It's World Breastfeeding Week, and we decided to bring some enlightenment as regards breastfeeding to you today ?. Enjoy the read.

What about breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding, also known as nursing or feeding a child with milk from a woman's breast, is one of the most effective ways to ensure the survival and health of a child. Making the decision to breastfeed is personal, but Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggest that babies should be breastfed exclusively for 6 months (no juices, no water, no formulas). Studies have shown that breastfeeding has numerous benefits.

Benefits of Breastfeeding 

1. Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for babies.

2. Breast milk contains important antibodies and nutrients needed to ward off diseases.

3. Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of infant diseases and infections. 

4. It allows for a healthy child weight.

5. Breastfeeding may make children smarter.

6. As a mother, breastfeeding may help you lose the pregnancy weight.

7. Mothers who have breastfed have shown a lower risk of depression and diseases such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

8. It helps the uterus release the hormone oxytocin, which helps the uterus to contract and return to it's normal size.

9. It saves time and money.

10. It allows for bonding between the mother and the child.

Breastfeeding Tips for New Mothers

Nursing a baby is no easy feat, and you will need all the breastfeeding tips, tricks and solutions you can get. If you decided to give breastfeeding a try, with a little bit of patience, rest, planning and firm resolution, you will be able to pull it off like the champion you are. Read on for proven tips on how to make it easier. 

1. Anticipate the needs of your baby - Most mothers only wait for their babies to cry. While this is somewhat effective, it is also crucial to watch out for the tell-tale signs of your baby. When your baby is hungry, they may stick out their tongue, open and close their mouth or suck on whatever is near. If you see your baby making these signs, offer to breastfeed right away.

2. Leave your baby to determine how often and how long - You don't have to set a predetermined interval between feeding and deny your baby food. On the other hand, there's no need to wake a sleeping baby to feed them because 2 hours have passed. Your little one knows how much they need better than you do. So, don't worry yourself too much.

3. Get comfortable while nursing - Because you're going to hold your baby for long minutes while they feed, it is important to get as comfortable as you can, and relax, while at it. Trying to maintain an uncomfortable position can lead to neck and back pain. A bench or a large couch with plenty of pillows to support your back might be ideal. Examine your environment as well. Try not to breastfeed in a stressful environment, as this can agitate you or the baby. Feel free to opt for a quieter scenery as you choose.

 

4. Leaking is natural - In the first few weeks if breastfeeding, it's normal to have leakages from your breast, so don't be alarmed. It can happen when you head your baby cry or when your baby hasn't nursed for several hours, or generally when you feel a strong emotion. This leaking will eventually disappear as your baby continues to nurse. In the meantime, place a nursing pad in your bra to control the leakages.

 

5. Take care of your skin - The skin of your breast is very delicate and can easily become dry or chapped over time, making breastfeeding painful. You can protect against this with these tips:

• Don't overwash

• Pat your breasts dry with soft cloth after feeding.

• Apply a healing balm after breastfeeding.

Taking care of your skin is one of the best ways to make the experience enjoyable for you and your child.

 

Most importantly, remember that there's nothing wrong with asking for help. Feel free to reach out to your experienced family members, friends, and health specialists for medical advice and queries.

 

Happy World Breastfeeding Week ?