The joy you feel when you hold your little one in your arms is indescribable, right? But as a new mother, you probably have a lot of questions and even a little fear. 'How do I breastfeed my baby properly?', 'Will my baby have enough milk?' You may be wondering these things too. Don't worry, that feeling is very normal. Today, let's talk about this most beautiful experience, that is, about what you need to know about breastfeeding.
What does breastfeeding really mean?
Simply put, breastfeeding is the process of giving your baby the milk that your body produces. The milk comes out when your baby latches onto your breast and sucks. Babies usually start breastfeeding within the first few hours of birth.
First, your body produces a special type of milk called colostrum . It is a thick, yellowish liquid. It is full of protein and is a superfood that protects your baby from diseases. It is like your baby's first vaccination. In about three to five days, this colostrum turns into mature milk. It is normal for your baby to lose a little weight in the first few days. Once your milk supply starts to improve, your baby will gain weight again.
If possible, we recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a baby's life. After that, it is best for the baby to continue breastfeeding for two years or more, once solid foods are introduced.
But remember, there are many ways to feed your baby. Maybe you'll breastfeed directly. Maybe you'll pump and bottle feed. Maybe you'll mix breast milk with formula. The most important thing is that your baby gets the nutrition he needs to grow well. Talk to your doctor about this and choose the method that works best for you and your baby.
How does this milk get to the baby?
This is a very amazing process. Let's see how this happens.
1. First, the baby latches on to your breast.
2. When your baby sucks, it signals your brain to release two hormones: prolactin and oxytocin .
3. The hormone prolactin tells the milk-producing glands (alveoli) in the breasts to "make milk."
4. The hormone oxytocin helps the milk produced to flow out of the nipple through the milk ducts. This is what we call let-down.
Simply put, it's a matter of "supply and demand." If your baby drinks more milk, your body will make more milk. If your baby starts eating solids and drinks less milk, your body will make less milk.
This is why pumping can help maintain a good milk supply when you are away from your baby.
How do you start breastfeeding?
Your doctor will help you with this right after your baby is born. If both you and your baby are healthy, they will hold your baby on your chest, in skin-to-skin contact. This warmth will strengthen the bond between you and your baby and encourage your baby to breastfeed.
After a while, the baby will start to come to the breast on its own. It's a wonderful sight. You will be taught in the hospital how to latch on properly.
Then follow these steps at every feeding:
- Find a position that is comfortable for both you and your baby. Hold your baby close to your body.
- Point your baby's mouth toward your nipple. The nipple should be toward your baby's nose. Your baby's chin should be touching the underside of your breast.
- Help your baby latch on to the breast. Open your baby's mouth wide and take in not only the nipple, but also most of the areola.
- Let the baby suckle. The baby will suckle in a sucking-stopping rhythm. You will hear the baby swallowing the milk.
- Wait until the baby finishes drinking the milk, or until he or she lets go of the breast.
- Then, place the baby on your shoulder, stroke his back, and send him a hug.
- Now give the baby the other breast. If the baby's stomach is full, he will look away. That's okay.
When you start the next feeding, start with the breast you drank less from the previous feeding.
| Signs that a baby is hungry | Signs that your baby is full |
|---|---|
| - I wake up well and look around. | - Giving up the breast. |
| - Turns head from side to side and searches for breast. | - Very relaxed and calm. |
| - Hands are clenched, lips are pursed, tongue is stuck out. | - The hand that was holding the handle is extended. |
| - He brings his hand to his mouth with his fist. | - Looking away from the breast. |
Should a mother be careful about what she eats while breastfeeding?
Yes, absolutely. Just like during pregnancy, you need to be careful about what you eat and drink while breastfeeding. But there are no strict rules as during pregnancy. Here are some things to limit or avoid.
| Things to avoid/limit | Reason and advice |
|---|---|
| Caffeine | Caffeine, found in things like coffee, tea, and chocolate, can pass to your baby through your milk. It's best to limit your coffee intake to 1-2 cups per day. |
| Alcohol | The best thing to do is to stop drinking alcohol completely. If you do, drink it at least two hours before breastfeeding. This will give it time to leave your body. |
| Fish high in mercury | Large fish like swordfish, shark, and tilefish have high levels of mercury. These can pass through breast milk to your baby and cause brain damage. So avoid eating these types of fish. |
| Nicotine | Smoking reduces the nutritional value of breast milk and reduces milk supply. Smoking near the baby can cause allergies and respiratory diseases in the baby. |
| Some medicines | Most common medications are safe. However, some medications can be harmful to your baby or reduce your milk supply. So, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any medication or supplement. |
What problems can arise when breastfeeding?
The journey of breastfeeding is not always smooth. It's not just you, many mothers face these kinds of problems. So don't worry.
- Breast engorgement
- Oversupply of milk
- Low milk supply
- Clogged milk ducts
- Breast infection (Mastitis)
- Nipple cracks, pain
- Difficulty latching on to the breast properly
The important thing is to know that help is available for all of these. Many of these problems can be solved. Talk to your doctor or family health worker (PHM) about this.
Are my breasts too small to produce milk?
No. Breast size does not affect your ability to produce milk. How much milk your body makes depends on how much your baby drinks and your overall health.
Is breastfeeding painful?
Breastfeeding shouldn't be painful. If it is, it could be because your baby isn't latching on properly. You can get help with this. If the pain persists, talk to your doctor to see if there is another cause.
Is breastfeeding difficult?
Actually, breastfeeding is something that takes practice. It's like learning to ride a bike. It may seem a little difficult at first. But once you get used to it, it becomes very easy and natural.
Take-Home Message
- Breastfeeding is a learning experience for both mother and baby. Give it some time. Don't worry if everything doesn't go perfectly at first.
- Colostrum, the first milk that comes, is one of the most precious gifts a baby receives in life. It protects the baby from diseases.
- Never be afraid to ask for help if you have a problem. Your doctor and family health worker (PHM) are always ready to help you.
- Your health is also very important. Drink plenty of water, eat nutritious foods, and get as much rest as possible. Only if you are happy and healthy can you take good care of your baby.
- Breastfeeding is a wonderful opportunity to build a special, loving bond between you and your baby. Enjoy that beautiful experience.
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