Breastfeeding: Everything a Mom Should Know !

Recently became a mom? It's one of the inexpressible feelings that bring a new movement in both women's and men's lives. Cradling your baby and feeding her breast milk is an overwhelming experience that, other than nurturing your child with essentials, stitches the feeling of closeness.

All that hugs, giggles, and grins are not just part of parenthood but a moment of unconditional love. One new thing that comes into a woman's life after having a baby is breastfeeding. Breast milk is nothing less than a powerful supplement that contains vital nutrients and antibodies, which elevate the natural defence mechanism of a newly born kid.

A newborn baby has a weak immune system; thus, she is more prone to getting any disease. At this time, breast milk not only fills your baby's tummy but helps her fend off various diseases.      

But many moms experience a lot of challenges during breastfeeding. Inadequate milk intake, nipple and breast pain, and milk oversupply are a few challenges. Do you also experience any of these problems? If so, you should talk to a lactation consultant. 

Many moms also turn to the internet for breastfeeding tips, but they should also keep in mind that some articles have misleading information. Also, you should understand the various myths about breastfeeding.

Here, we have compiled everything about breastfeeding that will guide you in your breastfeeding journey.

Which Hormone Induces Breast Milk and What's the Composition of Breast Milk?

After delivery, the estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, which increases the prolactin hormone that initiates milk production.

Oxytocin is responsible for milk ejection. Oxytocin is released when the mother is happy, confident, and affectionate towards the baby.

The volume and composition of milk change as per the nursing frequency, time of day, and age of the child. The better fluid intake you have, the better will be your milk supply. 

What are the Stages of Breast Milk Composition?

The breast milk composition is further categorised into Fore milk and Hind milk. Fore milk is what comes first from the breast. It is watery and quenches the baby's thirst. Hind milk comes when the baby sucks for a longer time. It is rich in calories and fat.  

• First Stage of Milk (Colostrum) - In the first few days, the milk is thicker and sticky yellowish. This is colostrum. It is easy to digest and contains several antibodies and white blood cells (the warriors of our body) that protect your baby from several diseases.
• Second Stage of Milk (Transitional Milk) - After two to four days, transitional milk replaces the colostrum. It is white and creamy and contains a pool of protein, lactose, fat, and vitamins.
• Third Stage of Milk (Mature Milk) - After a few weeks, the transitional milk is replaced by mature milk, characterized by consistency and lighter colour.

Ideally, a baby must be fed completely from one breast at a given time, so the baby can consume both fore and hind milk.

Why is Breastfeeding Important For Both Baby and Mom?

Breastfed children have a higher IQ. Breast milk supplies all the nutrients in the proper portion to the child. These nutrients protect against allergies, sickness, diabetes, obesity, cancer, ear infection, and many other respiratory tract infections.

Breast milk is always at the right temperature, clean, and more digestible and also doesn't cause constipation, upset stomach, and diarrhea. 

Talking about breastfeeding benefits for moms, it has been seen that breastfeeding women have a lower risk of certain cancers, such as breast cancer and Type 2 Diabetes. Additionally, it strengthens the bond between the mom and the child.

Signs That Your Cute Baby is Hungry and Asking For Milk

Most people often think crying is the first sign that the baby is hungry. But no! Crying can also be a late sign, so don't wait for that moment. In the baby's first week, feed her after every 2 hours or whenever she expresses a sign. Here are the common signs babies express whenever they are hungry and asking for milk: 

• She is awake and alert
• She sucks on her fingers
• She nuzzles your breast
• She whimpers and moves her arms

The C.H.I.N Formula For Good Breastfeeding

• C (Close): You should hold your baby very close to your nipples so that she doesn't have to stretch herself to reach your body.
• H (Head Free): Don't hold your baby's head tightly, as it can restrict the baby from moving her head to latch on, rather than have a better grip on her neck.
• I (In-Line): Ensure that the baby's head, shoulder, and body are in a straight line facing your breast. 
• N (Nose to Nipple): Hold your baby in such a way that her nose comes opposite your nipple. Gently rub your nipple near the baby's lips and wait until she opens her mouth completely. And then see whether the most part of the areola (pigment area in the breast) goes inside her mouth. 

5 Best Breastfeeding Positions You Should Definitely Try

1. Cradle Hold - It's one of the popular breastfeeding positions. However, initially, some mothers feel it challenging to feed in this position, but when they and their babies get used to it, this will become a very comfortable position for them. 

   Mother uses the same hand and breast side while feeding. For a cradle hold position, lay down on a comfortable sofa, chair, or bed and hold your baby in such a way that her mouth reaches to your nipple, and her ear, shoulder, and hip are in a straight line and towards you.

2. Cross-cradle Hold - The cross-cradle hold is an ideal position for a preemie or baby that has difficulty getting latched on. For this position, you need to sit straight with the support of a pillow on the back. 

   Now, bring your baby across the front of your body. Hold the baby in the crook of the arm opposite the breast you are feeding from. Mothers use the opposite hand and opposite breast while feeding. This position makes it easier for you to view your nipples and the baby's mouth. 

   Since one of your hands is below the baby's head, you can better and safely hold your baby and guide her for a good latch. Use another hand to hold the breast in a U-shape or C-shape to make it more compact.

   Tickle your baby's lips with the nipples and ensure the baby's mouth is wide open like a duck's mouth and then feed your baby. Also, ensure that the baby doesn't glide onto the nipple as it can cause a sore and painful nipple.

3. Football Hold - Likewise, the side-lying position, football (clutch hold) position is good for mothers who:  
   • Had a C-section.
   • Have bulky breasts.
   • Are breastfeeding twins.
   • Have flattened or inverted nipples.

   Hold your baby with one hand to support the baby's head, back and legs to get in this position. Place the pillow under your hand so you can comfortably hold your baby. Bring the baby towards you in a way that her mouth can line up with your nipple. If you are holding your baby with your right hand, feed your baby with the right nipple. This way you can feed twins together. Reverse the process to feed through the left nipple.

4. Side-lying Position

   It's a great position if: 

   • You're tired.
   • You want to nurse your baby while lying down.
   • You want to nurse your baby at night.
   • You have heavy breasts. 
   
   

   Additionally, mothers who had a c-section should opt for this position for the first few weeks. Lay down on a comfortable surface and place your baby near the nipples. Lift your breast with the help of your fingers so that the baby can latch on easily. Take a second or two to check whether the latch is right. 

   In case the latch isn't right, use your fingers to detach the baby's mouth and nipple and then again guide the baby's head towards the right position for a good latch. Once you feel everything is OK, you can get in a quite comfortable position and continue feeding your baby.

   5. Laid-back Nursing Position

   It's a very natural position to breastfeed a preemie, newborn, or for mothers who have excessive milk flow and body ends up gagging.

   To get into this position, recline on a sofa, bed, or chair and put a pillow behind your back for better support. And then, place the baby on your chest in such a way that the baby's mouth is lined up with your nipple. 

   The baby then begins to smell and feel her way to your nipple. Once the baby finds the nipple, she will open her mouth to latch on. In case your baby needs help, guide her head.

#happybreastfeeding

Also Read: Here is a list of things you should do while preparing for labor !