Facts about Lactation

  

Date Posted: 2/8/2017 12:39:32 PM

Posted By: lydiak  Membership Level: Silver  Total Points: 813

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One right a mother should never deny their little ones when they deliver is breastfeeding them. Lactation is an art as it’s a science. There are many positions in which you can latch your baby, however latching position should be something you create with your baby maybe head slightly tilted, baby leaning against your lap or breastfeeding pillow,so long as you are both comfortable and are bonding well. During latching a baby steals glances at her mother and is able to bond and know their mother well. It’s a moment of revitalization as the mother nurtures the little one. The mother should also try to avoid doing anything else while breastfeeding and give their undivided attention to their babies. This includes using your mobile phone as the baby picks a rejection signal which can affect their bond with the mother from that tender age. Here are some facts to note about latching that one can take note of:

#1.Latching or breastfeeding should be exclusive for the first six months of the baby’s’ life.
Research shows that babies that are breastfed continuously for their first six months of life without introducing any solid food or drinks grow healthy, have high levels of immunity and fall sick less often. Mothers’ milk is rich in all nutrients as it is made of what the mother feeds on. So when a mother eats a good balanced diet, it is transferred to the baby through the milk they suck. Exclusive breastfeeding means that the baby does not eat or drink anything else other than sucking mother’s milk. Pediatrician and other children experts recommend six months of continuous breastfeeding, meaning, you can’t introduce any drinks or solids. Mothers’ milk has enough water and there’s no need to introduce water for the six months of exclusive breastfeeding. Research shows

that when a baby starts sucking the first few minutes of sucking the baby gets water and then the heavy milk starts flowing. It’s recommended that the baby sucks one breast completely before introducing the other one so as to get all the nutrients and this also helps in milk production as the mammary glands respond by increasing milk produced if the baby sucks in great quantities. Some mothers however struggle with milk production, which is a rare case as God has ensured that a mother is able to breastfeed their young ones. These mothers can give their babies processed baby milk like nun which should be mixed well in the recommended ratios to make the suspension so as not to cause complications to the child like constipation among others. There are a variety of these kind of milk and a mother can talk with their pediatrician to determine the one that can be good for their babies. Cow milk is however discouraged for the little ones citing that it’s too strong for the baby’s’ digestive system.

#2. Breastfeeding can be painful during the first few days
Some first time mothers experience cracked nipples during the first few days of breastfeeding. This is usually painful and can lead to a mother failing to do the exclusive breastfeeding. It’s however discouraged not to breastfeed no matter the condition of the breasts as lack of it can cause more harm than good, for example, Many people have use different methods to get relief which include applying their milk.Yes, mothers milk has anti bodies that can help heal cracked nipples which is also advisable since the baby will not be affected in any way. There are other ways ways to prevent nipple cracking like latching the baby well which is usually required that the baby latches on the entire dark part of the breast known as areola.

#3.No super foods to producing enough milk
This I differ with most people with a belief that some foods can increase milk production. They say foods like black beans, porridge, chia seeds, flax seeds, fennel seeds chocolate, cakes etcetera increase milk production. To some mothers it probably does wonders but to others it doesn’t. Some companies have produced lactation cookies which mothers can eat to increase milk production. It does no harm thus to try these foods after all we want as much milk as possible to ensure the baby gets enough and grows big and healthy. Its recommended that mothers make sure they eat balanced diet and take lots of fluids.

#4.Breastfeed as frequent as possible especially during the first six months.
Babies have a very tiny stomach which makes them become full quickly. However after a period of two to three hours they become hungry. Therefore a mother should not tire to breastfeed the baby as often as they may want. This also helps to increase milk production as the milk ducts respond to the milk requirements. The more the baby latches the more milk will be produced Babies in most cases are able to notify the mother when they are hungry by crying. However crying can be because of other things as well like when the baby is wet or sleepy. If the baby is sleeping, they will murmur in low tones then the mother can breastfeed them, it’s therefore not necessary to wake them up to breastfeed if they are deep asleep. Experts say that milk is produced in large quantities at night when the mother is resting and there is less body activity. It’s also recommended to remain stress free while breastfeeding as this can cause the milk to be produced in low quantities.

#5.Breastfeeding is fun and even helps one to regain their pre-baby weight.
Most mothers add weight when they get pregnant .This increases a time later after birth as some mothers’ talk of eating for two. This weight can be lost through frequent breastfeeding, isn’t it every mothers dream to have that figure eight. Plenty of exercise and eating enough quantities, not for two, also help one to achieve that pre-baby figure. Some mothers however don’t change in terms of weight and others are just fine retaining their baby weight. Whichever makes one proud then make it your goal to achieve it. Breastfeeding is fun, enjoy it as long as it lasts and don’t deny your baby that once in a lifetime opportunity.

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