The Benefit Of Breast Feeding Your new Born Baby

Breastfeeding advantage to your baby is enormous, as the breast milk is rich
 in nutrients required for the growth of the baby. It has antibodies, that help guide and  protect your baby against  diseases/infections. It also can help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).babies that were breastfed have less chances of having some illness which may cause health complications to the child 

Breastfeeding has benefits for you as well. It’s cheaper than using formula. You don’t have to wash bottles or mix formula. It helps your uterus go back to normal size after stretching out during pregnancy. This can help you lose weight faster. It can delay the return of your periods. However, you shouldn’t count on it to prevent pregnancy. Breastfeeding helps make time for you to be close to your baby. Women who breastfeed have lower risks of type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Ways to enhance health

Breastfeeding promotes wellbeing for you and your baby. Although it is a natural part of the birthing process, it is not always easy. Many women need help learning how to breastfeed. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends that all doctors provide assistance to women during pregnancy and after birth to support breastfeeding.

Below are helpful tips to help you get off to a good start.

Before you give birth

During pregnancy, the following things can prepare you for breastfeeding.

·         Prenatal care. It is important to take good care of yourself and your baby. Babies who are born early (premature) have a harder time breastfeeding.

·         Talk to your doctor. Make sure your doctor knows you plan to breastfeed. They can give you some resources. Ask questions about what type of care the hospital provides after birth. Some offer lactation consultants, who are breastfeeding specialists.

·         Breastfeeding class. Some women find that taking a class can help them practice for the real thing.

·         Breastfeeding items. Plan ahead by purchasing the items you need. These can include a nursing pillow, nursing bra, and covers. Some hospitals and insurance plans provide free breast pumps.

After you have given birth( breastfeeding)

Once your baby is born, your breasts will start to fill up. At first, your body will produce a “pre-milk,” called colostrum. This could be thin and watery or thick and more yellow-colored. The pre-milk has a slower flow to help your baby learn to nurse. After 3 to 4 days of nursing, your real breast milk will come in.

Most babies are ready to eat 1 to 2 hours after birth. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to breastfeed.

1.   Wash your hands before each feeding.

2.   Place your baby in one of the breastfeeding positions (outline below).

3.   Put the thumb of your free hand on top of your breast and your other fingers below.

4.   Touch your baby’s lips to your nipple until your baby opens their mouth wide.

5.   Put your nipple all the way in your baby’s mouth and pull your baby close to you. This lets your baby’s jaw squeeze the milk ducts under your areola (nipple).

How to hold the baby while breastfeeding?

You can hold your baby in a number of ways. Some of the most common positions are:

·         Cradle. Put your baby’s head in the crook of your arm. Support your baby’s back and bottom with your forearm. Your baby should be lying facing you. Your breast should be right in front of your baby’s face.

·         Side-lying. While lying down, place your baby alongside you. Your baby should be facing you. Pull your baby close to you so they can latch on. You can use a pillow to prop up, if needed. This position can help if you had a C-section. You do not want to fall asleep while nursing in this (or any other) position. Co-sleeping can be dangerous for your baby. It increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

·         Football. Tuck your baby under your arm, along your side. Their head should be resting in your hand. Support your baby’s body with your forearm. Your baby should be facing you. This position can help if you had a cesarean section (C-section). It also can help if your breasts are large, your baby is small, or you have multiple babies.

·         Cross-cradle. Hold your baby with the opposite arm of the breast you are using. Support your baby’s head and bottom with the palm of your hand and forearm. Your baby should still be lying facing you. This position can help premature babies or babies who have a weak suck. It provides added head support.

source : familydoctor.org