A girl’s breasts begin developing around the time of puberty. They especially change during pregnancy by developing glands that are connected to the nipple by small tubes.
How is milk formed?
When a baby is born, a hormone called prolactin stimulates the milk forming glands in the mother to produce milk. The baby’s sucking on the breast sends messages to the brain which releases a hormone called oxytocin. This makes the muscular walls of the milk producing cells contract. The milk is ejected down the duct and out through the nipples so that the baby gets a continuous supply while sucking.
What is colostrum?
The first milk called colostrum produced in the first few days after birth is thick and yellowish. It has a lot of proteins ( antibodies) which gives immunity to the baby from various illnesses. Therefore it is a must to feed the baby from the beginning. In fact it is recommended that feeding is begun within ½ to one hour after delivery.
How to feed the baby
The first step to is getting the baby to open the mouth wide! Brush the baby’s lips with your nipple to encourage him/her to open wide( as if yawning)
Once the mouth is open wide, quickly bring the baby towards the breast with the arm that is holding him/her.
The baby’s gums should completely cover the nipple and about one inch of the areola surrounding the nipple. Almost the entire areola should be inside baby’s mouth.
Usually during the first week the baby should be fed two to three hourly, then on demand. One feed should be 20 minutes at least from one breast. Usually the breast empties by that time. At the next feed offer the other breast. The faster the breast is emptied, the faster the body produces milk to replace it.
Most mothers have enough milk to feed their babies. If babies lose weight this is more likely the result of incorrect feeding.
Some tips for better feeding
There will be a good flow of milk when the mother is calm and relaxed. The mind plays a major role in breast feeding so the mother should say to herself, “I have enough and more milk for my baby. He will feed on my milk and grow up to be a healthy child” etc.
The mother should not talk or answer cell phones while feeding. If breast feeding is disturbed often, the milk production can reduce. The mother should be in a quiet room, seated in a comfortable chair which supports her back.
Try to maintain eye contact with the baby while feeding. You can also gently stroke the baby’s body and softly sing to him/her.
Usually when it is the first born, the mother is also new to the concept and she too needs the support and encouragement of her family.
A nutritious diet and adequate rest is important. It also helps if the mother drinks something warm before feeding, but it is not necessary to drink milk each time you feed the baby.
Usually it takes about one week to establish breast feeding properly. The baby may lose weight within the first 10 days and then start gaining. The mother should not panic and start formula because of this.
When can a mother stop feeding?
It is recommended that babies be exclusively breastfed until six months. Water need not be given during this period. Weaning can begin gradually. If weight gain is not adequate other foods like rice kanji can be started. Continue breast feeding until the baby is two years old.
There are some mothers who refuse to feed their babies, because they worry that the shape of their breasts will change. A recent study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has found that breast feeding does not cause sagging of breasts.
Is formula equal to breast milk?
Although there are many infant formulas in the market which are close to the composition of breast milk, they cannot accomplish the full benefits of feeding the baby with your own milk.
How to burp the baby?
After a feed the baby should be burped. This is done by seating the baby and slightly pressing the tummy while supporting his/her back. Keeping the baby close to the mother’s shoulder and gently tapping his back may also help. During the first few months a baby can vomit after feeds.
This is normal. It is common when the baby is fed while his stomach is full. Sometimes vomiting can occur when there is an illness in the gut. If the baby vomits after each feed, is not active or if the weight gain is poor, then see a doctor. There is no need to worry if your baby gains weight even if there is mild vomiting on and off.
Sleep pattern and feeding
In the first month usually babies sleep more and wake up for feeds. The nights may be tiring for the mother as the baby gets up very often to feed and after passing urine or stools. But this pattern changes usually after six weeks as the baby learns to stay awake more during day time. It is advisable to keep a very dim light on at night and avoid bright lights, so that the child learns the difference between day and night.
Results of poor technique of breast feeding
If the nipples get cracked due to improper feeding, the mother can apply some breast milk over the nipple after feeding. But she should continue to feed. There are silicon nipple shields available in Sri Lanka which can be worn until the crack is healed. Sometimes germs like bacteria can enter through a crack in the nipple and cause infection of the breast, called mastitis.
Then the breast can get red, swollen and very painful and the mother can develop fever. Medical advice should be sought without delay. Continuing to feed from the affected breast helps ease the pain.
Benefits of breast feeding
- The bond between the mother and baby is strengthened
- Research has shown that a breast-fed baby is likely to be healthier and more intelligent
- Breast-fed babies are less prone to allergies
- Breast-feeding is easy. There is no hassle of sterilizing bottles or buying expensive formula. You can feed the baby whenever the baby wants it.
- Since the baby gets immunity from breast milk he is protected from various infections and diarrhoea.
- When the baby is breast-fed properly the weight gain is also steady
- The mother gets protected from breast and ovarian cancers.
- Although it is a natural way of contraception, the mother should use a contraceptive method after 42 days following delivery.
(The writer is attached to the Health Education Bureau) |
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