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Advantages of breastfeeding
Breast milk and breastfeeding have many advantages over formula milk and bottle-feeding for both the mother and the baby.
In the immediate postnatal period
- Breast milk is the ideal food for newborns. Its biochemical constituents meet infants’ nutritional needs and digestive capabilities. The composition of breast milk also changes to suit the gestation of the baby.
- Breast milk provides the baby with colostrum, a yellowish "liquid" which is rich in immunoglobins and is very good for the well being of a newborn baby. It aids in the creation of bifidus flora (bacteria in the digestive tract) and has several other beneficial properties. (See below)
- Breast milk also helps to protect your baby against infection and allergic reactions. Allergy and intolerance to cow’s milk create major problems, which are not seen in breast-fed infants.
- Breastfeeding stimulates contraction of the uterus thus aiding the involution process (where the uterus changes from a pregnant to non-pregnant state) and reduces the chances of haemorrhage. It prevents painful breast engorgement for new mothers.
In the long-term
- Suckling stimulates the production of milk. The more you breastfeed, the more milk there will be.
- The necessary nutrients, except fluoride, will continue to be supplied through your milk.
- Breast milk provides maternal antibodies, both bacterial and viral, including high levels of secreted IgA antibodies. These antibodies boost your baby’s immune system and prevent microorganisms from sticking to the intestinal lining, thus reducing infections.
- Human milk also contains macrophages, which are able to manufacture lysozymes and lactoferrin, all of which help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
- It is cheap and easily available. It is also fresh. It is hygienic and does not require any preparation.
- Breastfeeding helps to protect against cancer of the breast and the ovary.
- Breast milk is believed to help raise the cognition and intelligence of babies.
- It promotes bonding between mother and baby. Both of you will benefit physically and emotionally from breastfeeding. Bonding is established in many immeasurable ways.
What is colostrum?
This “liquid” which is often clear yellow has a lot of benefits. It is high in protein, fat-soluble vitamins and minerals and contains protective white blood cells able to attack harmful bacteria.
It facilitates the passage of meconium (the first stool of a newborn child) and provides the baby with high levels of antibodies from the mother.
The composition of milk varies from the beginning to the end of a feed.
When you start to breastfeed, after about three to 10 days, transitional milk (creamy white) is produced, followed by mature milk, which comprises foremilk, a dilute and less fatty solution rich in nutrients, and hind milk. Hind milk, which is higher in fat and nutrients, satisfies the appetite and helps your baby to grow.
Feeding on demand
- All babies should be allowed to breastfeed according to their needs, i.e. allowing baby to feed whenever he is hungry, regardless of the time since the last feed. Supplementary feeds may not be needed with this practice. It is important for mother and baby to sleep in the same room if such feeding on-demand is to be successful.
When you first latch on
Position the baby correctly
- Your baby’s mouth must be positioned right over the nipple and latched well on to the areola, with its tongue beneath the nipple, for the first suckling to be successful.
Check the latch
- If the latch is correct the baby’s mouth will be open wide with flanged ("turned back") lips. Its tongue will cover the lower gum, perhaps extending to the lower lip. Its chin will be pressed into your breast with the nose resting on top.
Listen for swallowing
- If your baby is feeding well you will see a suck-and-swallow motion with pauses in between. The jaw movement goes past the ears, sometimes even making the ears wiggle.
Supplementary feeding
- Supplementary feeding is not normally recommended for a newborn as it may interfere with the secretion of milk and successful breastfeeding.
After using the bottle, the baby becomes used to the easier sucking on the teat and may be reluctant to suckle, which needs more difficult mouth movements.
Milk formula used in supplementary feeds takes longer to digest and reduces the need and desire to breastfeed. The use of milk formula may also lead to allergy to cow’s milk products.
There are times when supplements may be needed. For instance, ill, severely jaundiced or polycythaemic (thick blood which may clot) babies who need more fluids will need to take supplements.
Sometimes, mothers are exhausted after a particularly long labour or anaesthesia. The healthcare team – both doctors and nurses – will be able to advise whether you should consider supplementary feedings. As soon as you are rested and ready, and your baby is stable, you can start breastfeeding by cutting down on supplements and breastfeeding more frequently to match your baby’s needs.
Ref: W09
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