Benefits of Breastfeeding

Benefits of breastfeeding

While breastfeeding is absolutely natural, it often does not come naturally. A workshop on breastfeeding is instrumental in providing the tips and pointers that will help make breastfeeding comfortable for you and satisfying for your baby. Both the Doula services & the Childbirth class include breastfeeding counseling and education as part of our.

Or you may wish to inquire about our private Breastfeeding classes. Our breastfeeding basics class provides you with just the right amount of information to feel informed and empowered. While breastfeeding is often said to be a "learn on the job" kind of occupation, with some simple pointers you can approach your breastfeeding relationship with confidence. Classes are limited to enhance group cohesion, sharing and adequate individual attention. Manuals and refreshments provided. It’s recommended you attend two sessions at $45.00/ 3 hours.

Benefits of breastfeeding for mother

  • The uterus returns to the pre-pregnant size more rapidly
  • Decreased risk of postpartum hemorrhage
  • Contraceptive effect of breastfeeding
  • Reduced risk of osteoporosis, pre-menopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer
  • Convenience
  • Cost saving-economical
  • Portable
  • No hassle
  • Perfect "excuse" for bonding time with your baby
  • Burns calories to help weight loss

Benefits of breastfeeding for baby

  • The nutrients needed for infant growth and development are available in the correct concentration
  • Autoimmunization
  • Reduced risk of some diseases in infancy: necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants, gastrointestinal infections, respiratory infections, allergies
  • Reduced risk of childhood and adult diseases: juvenile diabetes, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, tonsillitis, ear infections, lymphoma, neurological abnormalities, inflammatory bowel disease, MS, oral malocclusion
  • Easily digestible, natural laxative
  • Readily available
  • Decreased ear infections, less incidence of tooth decay

Colostrum

  • The first milk that your body makes
  • Thick, yellowish fluid present in the breasts at birth and for the first 2 to 4 days after birth
  • High in protein
  • Easy for baby to digest
  • Helps baby fight infection
  • Acts as a laxative

Mature breastmilk

  • Changes from colostrum after 2 to 4 days
  • Thin and bluish in color (looks like skim milk)
  • Contains everything (protein, fat, sugar) that your baby needs for the next six months.

Getting started breastfeeding

  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Initially, feed in a sitting position with good back support.
  • Place a pillow on your lap to bring the baby's mouth to the level of your nipple. Always have your baby's whole body facing you.
  • Experiment with different positions, such as the football hold and lying on your side.
  • Support your breast with fingers in a big "C" position towards the back of your breast well away from the nipple.
  • Tickle your baby's bottom lip with your nipple.
  • It may be helpful to hand express some colostrum before you attempt to latch, to let your baby know there is milk there.
  • Wait until the baby's mouth opens WIDE, like the height of a yawn.
  • Move QUICKLY by bringing the baby to your breast - you should not be leaning towards the baby.
  • The nipple and most of the areola should be in the baby's mouth and the lips should be flanged outwards.

Signs of a good latch

  • It doesn't hurt after about 10 seconds.
  • The mouth is big and the lips are curled back.
  • The nose is resting on top of the breast
  • Jaw movements make the base of the ears wiggle.
  • You can hear baby swallowing (watch for short bursts of suck-swallow with pauses in between).
  • Breasts should soften after feeding.

Signs of baby getting enough milk

  • Baby should have at least 6 wet diapers per day once the milk is in.
  • Baby's urine should be pale and odorless.
  • Baby should have soft, yellow bowel movements.
  • Baby should be content and settle well between feeds.
  • Baby should be active and alert when awake.
  • Baby should gain weight steadily.

Breastfeeding issues

Breastfeeding, while natural, may not come naturally. It's a skill that has to be learned by both mother and baby together. It can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks before breastfeeding is well established.

The common cause of breastfeeding problems is a poor latch so remember the following three P's:

  • Position: try different ones until you find a position that best suits your own and your baby's needs and is comfortable.
  • Patience: wait until the mouth is wide open. Many new moms are so desperate to feed their babies that they sacrifice their own comfort to nurse their baby. Breastfeeding should be comfortable and relaxing.
  • Perseverance: just keep trying! If you find things are not improving with time, contact your doula, public health nurse, lactation consultant or local La Leche League chapter.
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