They say breastfeeding is good but they’re telling half of the truth. Breastfeeding is the best! It is uniquely wonderful that the milk coming from the mother’s breasts is incomparable to any other food. A woman nursing her child is one of the most picturesque form of art ever created and so every mom and mom-to-be should advocate breastfeeding. There is no shame in nursing whether it is done in private or public.
Why breastfeed?
Breastmilk is the healthiest food available for your baby! No doubt ‘bout that.
In fact, it is the only significant food to her until 4 to 6 months. It supplies all the necessary nutrients in proper proportions. It is easily digested so you can worry less about constipation, an upset stomach or diarrhea. It protects against allergies, sickness, obesity, and protects against diseases and infections. Save her from perceived hospitalizations. Study also shows that babies who were breastfed scored higher on IQ tests. It’s like having a genius in the family!
Breast milk is always ready and good for the environment.
Unlike formula milk, breast milk is available whenever and wherever your child needs it. No need for preparing, sterilizing, and cleaning feeding bottles. Less stress, right?
Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby.
Milk changes in composition and volume according to how frequent you nurse, on what time of the day and according to age of your child to promote healthy growth. So don’t think your milk supply is not enough for her.
Breastfeeding does not only do good to your baby but to you as a mother as well.
Why? Because breastfeeding provides emotional satisfaction and strengthen mother-child bonding. There is actually an explanation why you will feel more fulfilled when you breastfeed. The release of hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin produces a peaceful sensation that allows you to relax and promotes strong sense of love and attachment between the two of you. Oxytocin release during breastfeeding helps to return the uterus to its normal pre-pregnant size more quickly and can reduce postpartum bleeding. It can also help you to return to what you weighed before getting pregnant. Aside from being in shape, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) serves as a natural form of contraceptive if your menses have not returned, your baby is breastfeeding day and night and is less than 6 months old.
An additional advantage of breastfeeding is its cost-effectiveness. Human milk is less expensive, in fact it’s free. You just need additional food intake for the extra calories needed to produce sufficient milk. So why use formula milk that can potentially hurt your budget?
Now I have shared the benefits of breastfeeding and it’s time to teach you how to breastfeed step-by-step. Doing it for the first time would really be difficult and you need all the encouragement and support from your husband and family. Remember that breastfeeding is a practiced skill. Don’t give up on first try.
Latch In
Position your baby on her side directly facing you, with her stomach touching yours. Support her with a pillow if needed and hold her up to your breast. Place your thumb and fingers around your areola. Tilt the baby’s head back and tickle her mouth with your nipple until she opens her lips wide. Aid her scoop your breast into her mouth. Make sure she takes the whole nipple and at least 1 1/2 inches of the areola in her mouth.
Breastfeeding Position
There are different positions you can experiment during breastfeeding. Cradle, side-lying and football styles are the most common and recommended.
Cradle
This is the usual style used by many mothers especially those who gave birth through NSVD (Normal Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery). Position the baby on your forearm, her head on your elbow part. Support her bottom with your other hand. Pull her close to you, her stomach touching yours with her ear, shoulder and hip in a straight line.
Side-lying
If you delivered through cesarean section, this position is very appropriate to you. Lie on the side where you will be breastfeeding on. Place your head on a pillow and draw your baby closer to you, using your arm to support her bottom. Help the child locate your breast by scooping it to her mouth.
Football
This is also useful to women who had C-section. Place your baby on a pillow, tucked close to your side like a football or handbag. Rest your arm on the pillow to bring the baby’s mouth up to your breast while supporting her head with your hand.
Hope this article helps in your breastfeeding journey. Cheers to all the moms!
