Breastfeeding rules. Feeding hours and dosage. Irregular nipple shape

Every mother wants to see her child healthy and from the first days of his life begins to give him everything he needs. This is breast milk, which contains useful substances and microelements necessary for the growth and strengthening of the child’s body.

However, in addition to the feeding process itself, other factors are also important - proper care behind the breast, comfort of position, pumping, need for supplementary feeding, etc.

Find out all the nuances from our article: how to properly feed a newborn baby, feeding rules breast milk and formula, nutritional features during mixed feeding, how often and after what period of time to feed the baby (schedule and norm of food consumption for infants).

Natural feeding

In the first year, breast milk is vital for the baby important food. In order for this period to bring only joy to the baby and mother, you should know about the basic rules of feeding.

What determines the amount of milk a mother has?

The amount of milk can be affected by:

suffered stress;
insufficient sleep;
mother's nutritional characteristics;
lack of physical activity;
fatigue
hereditary predisposition;
lack of rest.

Breast size does not affect milk supply. Neither the shape of the nipple nor the type of milk matters.

Read on the pages of our website! Let's talk about the manufacturer and the composition of the product, how it differs from other infant formulas.

Breastfeeding rules and breast care

When feeding, there is only one rule - feeding should be carried out in a separate room, where there is no one except mother and baby.

It doesn’t matter what position you take during feeding - sitting, lying, standing; the main thing is complete relaxation and convenience.

Separately, we need to talk about pumping and breast massage. These procedures should be carried out in the first 3-4 weeks after birth. Then the milk supply returns to normal.

Before pumping and massaging, hands and breasts should be washed with soap. Do not use products containing alcohol.

Normal baby soap- excellent antiseptic. It is also necessary to ensure that detergent did not remain on the chest after washing procedures.

It is not recommended to use soap before each feeding.. The product is able to remove the fatty film that protects the mammary glands from external influences.

That's why You only need to wash your breasts once a day. If necessary, warm running water is sufficient.

The massage itself is not difficult. However, make sure that the glands are of the same density. If seals are detected, the massage is performed in this area more intensely.

The chest is supported with one hand from below. The second, using 4 fingers, you need to massage the mammary gland in a circular motion, starting from the ribs and moving towards the nipple. The hand that supports the chest from below should not be idle - the technique is similar.

At the site of compaction, movements do not intensify, only the duration of the massage increases.

Pumping - important stage for a nursing mother. If excess milk is left unattended, it will lead to the development of mastitis.

So, only two fingers should be involved in pumping - the index and thumb. It is important to press not on the nipple, but on the gland tissue. The most effective method expressing - using a breast pump.

Many difficulties associated with breastfeeding consist in the appearance of cracks and abrasions on the nipples. These phenomena occur due to:

child activity;
characteristics of the mother's skin;
insufficient hygiene.

Preventive measures must be followed. This includes:

the nipple should always be dry after feeding (to do this, blot it with sterile gauze);
breast cleanliness;
a nursing mother should not wear underwear containing synthetics - only cotton;
the child should grasp the area around the nipple (halo), and not the nipple;
if a crack is detected, treatment begins immediately;
the mother’s nails should be short (so as not to get scratched during pumping);
Do not hold your baby near your breast for more than 20 minutes;
You cannot bring the baby to such a degree of hunger that he attacks the breast;
perform massage and pumping;
Keep your chest open if possible.

To treat abrasions and cracks, use oil-based vitamin A (sold in pharmacies), Bepanten, sea buckthorn oil, special aerosols(no antibiotics).

If suppuration appears, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Meals by the hour or on demand

After how many hours should a newborn baby be fed breast milk?

Two options are being considered natural feeding – feeding by the hour and on demand. Both options are equally relevant and acceptable.

Feeding by the clock is carried out strictly at a certain time every 3 hours. At night there is a break of 6 hours.

This regime lasts up to 2 months. Then the interval between feedings increases to 3.5 hours, and at night - up to 7 hours.

The advantage of this method is teaching the child discipline from early childhood. Otherwise, this method is a radical choice on the part of the mother, since not all children agree with the regime.

Feeding on demand is the most popular choice among modern parents.

After birth, the child experiences extreme stress, and the only effective method to get rid of it - bodily contact with mom. That's why it is so important to put your baby to the breast when he wants it. After all, sucking is not only a process of receiving food, but also an effective method of calming a child.

This method is a highly effective means of maintaining lactation.

