Here's everything you need to know about breastfeeding your baby!

One of the greatest joys of being a new mother is breastfeeding your baby. It creates a very special bond. So today, we'll talk about what breastfeeding is, what benefits it brings to you and your baby, and how exactly to do it.

What is breastfeeding?

Simply put, breastfeeding is the process of feeding your baby the milk that your body produces. The milk comes from your baby's mouth when he or she latches onto your breast and sucks it. Most babies start breastfeeding within the first few hours of birth.

First, your body produces a special type of milk called `(Colostrum)` . This is very thick and contains a lot of protein. It also contains antibodies, which are substances that protect the baby from diseases. In about three to five days, this `(Colostrum)` changes and normal breast milk starts to come in. During this time, the baby will lose a little weight. This is normal, don't worry . When your milk comes in properly, the weight will increase again.

Breastfeeding has many benefits for you and your baby. It helps reduce postpartum depression for you and strengthens your baby's immune system. If possible, breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first six months. Then continue breastfeeding while introducing complementary foods. Because of the value of breast milk, you can breastfeed your baby for up to two years or even longer.

But remember, there are many ways to feed your baby. You can breastfeed directly. Or you can express milk and give it in a bottle. You may need to give formula along with breast milk. Or you can use formula alone. Your and your baby's needs may change over time.

The most important thing is that the baby receives the nutrition it needs to grow and develop.

Your doctor can guide you on what is best for your situation.

How does the amazing process of producing breast milk happen?

Now let's see how this breastfeeding process works. It happens in a very strange way.

• First, the baby latches onto your breast (we call this ``Latch on'' ).
• When your baby sucks, it sends a signal to your nervous system to release certain hormones. The two main ones are Prolactin and Oxytocin .
• The hormone `(Prolactin)` is what tells the tiny milk-producing sac-like parts (`(Alveoli)`) in your breasts to make milk.
• The hormone `(Oxytocin)` is what causes the milk to come out of the nipple through the milk ducts. This is called `(Let-down)` .

Your doctor may have told you that milk production is based on 'supply and demand' . This means that your body 'provides' milk only as much as your baby 'demands'. If your baby drinks all the milk from your breast, your body will make more milk. If your baby starts eating solid foods and drinks less milk, your body will adjust and make less milk.

This is why pumping while you're away from your baby can help keep your milk supply up. When your milk is let down, your body knows it needs to make more milk. Also, if you have an overproduction problem, it's not a good idea to "empty your breasts" to reduce engorgement. This will cause your body to start making more milk.

How do you start breastfeeding?

Okay, now let's see how to start breastfeeding. A health worker will help you with this as soon as your baby is born. If both you and your baby are healthy, they will hold your baby skin- to -skin for at least two hours. This close contact helps your baby bond with you and encourage him to breastfeed.

The baby will start to come to your breast after a while. This is an instinctive thing, and it's something special for you to see! The health worker can help you see if the baby is latching on properly and starting to suckle.

Then, every time you breastfeed, you should do the following:

• Find a comfortable position for both you and the baby, and hold the baby close to you.
• Point your baby's mouth toward your nipple. The nipple should be facing his nose. The baby's chin should be resting against the underside of your breast.
• Help your baby latch on to your breast. His mouth should be wide open and he should have most of the dark area around your nipple, the areola, inside his mouth. You should have a little bit of your areola showing above his upper lip.
• Let your baby suckle at the breast. He will get used to a rhythm between sucking and taking a short break. You should hear the baby swallowing. Let him suckle at this breast until he stops sucking, stops swallowing, or gives up on his own.
• Send the baby to the Goodus for a few minutes.
• Give your baby your other breast. If the baby's stomach is full, he will look away, and that's okay.

The next time you feed your baby, start with the breast that is less empty. It will feel a little fuller because it has more milk.

Is the baby hungry? Is the baby full? How do you know?

