Breastfeeding 101: Things to know about breastfeeding

For the first time in your life, your breasts will become the main food source for your baby. They will be dependent on you and your heart will become attached to them.

We aim to provide you with key information to make this a most enjoyable one. It can come as quite a shock to have sore breasts, and the thought of placing a suckling bay upon them can seem ridiculous. However rest assured with correct advice and practise, the pain soon subsides and you will find yourself so comfortable that you will be able to multitask and get on with other things in your life, or simply be pain-free to gaze lovingly into your baby’s eyes.

1. Early breastmilk is liquid gold.

Known as liquid gold, colostrum is the thick yellow first breast milk that you make during pregnancy and just after birth. This milk is very rich in nutrients and antibodies to protect your baby. Although your baby only gets a small amount of colostrum at each feeding, it matches the amount his or her tiny stomach can hold.

2. Breastmilk is easier to digest.

For most babies – especially premature babies – breast milk is easier to digest than formula. The proteins in formula are made from cow’s milk, and it takes time for babies’ stomachs to adjust to digesting them.

3. Breastmilk fights disease.

The cells, hormones, and antibodies in breast milk protect babies from illness. This protection is unique; formula cannot match the chemical makeup of human breast milk. In fact, among formula-fed babies, ear infections and diarrhea are more common. Formula-fed babies also have higher risks of:

• Necrotizing entero-colitis, a disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract in pre-term infants.

• Lower respiratory infections

• Atopicdermatitis, a type of skin rash

• Asthma

• Obesity

• Type 1 and type 2 diabetes

• Childhood leukemia

Breastfeeding has also been shown to lower the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Formula-feeding can raise health risks in babies,but there are rare cases in which formula may be a necessary alternative. Very rarely, babies are born unable to tolerate milk of any kind. These babies must have soy formula. Formula may also be needed if the mother has certain health conditions and she does not have access to donor breast milk.

4. Breastfeeding is healthy for you too!

Breastfeeding can feel great. Physical contact is important to newborns. It can help them feel more secure, warm, and comforted. Mothers can benefit from this closeness, as well. Breastfeeding requires a mother to take some quiet relaxed time to bond. The skin-to-skin contact can boost the mother’s oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is a hormone that helps milk flow and can calm the mother.

Breastfeeding can be good for the mother’s health, too. Breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of these health problems in women:

•Type 2 diabetes

•Breast cancer

•Ovarian cancer

•Postpartum depression

Experts are still looking at the effects of breastfeeding on osteoporosis and weight loss after birth. Many studies have reported greater weight loss for breastfeeding mothers than for those who don’t. But more research is needed to understand if a strong link exists.

5. Breastfeeding for some mothers can be tough at the beginning.

During the first days of your breastfeeding journey, you may feel extrem tenderness or pain. But once your baby is properly latched, pain and discomfort should lessen and go away in time.

Though pain is common to some breastfeeding mothers, don't ignore shooting pain. a knot in the breast accompanied by soreness and redness could be a plugged milk duct, which can lead to mastitis, a nasty infection that requires antibiotics.

You can always reach out to Lactation consultants to help you adjust your newborn's latch and lessen the pain.

6. Breastfeeding saves $$$.

Breastfeeding can save money. Formula and feeding supplies can cost well over $1,500 each year, depending on how much your baby eats.

7. Breastfeeding is much more convenient.

No frantic runs to the store. No futzing around at an ungodly hour to whip up a bottle. No cleanup. Many moms just roll over (especially if their baby is in a co-sleeper) and nurse in a soporific state. Breast milk is instantly available and delivered warm. Plus, feeding supplies are one less thing to shove into that bursting diaper bag.

8. Breastfeed babies don't need water.

Breast milk is 88% water and so your baby won't be needing any water while breastfeeding. But they might need more breastmilk during hot weather.

9. Breastfeeding your little one will come to an end eventually.

It's either your baby loses interest or you decides to stop it.

10. No breastfeeding experience are alike.

Some moms will find it easier to breastfeed than you. Some will find it harder. We are all different. Do your best and move on.

Breastfeeding should result in a happy mom and baby. If this isn't the case, don't hesitate to ask for professional help to get things sorted out. If breastfeeding didn't turned out well for you, don't feel guilty about it. As long as you tried your best. What's more important is that your baby is getting enough food to help him grow, whether it's formula or breastmilk.