However frequent feeding won't let mom do housework, therefore, the baby should be put to the breast not at the first signs of anxiety, smacking lips, grunting, sniffling, but when the baby really needs food - once every 2 hours with a 20-minute feeding duration.

Dr. Komarovsky will tell you a few words about the breastfeeding regimen and how to properly feed a newborn baby with breast milk:

Which option to choose

The basic rule is healthy child he knows when he needs food. You shouldn’t wake him up just because, in his mother’s opinion, it’s time for him to eat. Exceptions are the following cases:

if mom needs to leave urgently;
children who weigh little.

The optimal interval between feedings for children under 1 month is 2-3 hours. Then the baby himself will gradually increase it as he grows and develops.

An important condition is to apply only to one breast during one feeding. This rule is irrelevant if the baby has not eaten enough or if the mother has cracks in her nipples.

Make sure that the baby makes swallowing movements and not sucking while applying. If you don’t stop his desire to “hang” on his mother’s chest in time, then in the future it will be quite difficult to wean him from his favorite activity.

Feeding a baby from a bottle

Bottle feeding a baby is different from mother's breast. In the latter case, he himself determines the volume of milk and the duration of feeding. Due to this, milk production is adjusted to the needs of the baby. and changes as it grows.

There are different ways to feed a baby with breast milk if the mother is not around. This situation is justified due to the mother’s inability to put the baby to the breast ( strong pain, urgent departure, etc.).

Then it is allowed to feed from a bottle with a nipple. Today, this method is in demand for artificial and mixed feeding or if the mother is not around.

Advantage of pacifier– the safest and most natural process of food absorption.

However, sucking from a bottle and from the mother's breast have significant differences. In the first case, the baby puts in less effort. Therefore, after getting acquainted with the bottle, many infants refuse their mother’s breast.

An alternative is to choose a special pacifier.

When tilting the bottle, no drops of milk should come out of the nipple.
When pressing on a wide area of the nipple, a trickle should appear.

Remember to care for your bottle. It is necessary to regularly wash and rinse children's containers with boiling water.

Expressed breast milk can be frozen. This will preserve all the vitamins and useful microelements, and the newborn will not remain hungry if the mother is away on business. It is not recommended to mix milk after several pumpings. Frozen liquid can be stored for no more than 2 months.

What to do if there is no lactation

What to feed a newborn baby if there is no milk? Often in medical practice there are cases when the mother does not have enough milk for good nutrition baby. The situation can be further corrected Taken measures, agreed with the doctor.

Mom should drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
You should apply crumbs in the first days of his life as often as possible.
Do not replace breast milk with other liquids.
Night latching is the main condition for good lactation.
Proper nutrition for mom is also important.

10-15 minutes before feeding, mother should drink a glass of warm sweet tea with milk or dried fruit compote.

No stress or worries: with emotional disorders in women, lactation worsens.

Why can't you eat grapes while breastfeeding? You will find answers to questions about nutrition for nursing mothers.

Introducing formula into a baby's diet

If, despite all the efforts of the mother, there is still enough milk, then, willy-nilly, you will have to use additional nutrition - switch to mixed feeding. In the case of a complete transfer to infant formula, we can talk about artificial nutrition.

What to give

The baby should receive nutrition that is as close in composition to breast milk as possible. Such products are mixtures. All mixtures are divided into 3 groups:

partially adapted (children after one year);
less adapted (after 6 months);
maximum adapted (up to 6 months).

The best mixture will be the one on the packaging that says:“Designed for feeding children from birth to 1 year.”

Don't change it often baby food, since the baby may develop unpleasant reactions in the form of diarrhea, frequent regurgitation, allergic rashes, etc.

It is necessary to switch to another mixture in the following cases:

if the baby is not gaining weight;
if he has frequent constipation.

It is unacceptable to give diluted cow's milk. This can lead to irreversible consequences.

The product does not contain those useful minerals and vitamins contained in adapted mixture or mother's milk.

Mixed feeding rules

Give breast first, then formula.
Only one feeding can be replaced with formula.

The product should be introduced gradually, starting from small quantity. The temperature of the mixture should not exceed the child’s body temperature. The product must be diluted only with boiled water.

Here's another one interesting video with the participation of Evgeniy Komarovsky, from which you will learn about the feeding regimen of a newborn, whether you need to feed him at night and how many times this can be done:

Feeding hours and dosage

How to properly feed a newborn baby with formula and do you need to do it over time?

