Breastfeeding tips

It is a natural thing for mothers to breastfeed newborns but it also involves a lot of hard work. It may take a bit of trial and error before you can get it right.

Below are tips to help new moms in breastfeeding.

Not to scrub your nipples

Using a scrub brush or loofah to scrub your nipples to make them tough is just a myth. It may cause your nipples to be sore.

Be a patient while your body produces milk

Initially your body will produce colostrum. Colostrum is very rich in nutrient that your baby needs in his first few days after he is born. Your body will starts producing milk after a few days.

Remember newborns nurse a lot.

Newborns are always hungry because of the small stomach and needs to feed a lot. Breast milk is quickly digested and is the most perfect food for babies. Frequent nursing helps your breasts to produce more milk as your breasts work on supply and demand. The more your baby demands, the more milk your body will produce.

Do not worry that you don’t have enough milk supply

Breastfeeding mums usually worry when the baby is always hungry because they are not able to see how much milk the baby is getting. If you have to change at least five or six wet diapers a day, your supply is just fine.

How to treat tender nipples

Nipples are sensitive especially after prolong nursing. Pain can be due to a bad latch. Applying purified lanolin onto your nipples after each nursing session can help prevent chafing and excessive dryness.

Drink more water

Drink more water as it takes water to make milk. You are going to need a lot of water until your body regulates and able to produce milk naturally.

Practice makes perfect

And lastly, practice more and don’t give up when facing challenges in breastfeeding. One day, you'll realize you're doing something wonderful, and it's really worth doing.

Breastfeeding 101 for beginners

It is the right thing to do if you have decided to start breastfeeding.  It is the best you can give to your baby. Breastfeeding can be challenging but try not to worry. Many mums have persevered and succeeded.  Below are some guides to help you.

Breast is the best.

Nobody can deny that  breast milk is the best milk for your baby. Most health professional will say that the healthiest way to feed your baby is to breastfeed.  Breastfed babies are less likely to fall sick in their first year of life. Breastfeeding is also good for the mum because it helps to lower the risk of getting breast cancer, ovarian cancer and also reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Breast milk is the most complete food. It contains at least 400 nutrients,  hormones and compounds which help to fight diseases, which are not available in formula milk. Your body is able to adjust Its nutritional value according to your baby's needs. Most important of all besides all the benefits mentioned above, breastfeeding helps to build the special bond between you and your baby.

How can I prepare for breastfeeding?

There's not much more you can do to prepare your body for breastfeeding. The only thing that you can do is to prepare your mind to learn as much about breastfeeding as you can even before your baby is born.

How do I start breastfeeding?

It is important to choose a comfortable place to breastfeed as breastfeeding can take anything from  a few minutes to almost an hour. The ambience is very important because when you first started breastfeeding, you may be easily frustrated. Find somewhere quite, away from distraction and noise if that suits you best. Try adjusting places until you find one you are comfortable with.

The way you hold your baby is important so that you will not end up with sore arms. Add cushions around you to give you the support. Make yourself and your baby relaxed before you start feeding. Ensure your baby latches on properly. She should take in a big mouthful of breast tissue and not just sucking the nipple. If it hurts, break the suction by inserting your little finger between your baby's gums and your nipple. Then try again. Once your baby latches on properly, she will be able to feed with no problem.

Can I be successful in breastfeeding?

Some women  find it challenging to breastfeed. Some encounter no major problems. But many new mothers find it difficult to learn. So if you're feel like giving up, remember that you're not alone. You can contact a breastfeeding counselor at your nearest hospital. Breastfeeding takes practice. Do not rush. Give yourself some time to master it.

What to expect - Breastfeeding in the first month

The first few weeks of breastfeeding are a steep learning curve and most breastfeeding mums find it overwhelming. Feeding around the clock is very common and helps to build your milk supply but it can also be very tiring. Taking good care of yourself and be patient, and you will find that it will get much easier after the first month as your milk supply will increase.

How often do I need to feed?

Your newborn’s small stomach grows very fast to accommodate your growing milk supply. Allowing your baby to feed as and when she needs it, will help her to continue to grow.

