The Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Baby

Breastfeeding is good for your baby’s health. The babies who take breast milk are less likely to fall ill than those who take formula milk. Just after delivery, your body will produce milk in small quantities. But do not worry, as initially, your baby will need little milk to satiate her hunger.

Your body will start producing more milk after some time to meet the demands of your growing baby. The newborns sometimes face difficulty in holding nipples, but slowly, they learn how to hold them. While breastfeeding, make sure that your baby gets enough milk.

You should start feeding your baby as soon as you observe signs like mouthing, increased activity, or increased alertness. While nursing your baby, choose the position you are comfortable in, and you can take the help of a comfortable nursing pillow to support your back.

Take a Healthy Diet For the Development of Your Baby

Since your baby is taking only breast milk, make sure that whatever you are eating is nutritious and healthy. You can also consult a dietician to know which foods are best for you at this time. Do not forget to include green vegetables, fruits and milk, almonds, and cashew nuts in your diet.

At this stage, you need more energy as you are feeding your baby. Keep drinking fluids to keep yourself hydrated. The quality and quantity of milk depend on the type of food you are eating. If possible, avoid taking coffee or tea as these are rich in caffeine that is not good for your baby.

Most mothers switch from high-calorie foods to low-calorie foods completely to reduce the baby fat they have gained during pregnancy. If you are thinking of doing the same, then take the advice of your health care provider. Do not completely stop taking high-calorie foods as it may affect the quantity and quality of your breast milk.

The well-being and health of your little one lie in your hand. So it is your responsibility to take a well-balanced diet. One important piece of advice for you is never to reduce your pregnancy weight by dieting, which may drastically affect your milk supply.

The best way to lose your baby weight is to eat healthy, nutritious foods and start doing exercises. Exercise will help you regain your lost energy and feel fresh and active throughout the day, and it will also make your muscles and bones strong. Do not stop taking your calcium and iron pills, as these supplements are necessary for you.

Is Your Baby Getting Enough Breast Milk?

Remember that you need to eat healthy and energetic foods as your baby will get nutrition only from your breast milk. Some nursing mothers experience problems like mastitis, sore nipples, and engorgement.

If you also have any of these problems, contact your healthcare provider, and they will tell you how to come out of it. You should regularly check whether your baby is getting enough breast milk or not. If you do not know how to check, then the following signs will help you to know.

• Your baby should look satisfied and relaxed after breastfeeding. Touch your breast after nursing; it should be soft. The weight of your baby should keep on increasing. However, there are also some warning signs which show that your baby is not getting enough breast milk.

• If your baby is losing weight instead of gaining weight, contact her doctor immediately. Your baby’s urine is concentrated instead of pale or clear. Your baby looks tired most of the time. Your breasts are firm after nursing, and your baby does not look satisfied after feeding her for more than one hour. Do not overfeed or underfeed your baby, as these are not healthy practices.

Advice for Working Moms

If you are a working mom and still want to give breast milk to your baby, then you can use a high-quality electric breast pump to take milk out of your breast and store it in bottles. This way, your baby will get breast milk even when you are not there.

The major advantage of using a breast pump is stimulating your body to make more milk. You can continue nursing your baby once you reach home after work, and do not forget to nurse your baby in the morning and at night. For hassle-free breastfeeding at night, make sure you get some cotton-feeding nighties with a side zip or buttons.

If a daycare center is near your office, you can keep your child in the center and come after every 2-3 hours to breastfeed your baby. This is the other way of giving breast milk to your baby. If you stop giving breast milk to your baby, your body will stop producing it. If you do not want to use the breast pump, you can give your baby formula milk.

Advantages of Breast Milk Over Formula Milk

Let’s have a look at the advantages of breast milk over formula milk. Breast milk is rich in carbohydrate content. Bifidus factor is found in breast milk which aids in making the immune system of your baby stronger. This factor also inhibits the growth of pathogenic organisms responsible for the occurrence of many diseases.

The colostrum present in breast milk contains essential immune factors, growth factors, vitamins, and minerals. Colostrum also helps in removing harmful bacteria from the intestine and is good for the throat and lungs. The stools of formula-fed babies are harder than breastfed babies.

The minerals present in formula milk are not easily absorbed. Breast milk contains secretory immunoglobulin A which helps to seal the leaky gut of newborn babies. Breast milk can also prevent jaundice commonly found in newborn babies.

Final Thoughts

It is up to you to decide whether you want to give your baby breast milk or formula milk. You are a mother, and you know what is best for your baby. However, your baby also needs your unconditional love and care for her healthy development besides breast milk. So you should never hesitate to breastfeed your baby on the go or in public. Use apron-style nursing covers to maintain your privacy while breastfeeding your little one outdoors.