With artificial feeding in the first months of life, 6-7 meals a day are recommended with an interval of 3-3.5 hours.

At night, you should do a 6-hour interval. It is important to consider the required volume, which is calculated depending on age and weight.

So, for the first six months of life, a baby needs 115 kcal per 1 kg, after 6 months - 110 kcal.

The daily amount of food required by a baby with normal weight indicators is:

from 7 days to 2 months – 1/5 body weight;
from 2 to 4 – 1/6 body weight;
from 6 to 12 months – 1/8.

Enter new mixture according to the following schedule:

1 day – 10 ml once a day;
Day 2 – 10 ml 3 times a day;
Day 3 – 20 ml 3 times a day;
Day 4 – 50 ml 5 times a day;
Day 5 – 100 ml 4 times a day;
Day 6 – 150 ml 4 times a day.

Start of complementary feeding

Learn to distinguish between “complementary feeding” and “supplementary feeding”. In the first situation, the baby receives additional food to prepare for adult life and food. In the second, in case of lack of milk, it is supplemented with formula.

Complementary foods are introduced at 6 months of age- with breastfeeding and 5 - with artificial nutrition. Until this time, nothing other than mother's milk, formula and water can be given.

Start gradually and with caution. For the first time, you need to give half a teaspoon of complementary foods, and then supplement with milk or formula. A “test” is possible before the second feeding, at 9-11 am.

Assess the child's reaction to a new product. If there is no rash, irritation, anxiety, constipation (diarrhea), then the next day you can give 2 times more.

Under no circumstances should you introduce an unfamiliar product during illness or after vaccination. If any reaction occurs, the start of complementary feeding is delayed for 1-2 weeks.

Don't force your child to eat. Perhaps the baby is not yet ready for a new stage in life.

Find out more on our website! We will tell you how the drug works and what are the indications for its use.
How to properly give Espumisan Baby to a baby? you will find out how effective this remedy is against abdominal discomfort in the little ones!
Reviews have been collected about the Malyutka dry mixture and the composition of this product.

Where to start feeding

It's better to start with vegetables. This is a zucchini cauliflower, broccoli. Any vegetable is thoroughly washed and boiled (in a double boiler or in a regular saucepan). Then it is ground with a blender.

On the first day - half a teaspoon. Then the dose is increased by 2 times every day and brought to normal.

If there are no adverse reactions to the new product, after 4 days you can try another vegetable, and then prepare a puree from the previously proposed products. After 10 days, one meal of dairy food should be completely replaced.

For the 7th month you can offer porridge. This should be done at the very last dose - before bedtime. To begin with, the baby should be introduced to buckwheat, rice and oatmeal, then gradually expand the diet.

Use special baby cereals, intended for 7 months of age. Giving semolina porridge at this age is not recommended due to the presence of gluten.

At the 8th month, two feedings are already replaced. Now you can introduce your child to fermented milk products - kefir. On the 4th day, offer low-fat cottage cheese.

Fruits are introduced into complementary foods when the baby’s first tooth appears.. The first is an apple. It is not recommended to completely replace feeding with fruits. They are given in addition to the main diet.

Meat is introduced at 9 months of age, and fish at 10 months.. You can add half an yolk and vegetable oil to your diet. From the age of 10 months, soup is prepared in meat and fish broth, to which bread crumb is added. Allowed introduction vegetable oil and cookies.

By the age of one year, all 5 feedings should be completely replaced. Although some mothers still put their baby to the breast at night.

Water must be included in the diet. Its temperature should correspond to the baby's body temperature.

The main thing is during breastfeeding- to eat well. It is prohibited during this period:

drink alcoholic beverages;
eat spicy, salty, spicy foods.

Necessary:

exclude cow's milk, peas, beans, and white cabbage from the diet;
limit the consumption of caffeine and chocolate;
exclude fast food and semi-finished products.

During the feeding period, you should avoid stress and adhere to a sleep and rest schedule.

You will learn a lot from this video tutorial useful information about postures when breastfeeding a newborn, about how to properly feed a baby in a sitting position and lying on its side, in which position it will be best for you and your baby:

In contact with

The first days of feeding a newborn baby are a very difficult and responsible period for every mother. Not all babies immediately begin to latch onto the breast or bottle correctly. Some mothers do not have enough milk and have to resort to artificial feeding, but I really want to preserve natural lactation.

