Breastfeeding provides many benefits for both you and your baby. Breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients that your baby needs during the first months of life. Not only does it provide nutrition, but breast milk also protects your baby from diseases and infections that they may encounter during their early stages of life. Although breastfeeding is natural, it is not always an easy task, especially for first-time mothers. Seek help from a midwife or nurse in the early hours after birth if you need assistance.
For you and your baby: 1- Breastfeeding allows you and your baby to bond and be close to each other. It is the healthy choice for all mothers. 2- For your baby: Breast milk provides important nutrients and is the primary source of nutrition for most infants. It meets your baby's nutritional needs during their growth and protects them from diseases and infections since newborns have weak immunity. Breast milk helps boost their immune system. Recent studies have shown that breastfeeding protects babies from obesity, asthma, type 1 diabetes, and reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breast milk is also easier to digest and absorb compared to formula milk.
For you: Breastfeeding enhances your sense of motherhood and strengthens your emotional connection with your baby. Additionally, breastfeeding helps protect you from ovarian and breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
How long should breastfeeding continue:
The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for about one and a half years. During the first six months of your baby's life, breast milk alone is sufficient without any additional supplements. Giving your baby water or solid foods before their bodies are ready can lead to health problems. Moreover, introducing solid foods before six months can decrease your milk supply since the baby's suckling stimulates milk production through the hormone prolactin. When solid foods are introduced too early, the amount of milk you produce may decrease. Breast milk is satiating for the baby. In reality, parents often worry about their baby waking up frequently at night, thinking they are hungry. However, in reality, infants naturally wake up repeatedly at night to drink milk, especially in the first two months of life when they should be breastfed every two hours and are not supposed to sleep for long periods.
How does colostrum help the baby:
Colostrum is the milk secreted immediately after birth. It has a thicker consistency than regular milk and provides numerous benefits for the baby, including: 1- It contains many important vitamins and minerals for the baby's growth, such as vitamin D, calcium, and iron. 2- It contains natural antibiotics that help strengthen the baby's immune system. 3- It helps improve the baby's digestive system health and relieve constipation. 4- It contains choline, which helps improve the baby's brain function.
Storing breast milk:
In many cases, you may need to leave the baby with others while you are at work or elsewhere. Even when you are away from the baby, you can continue to feed the baby with stored breast milk. You can pump and then store it. The milk should be kept at room temperature for up to 4 hours after pumping. You can also refrigerate it for more than 4 days. Do not freeze large quantities of milk, and remember to label the date of pumping if you do this habitually. Leave space in the bottle as the milk will expand in cold temperatures. Adhere to strict cleanliness and hygiene procedures during pumping and storing the milk.
Some tips for breastfeeding mothers:
1- Eat meals rich in vitamins and proteins. 2- Avoid smoking, drugs, and sedative medications. 3- Do not take medications without a prescription as they may transfer to the infant through breast milk. 4- Drink an adequate amount of water and fluids to maintain hydration and facilitate breastfeeding. 5- Exercise regularly to improve physical and mental health.
Contraindications for breastfeeding:
1- Infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis. 2- Chronic diseases such as tuberculosis and rheumatoid arthritis. 3- Radiotherapy: If the mother is receiving radiation therapy, there may be a risk to the baby's health. 4- Psychological disorders: In some cases, there may be psychological harm to the baby if the mother is suffering from severe mental disorders. 5- Taking certain medications that may transfer to the baby through breast milk and cause poisoning.
