As soon as the child is born, its food has entered the mother's body.
Mother's milk is the food for which there is no substitute.
It not only fulfils the nutritional needs of the baby but also has various benefits for the mother.
- Breastfed babies stay healthy, protected from many diseases
- Breastfed babies are healthier than other babies.
- Their immune system is strong.
- Their digestive system is better and they are protected from bottle-borne diseases.
- Diarrheas' are reduced.
- Constipation, inflammation of the stomach does not occur.
- Colds, and respiratory diseases are less common
- Breast milk provides protection against ear infections.
- Protects against meningitis germs
- Infants who are breastfed have a lower mortality rate than other infants.
- What are the ingredients in breast milk that provide these benefits?
- Breast milk provides abundant and easily absorbed nutrients, antioxidants, enzymes and maternally produced antibodies.
- Because the immune system of the mother's body is stronger, it makes more antibodies against the germs.
- These antibodies are secreted into the mother's milk to protect her baby from disease.
- Provides the body with the ability to fight disease-causing germs.
- Breastfed babies do better emotionally.
- Breastfeeding is beneficial for the mother
- During pregnancy, the mother gains weight rapidly. Breastfeeding helps the mother lose weight because breastfeeding burns extra calories daily.
- Also, it helps the uterus to shrink and return to normal size.
- Reduces the amount of blood flow after delivery.
- Helps to cope with stress.
- Breastfeeding provides emotional comfort to the mother and improves her emotional bond with her baby.
- Breast cancer rates are lower in breastfeeding mothers.
- It also helps prevent many diseases.
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When should I breastfeed my baby?
Babies show signs of hunger and colic regardless of whether they are breastfed or formula fed.
- When hungry, your baby will adopt a food-seeking behavior.
- Feed your baby when you notice the following early signs of hunger:
- Wakes up and moves
- Licks lips
- Turns his head to search with his mouth open
- Sucks his hand or fist.
- Crying and fussing are usually signs of overeating. Babies are "very hungry" at this time. However, a baby may cry for other reasons as well.
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How can I breastfeed my baby?
Breastfeeding is the closest bonding time for you and your baby. Keep your baby skin-to-skin while breastfeeding. It makes him feel relaxed, safe and warm.
When you are unable to breastfeed your baby on your own, find opportunities to cuddle and be present with your baby in other daily routines. It also helps to strengthen your child's bond with you.
Keep yourself calm. Breastfeeding is a special moment in which you and your baby can bond together. Maintain eye contact and speak gently while you are feeding your baby.
Breastfeeding the baby
Wash your hands before feeding the baby. Dress him in a food cloth tied on his chest. Sit in a quiet position and in a seat with armrests.
Keep your baby's head and neck comfortably close to you on your elbow. Babies generally feel calmer breathing and swallowing in this upright position.
Gently touch the baby's lips with the nipple. He will react and open his mouth, then you insert the nipple.
When your baby stops sucking or slows down, partially pull the nipple out. If the baby still wants to drink, he will pull it again. When your baby comes off the nipple, take a break to let him burp. Repeat after burping. If he signals that the stomach is full, stop feeding.
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Observe the baby during feeding
Learn your baby's signs of fullness. Let him decide how much to eat each time. Stop feeding when your baby shows signs of being full, such as if the baby: closes his mouth.sucks slowly or stops sucking. Arches the back and turns the head, leaves the body relaxed and goes to sleep.
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How to make a child burp?
Burp after feeding to expel the air the baby has swallowed during feeding.
Burp your baby after a feed or when he takes a break during feeding
You can burp it in the following ways:
Hold your baby upright on your shoulder. Gently pat or rub his back.
Put her on your lap. Support his head and chest. Gently pat or rub his back.
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What should I do if the baby spits up after feeding?
Many babies spit up a little after feeding, during burping, or after lying down because their digestion is a little weak.
The following things help to reduce these spitting up incidents:
Feed your baby when he gives the first signs of hunger, such as licking his lips, opening his mouth, or putting his hands in his mouth. This helps her stay calm and swallow less air while nursing
Avoid overfeeding. Stop feeding when the baby signals that he is full.
After feeding or burping, keep your baby in an upright position for 10 to 20 minutes. You can either hold him on your lap or sit him on your lap.
If the spitting up of milk does not decrease, consult your doctor.
How much milk does a baby need in a day?
Babies adjust their milk intake according to their growth and development needs. Their appetite changes every day. Let your child dictate when and how much to eat.
Every child is unique. Some babies need more frequent feedings, while others need less frequent feedings but more milk each time.
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Is my child eating well?
When your child has the following symptoms, it means that your child is eating well.
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Baby stool:
Change from catty to yellow stools in the first 5 days
The texture should gradually change from loose, stringy, to grainy.
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Child's Weight:
In the first few days after birth, it is normal for your baby to lose a little weight.
During the first to second week, your baby regains birth weight and then steadily gained weight.
In the first 2 months, most babies gain an average of 0.5 kg or more.
Enjoy this special and healthy bond with your cutie :)