development.
  • It is easier for the babies to digest compared to other formulae as it is made using cow milk which is difficult to digest.
  • It is good for health and immunity of the infant.

Richness of Breast Milk

Let us have a look at the richness of breast milk which makes it so essential for the baby.

  • Colostrums are the early breast milk which is the very first milk that is made during pregnancy and just after a baby is born. It is considered as liquid gold as it is rich in all the antibodies and nutrients that keep baby healthy.
  • By the third day colostrums starts to change into mature milk. This is the regular breastfeed which is the right combination of water, sugar, fat, proteins which are essential for development of the baby.
  • This is important for developing his immune system and helping his digestive system grow.
  • It protects the baby from various infections along with problems like diarrhea and respiratory issues.
  • It develops a strong bonding between the mother and the child.
  • It reduces the risk of breast cancer.

Timings for Feed

When a baby is born, he needs to be fed as and when he demands. This varies from 8 to 12 times in a day. This pattern continues for the first two to four weeks after his birth. You must observe his expressions and signals to know that he is hungry. He may make sucking actions. He may move his bottom jaw up and down.

When the baby sucks your breast for a couple of minutes, you may have a drawing sensation. Once you have fed your infant, your breasts will feel light and less tight.

Once your baby feels full, he will become still. He may open his fists to relax or touch his hand against your breast. If he urinates or passes a motion then again it is assign that he is full.

If your baby starts crying then this shows he is extremely hungry and then breastfeeding becomes difficult.

Keep all these signs in mind to make breastfeeding easier. This way your child will not feel frustrated or cranky and you will find it much easier to deal with him.

Understanding Natural Feeding Patterns

It is good to have an understanding of natural breastfeeding pattern of your child.

  • As soon as a baby is done, he will stop taking the feed. He will push out the nipple and will look peaceful and sleepy.
  • If the baby needs more feed then he will be awake, try and offer his the other breast. He may or may not take it, depending upon his hunger.
  • The next time when you feed him, offer him the other breast first.
  • Allow the baby to feed as and when he likes.
  • For babies who sleep a lot, you must wake him up every three hours for feed to make sure that he regains his birth weight.

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