Breastfeeding and Nursing

What is the breastfeeding
why it is important ?
what's the advantages of it
whats the problems
what's the food should the mother eat or avoid during nursing

1. Breastfeeding

2. Breastfeeding Breastfeeding Breastfeeding, also known as nursing, is the feeding of babies and young children with milk from a woman's breast. It is universally agreed that breast milk is the best food for the new-born, because it provides numerous health benefits to both a mother and an infant. WHO recommends the mother to start feeding the new-born immediately after the birth in the first hours to get the benefits of Colostrum. 2

3. Breastfeeding recommended up to 6 months, after that; breastfeeding should be continued with appropriate foods up to two years of age or beyond . Breast milk is formed in the alveolar cells of the mammary glands with the stimulation of the prolactin hormone The First milk is called Colostrum (thick, sticky and yellowish) that is very important food for the new-born baby. 3

4. Colostrum is high in carbohydrates, high in protein, high in antibodies, and low in fat (as human new-borns may find fat difficult to digest ). New-borns have very small digestive systems, and colostrum delivers its nutrients in a very concentrated low-volume form. The transition from colostrum to true mature milk is a gradual process . The mature milk is the Foremilk and Hindmilk . 5

5. In the 2-3 weeks following delivery, the milk will become thinner, less yellow which is called Foremilk. Hindmilk is the milk which follows foremilk during a feeding. It is richer in fat content and is high in calories more the foremilk The mother should be ensure that the baby drain one breast before moving onto the other, to ensure that he receives all the benefits of both foremilk and hindmilk . 6

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7. Breastfeeding Benefits Mother : It is clean, cheap, and always available It makes the uterus contract. This helps the placenta come out, and it may help prevent heavy bleeding Reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer Delay a new pregnancy and menstruation Increase the bond between the mother and the baby Helps a mother return to pre-pregnancy weight 8

8. Breastfeeding Benefits Baby : It helps the new-born to clear fluid from his nose and mouth and breathe more easily Breastmilk contains all the nutrients that the baby needs for the first 6 months Developing the brain and other body systems Provides adequate water for hydration Protects against infection and allergies (develop the Immune System of the baby) It is easily digested; no constipation, diarrhea or upset stomach. Promotes bonding between the baby and the mother It reduces the risk of obesity and diabetes later in life 9

9. Signs of Good Attachment Chin touching breast (or nearly so) Mouth wide open Lower lip turned outwards The baby mouth should cover the nipple and most of the lower part of the black part (Areola) The nose should not be closed The cheeks are round and full 10

10. Good Attachment 11

11. Breastfeeding Problems Mother : Latching Pain Cracked nipples Clogged ducts Low milk supply Painful engorgement (too much milk) Mastitis 12

12. Breastfeeding Problems Baby : Baby sleeps while nursing Doesn't get enough milk Baby Gas and tummy problems (mostly due to mother’s diet, and the baby to swallow too much air at feeding time) Reflux (spit up the milk) 13

13. Diet Breastfeeding mums need around 500 more calories a day than non-breastfeeding mums Essential nutrition: Water Calcium and Vitamin D Carbohydrates and Fibers Healthy Fats Iodine 14

14. Diet Essential nutrition: Iron Protein Vitamins Vitamin B6 & B12 (Very important for the brain growth and formation of a baby's red blood cells) 15

15. Diet Foods to limit: Caffeine Fish that contains mercury (Hg) Parsley and Peppermint (decrease breast milk production) Spicy foods Garlic Oily food 16

16. Diet Food cause allergy and digestion problem for the baby as: Cow's milk Eggs Dairy Citrus Fish 17

17. Diet The foods that cause allergy may lead to: Diarrhoea or constipation Itchy skin A red itchy rash around the baby's mouth. Swollen eyes, face or lips Vomiting Eczema Gas 18