Breastfeeding
(Public Health)
This page willhelp answer yourquestions about breastfeeding.
What is Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is the process of feeding an infant with the mother’s breast milk. It is considered the ideal way to nourish the baby, as breast milk contains all the essential nutrients for growth, including fats, proteins, and vitamins. It also provides antibodies that help protect the baby from illnesses. Colostrum, or “first milk,” produced during the first few days after birth, is one of the most important components of breast milk. It is rich in antibodies and white blood cells that strengthen the baby’s immune system, in addition to lactoferrin, a protein that helps fight infections and supports cell growth. Colostrum also contains vitamins, such as vitamin A, which supports the baby’s vision, skin, and immune health. Additionally, colostrum forms a protective layer in the baby’s stomach and intestines, preventing harmful germs and aiding digestion and bowel movements, acting as a natural laxative.
- Importance of Breastfeeding
- Benefits for the Mother:
- Faster recovery: Helps the uterus return to its normal size after childbirth.
- Weight loss: Supports returning to pre-pregnancy weight.
Reduced risk of diseases: Lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
- Strengthens bonding: Enhances emotional connection between mother and baby.
- Benefits for the Baby:
- Protection from illnesses: Reduces the risk of ear infections, gastrointestinal infections, asthma, obesity, and type 1 diabetes.SIDS).
- Immune support: Provides antibodies that help develop the baby’s immune system.
- Reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Optimal nutrition: Breast milk provides all necessary nutrients and adapts to the baby’s needs over time.
- Long-term health benefits: May reduce the risk of certain cancers and childhood obesity.
- What are the Breastfeeding Positions?
- Cradle Hold:
- Best for babies who can control their heads. Sit in a comfortable chair and hold your baby on your lap, lying on their side facing you.
- Place the lower arm under your arm, supporting the head and back with your hand.
- Football Hold:
- Suitable after a cesarean delivery or for babies who have difficulty latching.
- Hold your baby under your arm on the side you are feeding from, supporting the head with your hand, and guide the nose toward the nipple.
- Side-Lying Position:
Ideal after a cesarean section or if sitting is uncomfortable.
Lie on your side and place your baby close to you, facing the breast, with a pillow behind the baby to prevent sliding.
Instructions for Expressing Breast Milk:
- If you cannot breastfeed directly, it is important to express milk at the times you would normally feed your baby. Milk expression helps maintain milk production.
- Steps for Expressing Milk:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before starting.
Choose a clean area; there is no need to wash breasts or nipples.
- Stimulate milk flow by placing an item that belongs to your baby nearby.
- Methods of Milk Expression:
- Manual expression: Massage and compress the breast by hand to extract milk.
Manual pump: Operated by hand to To operate a manual pump that draws milk from the breast.
Electric pump: Battery-operated or plugged into electricity; can pump one or both breasts simultaneously.
- Breast Milk Storage Guidelines:
- Store expressed milk in clean bottles or hard plastic containers Free from chemicals with tight lids. Refrigerate or freeze milk immediately after expressing. Store in small portions (2–4 ounces) according to the amount the baby consumes per feeding.
- Room temperature (25C / 77F): Up to 4 hours
Refrigerator: 5–8 days
- Freezer: Store in small portions (2–4 ounces) 3–6 months (use within 24 hours after thawing; do not refreeze to avoid the risk of contamination)
- How to Manage Pain and Cracks During Breastfeeding:
- To manage nipple pain and cracks during breastfeeding, the following guidelines can be followed:
- Allow nipples to air dry after each feeding before covering To reduce friction.
- Change breast pads after each feeding to keep the area dry.
- Avoid soap;As it can cause skin dryness use warm water only.
- Wear breathable cotton bras to reduce friction.
Use doctor-recommended topical creams to aid healing and reduce pain.
Consult a doctor if pain persists or worsens.
- Common Misconceptions About Breastfeeding
There are some misconceptions that may affect a mother’s decision and experience with breastfeeding, including:
Breastfeeding is painful
- While some mothers may feel discomfort in the first few days, breastfeeding is not necessarily painful. Proper positioning and latch techniques can prevent pain and friction.
Breast milk is insufficient to satisfy the baby
Breast milk is complete and provides all the nutrients the baby needs. Most mothers produce adequate milk, depending on proper latch and feeding frequency.
- Breastfed babies become overly dependent on their mothers
This is incorrect. Breastfeeding strengthens the emotional bond between mother and baby and provides optimal nutrition to support healthy growth and development, without causing over-dependence.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long should a breastfeeding session last?
- Most newborns feed for 10–15 minutes per breast.
When should breastfeeding start?
- Initiate skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth. Encourage the baby to open their mouth by touching their nose and lips to the nipple.
How many times should a newborn breastfeed?
- Every baby is different, Newborns typically feed 8–12 times per 24 hours.
Which foods and drinks can increase milk production?
- Focus on a balanced diet high in protein: lean meats, eggs, dairy, beans, lentils, and whole grains such as brown rice, oats, and quinoa. Include fruits, vegetables (especially leafy greens)such as spinach and arugula, sesame seeds, and flaxseeds. Stay well-hydrated. Drinks such as fenugreek and fennel are also believed to stimulate milk production naturally.
Which foods should be avoided during breastfeeding?
- During breastfeeding, some foods and drinks should be avoided with caution,
Limit caffeine to 2–3 cups per day, as it may affect the baby’s sleep. Avoid seafood high in mercury, such as swordfish, to protect the baby’s nervous system.