During the day, you can expect to feed every two to three hours. At night the gaps could be longer, like three to four hours, or maybe even five. But every baby is different. Some babies are fast feeders whereas some take up to an hour. The  feeding pattern of every child differs.

At any one feed, allow your baby to feed as much milk as she wants from one breast, then offer the other breast. When she’s full, she will seem relaxed and contented and will detach naturally, so much so that she might fall asleep. At the next feeding, offer the opposite breast first.

Why does my baby want to feed all the time?

In this first month, your baby appears constantly hungry and needs to feed often, maybe every 45 minutes This is good to initiate and build your milk supply. Another reason is that babies want to be in constant contact with their mums and just to suck for comfort. You do not need to set a routine or follow a schedule. Let her initiate the feeding instead. Offer her your breast whenever she shows signs or early cues of being hungry like her licking her lips, opening her mouth, sucking her hands, or turning her head open-mouthed. Crying is a late sign of being hungry.

How do I know if my milk is enough for my baby?

You may be worried whether your baby is getting enough milk because you can’t see how much milk your baby drinks when breastfeeding. You have to  trust your body and your baby. As the milk starts to flow, your baby sucking rhythm will be slower. You may be able to hear your baby gulping down the milk. Your baby will show signs if she’s had enough  She’ll be relaxed and her body language will show you she has had enough.

When should my baby regain her birth weight?

 It is normal for most newborns to lose weight during the first few days after birth.and it is nothing to worry about. Most lose around 5 to 7% of their birth weight, but some may lose up to 10%. However,  most babies are back to their birth weight by day 10 to 14. The minimum expected weight gain is 150 g (5.5 oz) per week on average in the first 3 to 4 months.

When will breastfeeding get easier?

This early phase is challenging but it will get easier! Your breast milk supply will be established at the end of one month. Things will be easier then. Any problem with your baby’s latch would have been sorted out by now and your body will be more efficient at producing milk, so any soreness or leaking should start to reduce. The first four to six weeks are the toughest, then it starts to settle down. And from three months onwards, breastfeeding gets easier.

Criteria of a good breast pad

As a breastfeeding mother, you may have experienced problems with your breast leaking milk. You don’t want to be caught in an awkward situation, to be seen with wet patches on your clothes and trying hard to hide the fact that you have a problem controlling your milk letdown reflex. You need a breast pad to absorb the moisture to prevent thrush or other infections from growing in the nipple area.

Criteria Of A Good Nursing Pad

Price

A low priced nursing pad may not be a good idea as the quality may be compromised. Breast pads may look the same but better pads can be more efficient in absorbing the leaking breast milk and save you the embarrassment.

Comfort level

Breastfeeding may leave you with a sore and sensitive nipple. Choosing a comfortable breast pad is important since you will be wearing it most of the time..

Leak-proof

A good breast pad should be absorbent and not leak even when you are having heavy milk leaking.

Ease of wearing

You should consider a breast pad that is easy to wear and will not slip but will stay in your bra. Some have adhesive tape to prevent it from slipping like Autumnz disposable breast pads which have double adhesive tape to do just that.

Not visible

A nursing pad should be discreet and not be easily seen through your clothes. It should have super soft lining and comfortable to wear and stay unnoticeable..

Disposable Nursing Pads

Disposable breast pads are usually the most convenient breast pad for nursing mums who are always-on-the-go because it is easily replaceable. It is lightweight can be carried around in the purse.They usually come with a layer of waterproof film to keep you dry and to prevent your bra or top from getting wet. Disposable breast pad are usually thin; hence, they are quite discreet. They usually come individually packed and conveniently let you carry it with you everywhere you go. Just put a few of them in your bag and you are good to go the whole day.

Choosing the right feeding bottle for your baby

Everyone agrees that breast milk is the best milk for your baby. A feeding or nursing bottle is still  an important accessory to a successful breastfeeding effort in the long term. A feeding bottle is necessary no matter whether you are expressing your own breast milk or feeding your baby formula milk.

Some important aspects to consider when choosing a bottle:

1.    Your baby is comfortable with it and likes it.

2.    Improper air passage can cause colic. Breastfed baby would not have this problem but if you are using bottle, it is a must to choose a proper passage of air through anti-colic system.

