In order for your baby to grow up healthy and strong, he really needs breast milk. With milk, he receives vitamins, antibodies, hormones and biologically active substances that ensure his full development. It is best if the baby is attached to the breast in the delivery room. The contact that arises between mother and child is the key to a deep relationship. This is a stable basis for a healthy baby's psyche.
Below are the main points that will help you maintain lactation for a long time and avoid unwanted problems.
Content
10 important points for nursing mothers:
- Almost all mothers have enough milk. Its replenishment depends mainly on you and your baby: the more he eats, the more he arrives.
- To prevent the painful reaction of the body that occurs during breastfeeding, it is necessary to hold the baby to the breast correctly. When you feed your baby, his head and body should be on the same straight line, his nose should be opposite the nipple. While holding the baby, touch the nipple to his lips, and when he opens his mouth, put it to the breast. A wooden high chair will help you with this, the baby should capture most of the areola with his mouth.
- There is no need to wash the breast with soap before each feeding. This will increase the risk of cracked nipples. It is enough to adhere to daily hygiene and wash your hands.
- Give up the pacifier in the first weeks after birth. At this time, the baby is just learning to suck.
- Your milk is enough for a healthy baby. There is no need to water or feed it. Complementary foods are introduced from 6 months.
- Each child determines the number and duration of feedings. Therefore, you should feed the baby according to his first signs of hunger. Do not tear the baby from the breast until he stops sucking himself.
- Stable lactation is provided by night feedings.
- If there is no medical indication, additional pumping is not necessary.
- Only breast milk fully meets the baby's needs for nutrients and vitamins. Artificial mixtures do not contain antibodies and negatively affect metabolism.
- The baby should be weaned gradually. Abruptly stopping breastfeeding can cause hormonal changes in your body and traumatize the child's psyche.
Many problems associated with breastfeeding and its premature termination are caused by non-compliance with the basic rules. If you have any difficulties or the baby has refused to breastfeed, contact a lactation consultant. He will definitely help you establish breastfeeding.