We Know: All About Breastfeeding What is breastfeeding? Breastfeeding is the natural way in which mothers provide their offspring with nourishment. Since babies are born with the reflex to suckle, they can latch onto the nipple of the breast and extract milk from the mother's mammary glands, which are typically filled with milk at the time of birth. Why should I breastfeed my baby? As you first begin to produce milk, a cream-like substance is first emitted called colostrums. It is filled with essential nutrients and antibodies that your baby needs to ensure he gets the best start possible in life. Breastfeeding has been shown to have many benefits for both you and baby including lessened likelihood of developing allergies, gastrointestinal problems, obesity, diabetes and ear infections in baby and can help you lose weight, prevent some types of cancers, lower your stress level and lessen the likelihood of developing osteoporosis. What are some ways to get my baby to latch onto the breast? Ensuring your baby makes and maintains a proper latch during breastfeeding can make all the difference. Baby will be sure to get enough milk and you won't be in pain! To make a proper latch you can: Make sure baby is taking the areola, not just the nipple, into his mouth. Only suckling on the nipple will cause them to be sore and possibly cracked. By sucking on the areola as well, your breast will express much more milk as well. Encourage baby to open her mouth wide. Open your own mouth wide and tell baby to "open" as she is about to latch on. Your little one will mimic your facial expressions. Make sure baby's lips are flat against the breast. They should not be rolled inward. Make sure you are comfortable. If you are not relaxed then baby is not relaxed, and the entire experience can be uncomfortable. Make sure baby's chin is flat against the breast. Be sure to support your breast with your hand. This helps bring your breast to baby's level and helps her maintain a proper latch. Who cannot breastfeed? Some women just cannot produce enough milk to breastfeed and have to rely on formula to substitute. If you are on some prescription medications, especially some anti-anxiety and depression drugs, you cannot breastfeed. Always consult your doctor about whether or not you should breastfeed because of prescriptions you take or other issues that may prohibit breastfeeding. If you are HIV positive, have Hepatitis B, TB, or any other serious disease or medical condition, you should not breastfeed.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use © ineed2know.org Sponsored by