3.    It must be easy to assemble, wash and clean.

4. Plastic bottles which are made of non BPA free material can leach harmful chemicals.  Choose BPA free, BPS and phthalate safe bottles and replace them every few months.

5. Use PPSU feeding bottles like Autumnz Wide Neck Feeding Bottle. 

What is PPSU feeding bottle?

PPSU, or Polyphenylsulfone is different from normal PP or PES plastic. It has a yellow-tone appearance. It is lightweight, very durable and last longer.  It is a medical-grade plastic and can withstand continuous exposure to high heat compared to PP or PES bottles. It won’t absorb odour or colour. It is naturally BPA free. PPSU plastics are used in aerospace and medical devices that need frequent sterilization. It can’t be denied that PPSU baby milk bottles are generally more expensive compared to PP or PES bottles. But it is a better investment considering that your baby uses milk bottles 5-6 times a day, every day. Studies have shown that migration of polymer-related substances from PPSU milk bottles into the milk does not exist and is not a concern. Thus it is very safe for baby to use .

Practical tips to choosing a bottle

•    For a start choose a smaller volume bottle for your newborn. Try to meet all the above criteria. You can move on to bigger bottle as your baby’s appetite grows.
•    Wide neck bottles are easier to clean.
•    Choose a bottle with anti-colic system.
•    Bottle with clear measurement markings is preferred as you will know how much milk you are feeding the baby.

Ways to store, freeze and thaw breast milk

So you are breast feeding  and you have to return to work. So how do you store and use your breast milk safely?

Expressed breast milk is the best food for your baby. You can store it for your baby when you are not around. But it is important to practise good hygiene to ensure that the stored milk is safe for your baby. Use only sterilized breast milk storage bags or clean breast milk storage bottle to keep your breast milk. Keep it frozen in the freezer and it can be stored for a long while.

How long can you store your expressed breast milk?

If you have properly expressed your breast milk and maintain good hygiene, you can store it at room temperature, in the fridge, or in the freezer, depending on how soon you want to use it.

Below are the guidelines:

If you’re refrigerating or freezing your breast milk, remember to label the bottles or bags with the date it was expressed. Always use the earlier stored milk first.

Breast milk usage guidelines.

Stored breast milk will normally separate into layers, with the fat or cream forming the top layer. Swirl the bottle gently to mix the layers before feeding your baby. Do not stir too hard or vigorous. It can damage some of the milk’s nutritional property.

It is best to discard any leftover milk within one to two hours of his initial feed because when baby feeds, bacteria from his mouth may end up in the milk. So it is best to store breast milk in small amount  and use only what is needed to avoid wastage.

How to freeze breast milk safely:

•    Freeze your breast milk immediately after being expressed.
•    Store your milk in clean breast milk bottles or storage bags  which are made from BPA-free materials
•    You may add expressed milk to already frozen breast milk, but ensure the expressed milk is cooled in the fridge before it is added. Do not add body-temperature milk to frozen milk.
•    Store your breast milk in small portions to avoid wastage. You can combine the milk after defrosting.
•    Use only good quality breast milk storage bags or bottles such as Autumnz breast milk storage bag or bottles.
•    Leave some space in the storage bag or bottles. Do not fill to the maximum  as breast milk expands during freezing.
•    Always store frozen breast milk at the far back of the freezer where the temperature is most consistent.

Defrosting breast milk correctly:

•    It takes about 12 hours to defrost breast milk in the fridge. If need to, you can hold the bottle or bag of frozen milk under warm running water. Don’t leave frozen breast milk to defrost at room temperature.
•    Place the breast milk bottle or bag into a cup or bowl of lukewarm water for a few minutes to bring it to body temperature (37 °C or 99 °F).
•    Frozen breast milk once fully thawed may be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours or at room temperature for a maximum of two hours.
•    Do not use a  microwave or boiling water to thaw the milk. The  nutritional and protective properties can be damaged and may be too hot and could scald your baby.
•    Once thawed, breast milk should be fed to your baby within two hours if left at room temperature. Otherwise it has to be thrown away.
•    Once thawed, you should never re-freeze the milk.