Your baby may be hungry if they show these signs:

• You are wide awake.
• They turn their heads to look at your breasts, or come towards them.
• They suck their hands, purse their lips, and stick out their tongues.
• They bring their hands to their mouths with their fists clenched, or suck their fingers (but after the newborn period this may be something they do out of curiosity, not out of hunger).

The baby's stomach may be full if:

• Giving up the breast.
• You seem calm.
• The fists that were clenched open.
• Looking away from your breast (but after the newborn period this could also be a sign of distraction).

Stay away from these foods and drinks while breastfeeding!

Just like during pregnancy, you need to be careful about what you eat and drink while breastfeeding. There are fewer restrictions than during pregnancy, but some things may need to be limited or stopped altogether.

• Limit caffeine. It's okay to have a little caffeine, but don't take more than 300 milligrams (mg) a day. That's about two regular cups of coffee. Don't forget that tea (about 37 mg in a regular cup), soft drinks (23 to 83 mg in a can) and chocolate also contain caffeine.
• Limit alcohol. There is currently no known harm in drinking one standard drink a day. But drink at least two hours before breastfeeding. This will give the alcohol time to leave your body.
• Don't eat fish high in mercury. The mercury in the fish you eat passes to your baby through breast milk. It can damage your baby's brain and nervous system. Never eat fish high in mercury, such as king mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, shark, and tilefish.
• Avoid nicotine. Smoking or vaping can reduce the nutritional value of your breast milk and reduce your milk supply. Secondhand smoke increases your baby's risk of allergies, upper respiratory infections, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Avoid marijuana. Experts still don't know exactly how marijuana affects the baby. It can be harmful. So it's best to avoid using marijuana and breathing in smoke when others use it.
• Do not use drugs without a doctor's prescription. Things like `(Opioids)`, `(Benzodiazepines)`, `(Stimulants)`, cocaine `(Cocaine)`, and phencyclidine `(Phencyclidine - PCP aka "angel dust")` can harm your baby. If you are addicted to drugs (Substance Use Disorder), your doctor can help.
• Avoid certain medications. Many common medications are safe to take while breastfeeding. However, some can harm your baby or reduce your milk supply. It's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication or supplement.

Can I use birth control while breastfeeding?

Yes, but you should talk to your doctor about which type is best for you and when to start. These are common uses:

• Barrier methods (such as condoms or vaginal diaphragms).
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs) (these can often be inserted right after the baby is born).
• Progestin-only hormonal methods (for example, the mini-pill).

Hormonal birth control methods that contain estrogen (such as some pills, patches, and vaginal rings) can decrease your milk supply. So your doctor may tell you to avoid them or wait at least a month after having your baby (at the lowest dose).

Remember, you can still get pregnant while breastfeeding, even if you haven't started your period yet.

Are there any special cases where breastfeeding should not be done?

Doctors often recommend breastfeeding, but you should not breastfeed in the following situations:

• If your baby is diagnosed with ``Galactosemia'' (a condition that makes it difficult to digest a type of sugar found in breast milk).
• If you have certain infections that can be transmitted through breast milk, for example HIV (with certain criteria such as having a detectable viral load), HTLV-1, HTLV-2, Brucellosis or Ebola virus disease.
• If you have herpes sores on your breasts.
• If you have hepatitis C and your nipples are cracked or bleeding.

Some of these conditions are temporary. Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to breastfeed. They will also explain other options for feeding your baby, such as formula and donor breast milk.

What are the challenges that can arise when breastfeeding?

