Prenatal Paternity, Tests, Pre Birth, Labs, Procedures

Years ago, breastfeeding was not very popular. Back in the day, no one encouraged breastfeeding. Not all health care practitioners “back when” were aware of all the benefits of breastfeeding to the baby. Therefore, many new mothers went directly to feeding with a bottle. New mothers thought bottle-feeding was the only option available to them..

Breastfeeding protects and nurtures your baby in unique ways. As little as six weeks of breastfeeding can increase a baby’s brain function and IQ. The risk of obesity in breastfed babies is less than in formula-fed babies. Babies who have breastfed for about six months are also less likely to have breathing problems.

It is now widely accepted how very nourishing breast milk is for your baby. All knowledgeable health care providers now recommend breastfeeding as the best way to feed an infant. In addition to supporting brain function, breast milk provides valuable nutrients that would not otherwise be available to the infant. Human breast milk is unique. Every mother’s milk is slightly different, tailored to her own baby’s needs. Without the antibodies in mother’s milk, baby is more likely to become ill due to an immature immune system.

Besides the physical buy Medrol online benefits that breast milk provides, the actual feeding time itself is extremely important to the developing relationship between mother and baby. Feeding time allows the breastfeeding mother and baby time to bond without distractions. buy cialis By spending the time that it takes to breastfeed, the mother and baby become very well acquainted quite rapidly…thus, the mother gains ease in handling the baby and knowing what signals the baby sends…more quickly. The baby in turn comes to know his/her mother by smell, touch, feel, as well as sight. The emotional attachment that occurs during the breastfeeding years provides a solid foundation for future emotional developmental milestones.

Milk induced sleep in her baby is one of the most wonderful things a mother will experience. Being cuddled is among a newborn’s favorite things to experience. They love to eat, too. Cuddling and eating combine to make baby drowsy and willing to snuggle long after finishing eating. Breastfeeding nearly always preceeds naptime. The “mothering hormones” that promote successful breastfeeding are the same ones that encourage the new mother to sit and rock a sleeping baby with a full tummy long after he is asleep and “unplugged”. No one can miss the calming effect on the new mother.

Babies have a built-in latching on instinct. Although some babies will have difficulty latching on properly, most learn the proper way very quickly with assistance from the mother. Sore nipples are a sign that baby is not latching on properly. It does not take long for sore nipples to make their presence known…usually just a day or so. Most hospitals these days have a lactation consultant who can help to determine if baby is latching on properly. In the first week, any new mother having sore nipples or any breastfeeding problems should call her physician or pediatrician, a lactation consultant, an experience breastfeeding mother, or a LaLeche League leader. Like anything worthwhile, it takes a bit to learn how…but very soon, so much practice makes the process much easier! Hang in there! It’s worth it!

Breast milk is not only good for the baby. It is good for the mother as well. Mothers who breastfeed their babies for at least six months have shown a dramatical reduction in the risk of various types of cancer including breast cancer and ovarian cancer. And yet another benefit… Breastfeeding makes weight loss easier. It takes about 500 calories per day to make breast milk. All other things being equal, that adds up to about one pound of weight loss per week. Also, her womb shrinks back to normal size more rapidly, thus reducing the amount of bleeding in the days and weeks after the birth..

All new parents want the very best for their new baby. When it comes to nutrition, the very best “first food” for baby is breast milk. Premies often thrive when fed breast milk through a tube or a bottle–even if they are not able to suck from the breast themselves. While these little ones may tire out too soon if they try to nurse, they thrive when they receive “nature’s best” breast milk!

Successful breastfeeding requires the new mother to have some idea of what is supposed to be happening. Since baby will not likely know what’s going on, the parents need to be sure to find out ahead of time…so somebody knows what’s going on. For best results, both parents should learn about breastfeeding and how the baby’s father can be supportive. More articles and resources as well as a place to ask questions of any experienced RN (Registered Nurse) can be found here on this blog.

There may a few challenges getting started with breastfeeding. Breastfeeding her new baby can turn out to be an awesome experience for mother and baby to share. Later in life, when the mother looks back on this wonderful, unique time shared with her little one, she may wish those days had lasted longer.

Read, read, read about breastfeeding. Ask questions. Other nursing mothers can offer helpful hints…so listen up. Many more breastfeeding hints and tips will be on this blog soon.

Technorati Tags: breastfeeding, infant feeding, newborn, nursing