Why does my stored breast milk have a weird smell?

Refrigerated or defrosted breast milk may sometimes have a soapy or rancid smell. This is caused by an enzyme called lipase which breaks down fats and releases fatty acids. This process helps prevent harmful bacteria from growing. But if you’ve taken all the necessary steps and maintain your hygiene and safe-storage, it will be perfectly safe to use.
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Is colostrum important?

Colostrum is the first milk your body produce when you start  breastfeeding. It  is the ideal nourishment for a newborn baby. It is full of protein, nutrient and are highly concentrated. A small amount will a lot of good in your baby’s tiny tummy. It is low in fat, easy to digest, and full of components that start his development in the best possible way. It plays a very important role in building his immune system.

Colostrum is thicker and more yellow than milk. Its contents are different too, because it’s specifically tailored to your newborn’s needs.

Colostrum fights infection

Colostrum protects against infections because up to two-thirds of the cells in colostrum are white blood cells that guard against infections. The white blood cells in colostrum produce antibodies that can fight against bacteria or viruses.

It supports your baby’s immune system and gut function

Your colostrum is rich in a very important antibody called sIgA. This protects your baby against disease by lining his gastrointestinal tract. This sIgA becomes concentrated in the mucus lining of the baby’s gut and respiratory system, protecting him against illnesses the mother has already experienced.

Colostrum helps prevent jaundice

Beside protecting the tummy, colostrum acts like a laxative that helps your baby poo frequently. Frequent pooing also reduces baby’s risk of newborn jaundice. Your baby is normally born with high levels of red blood cells and when these cells break down, his liver helps to process them, creating a by-product called bilirubin. If your baby’s liver isn’t developed enough to process the bilirubin, it builds up in his system, causing jaundice. The laxative properties of colostrum help your baby flush out bilirubin in his poo.

Vitamins and minerals in colostrum

It contains carotenoids and vitamin A that give it the distinctive yellowy colour. Babies are usually born with low level of vitamin A, so colostrum helps make up the deficit. Colostrum is rich in minerals too, such as magnesium, which supports your baby’s heart and bones; and copper and zinc, which help develop his immune system and helps brain development.

Colostrum helps your baby grow and develop

Your colostrum contains numerous other components that support your baby’s growth and development.

Breast milk vs formula: Are they the same?

Knowing what is in the breast milk or formula milk will help you to make a good decision when deciding to feed your baby.

Let us compare breast milk to formula milk. In some ways, breast milk and formula both provide energy, hydration and nutrients. So whichever milk you feed, your baby will still grow.
But no matter how advance the baby milk formula is, it is never close to the health benefits of your breast milk. Human milk is the perfect food for human babies. It builds baby’s complex brain, digestive and immune systems.

What’s in breast milk?

Every single drop of your breast milk contains thousands of beneficial components, including:
•    antibodies to protect against illnesses
•    hormones which  helps in bonding and regulate appetite
•    stem cells which will help to support organ development and helps in repair
•    white blood cells that fight infection
•    good bacteria to protect your baby’s digestive system
•    prebiotics that promote  healthy gut
•    contains long-chain fatty acids to help develop your baby’s nervous system , brain and eyes
•    enzymes to help his digestive and immune systems
•    hormones and nucleotides to promote healthy sleep patterns

Breast milk adapts to your baby’s changing needs. So if your baby is sick, your body makes extra white blood cells and antibodies in your milk to help fight infection.

What’s in formula milk?

Baby formula milk is made of processed skimmed cow’s milk with added emulsifiers and stabilisers. It may also contain:
•    lactose which is a natural sugar found in milk and/or other sugars such as corn syrup, fructose or maltodextrin
•    plant-based oils, such as palm, sunflower and soybean oil
•    fatty acids, usually derived from fish oil
•    vitamins and minerals from plant and animal sources
•    enzymes and amino acids
•    some may have probiotics

Babies fed with formula may be doing too well and growing fast but that may not be good in the long term. So formula milk manufacturers are now trying to bring down protein levels in their milk so that babies won’t get too fat.