If you're facing any challenges while breastfeeding – or even just having trouble getting started – you're not alone. It's common to have problems like these:

• Breast engorgement
• Excessive milk production (Hyperlactation)
• Low milk supply
• Clogged Milk Ducts
• Breast infection/inflammation `(Mastitis)` (Mastitis)
• Nipple Blebs
• Sore, cracked, or painful nipples
• Pain or bleeding from teething/chewing
• Difficulty latching on to the breast (this can happen if the baby has a tongue-tie or cleft lip/cleft palate)
• Challenges caused by the shape of your nipples (flat or inverted nipples)
• Difficulty expressing milk, either manually or with a breast pump
• Weaning difficulties

The most important thing is to know that help is available. Most of the time, these problems can be resolved. Health workers can help you manage these challenges so you can continue breastfeeding for as long as you want.

Who can I get help with breastfeeding?

Whether you're learning how to breastfeed or trying to solve a problem, you may be wondering who to ask for help. You can always start with your family doctor or obstetrician-gynecologist. Or you may want to see someone who has special training in breastfeeding. Here are some examples:

• Breastfeeding Medicine Specialist: This is a board-certified physician who has received advanced training in breastfeeding. They can diagnose and treat all breastfeeding problems, from sore nipples to mastitis. They also provide education and support.
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC®): A lactation consultant can provide clinical care. This means they can take your medical history, learn about your baby's breastfeeding habits, and create a plan to help.
• Breastfeeding and Lactation Educator or Counselor: These people provide basic education and counseling. This means they can teach you about breastfeeding and milk production and answer your questions. There are about 20 different roles within this category. These include Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) and Certified Lactation Educator (CLE).
• Breastfeeding Peer Supporter: This is someone who has experience with breastfeeding and is willing to use that experience to help you. They provide education and support in a peer-to-peer manner. You will see titles like Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BPC) and La Leche League Leader (LLLL).

Sometimes you don't need a specialist, just a pair of extra hands. This is where you can get support from your supporters. Don't hesitate to ask your partner or a loved one to stay with you while you breastfeed. They can buy you things, send you baby goodies, or just be there for you when you need a boost.

Do you have any questions about breastfeeding?

Many people have concerns and fears about certain aspects of breastfeeding. The most important thing is to remember to ask all the questions you need to know about caring for your baby. Don't be afraid to share anything that's on your mind with your doctor. It's best to be well-informed before making important decisions about breastfeeding.

Here are some common questions and answers:

Are my breasts too small to breastfeed?

No. Breast size does not affect your ability to breastfeed. The amount of milk your breasts produce depends on your overall health and how much your baby is eating.

Does breastfeeding hurt?

Breastfeeding shouldn't hurt. If it does, it's probably because your baby isn't latching on properly. Your healthcare provider can help you learn how to latch on and latch on properly. If you still have pain, tell your doctor so they can look for other causes.

Is breastfeeding difficult?

Everyone's experience is different. In general, breastfeeding is something that needs to be learned and practiced.

In the first two or three weeks, you may feel like you need four hands to do it. But learning to breastfeed is like learning to ride a bike. You can understand the basics by reading the instructions, but you really learn to do it by doing it yourself.

Many hospitals have breastfeeding classes that you can attend during pregnancy. Often, nurses and breastfeeding consultants are there to give you information and support.

What if I have to stay away from the baby?

If you have to be away from your baby, you can pump or hand express your milk. Store the milk in the fridge or freezer. You can give the milk to someone who is taking care of the baby in a bottle.

If you are going back to work, talk to your company about their policies regarding breastfeeding breaks. (It is a good idea to ask your company about such facilities in Sri Lanka as well. Some companies make special arrangements for this).

Expressing milk while you're away from your baby does two things. One is that it allows you to store milk for later feedings. The other is that it helps to maintain your milk supply.

A message to take home with you.

Breastfeeding may be one of the most cherished memories of your life. But remember that it doesn't always come naturally or smoothly. Don't expect yourself to know how to breastfeed right away. Don't beat yourself up if things don't go as planned.

Instead, gather as much knowledge as you can, ask as many questions as you can, and work closely with a health worker who has special training in breastfeeding and milk production. They can teach you how to get started and what to do if you have any problems.

Remember that you are not alone on this journey, and help is always available!

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