Feeding mode

How to properly feed a newborn with breast milk? Many mothers who are experiencing motherhood for the first time are interested in this. It is worth noting that the baby still unconsciously performs his actions. He is driven by reflexes and instincts. Therefore, the mother has to adjust some aspects to the newborn on her own. For example: correct grip of the nipple, position of the baby during feeding, etc.

From the first days after birth, the child is given the opportunity to feel hunger and satiety. Therefore, feeling when the baby wants to eat is not difficult for absolutely any mother.

Watch your baby carefully, and soon you will easily be able to understand when he sucks on the breast or bottle for pleasure, and when he sucks to satisfy hunger. You should not allow your baby to suck just for comfort. If you try to reduce such moments to a minimum, then establishing a feeding schedule will become much easier, and the child will show by his behavior when he wants to eat.

On average, babies need breast milk every four hours, and you can get your baby accustomed to the regimen in just one week. Moreover, a properly established schedule will help in the future to combat colic and regurgitation.

Feeding positions

As you know, breast milk transfers antibodies from mother to baby, which help children's body fight bacteria and viruses. It has been established that it reduces the risk of developing allergies and asthma. Children who feed on mother's milk in the first six months of life are less likely to get sick in the future and are less susceptible to respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases.

If you are a supporter of long-term breastfeeding, you need to familiarize yourself with information on how to properly breastfeed a newborn. Recommendations from pediatricians and experienced mothers similar. The only one correct posture There is no feeding for an individual baby. Here you need to focus on the comfort of mother and baby.

How to properly feed a newborn with breast milk while lying down? Experts in the field of breastfeeding recommend that mothers change positions as often as possible, this will make it much easier for the baby to get all the necessary vitamins and microelements from milk.

Feeding a baby while lying down is the most comfortable position that meets all the parameters of proper breastfeeding.

Application rules

Before starting to put the baby to the breast for the first time, the mother should know how to properly feed the newborn:

The baby's nose should be pressed to the mother's breast so that this does not interfere with the smooth and proper breathing crumbs.
The mother should not experience pain during feeding, and the baby should suckle at the breast in a calm state. If this does not happen, then you need to pay attention to the correct grip of the nipple during feeding.
The child should completely grasp the areola with his mouth, and his lips should be turned outward.

Regurgitation of air

It often happens that the baby swallows air along with the formula or milk, which can cause “false” saturation. Therefore, the mother should take short but regular breaks between feedings so that the baby has the opportunity to burp air. Such changes will help the baby feel hungry again and finish his allotted portion. Also, timely regurgitation of air can reduce the risk of colic.

During breaks, try to carry the baby in your arms in the “column” position - a semi-upright or straight position with your back to the mother’s stomach. You can take the baby on your shoulder so that his arms lie on your back. Do not forget to place a napkin, as the baby may regurgitate some of the food with air.

What to consider

Even if there is an excellent amount of milk in the mother's breast, it is important to follow some rules.

Lactation depends on how soon the mother puts the newborn to the breast. After the baby is born, the midwife should bring the baby. First, colostrum is released from the mother's breast, and the baby only needs a couple of minutes of sucking to fall asleep. Such a labor-intensive process tires the baby. The first receipt of fluid from the mother's breast transmits to the newborn many antibodies that can protect the baby from infections, bacteria and viruses.

Breastfeeding should be as comfortable as possible for mother and baby.

Select comfortable position.
The mother can feed while lying down, but the baby should lie sideways.
The baby's body position should be straight.
Do not put pressure on the baby's head under any circumstances. Try to hold it by the back or shoulders.

If the baby is capricious, first calm him down, and only then start feeding. By experimenting with different positions, you will soon find one that is comfortable for you. Moreover, you should pay attention to information on how to properly feed a newborn while lying down.

What about night feedings? Don’t wake up your baby if the clock tells him it’s time for him to eat. Follow the on-demand mode. As soon as the baby wants to eat, he will independently communicate this with a hungry cry. This regime has positive influence to develop emotional stability.

Is pumping necessary? Stagnation of milk in the breast can cause serious problems and troubles.

Therefore, the mother needs to express on time. True, in this issue The opinions of experts are divided.

You can perform this procedure as follows: manually, and with the help special devices.

Necessity of a bottle

There is an opinion among pediatricians that if the baby is mixed-fed, it is not recommended to use a bottle. The baby is able to very quickly get used to a comfortable nipple and refuse his mother’s breast. Therefore, it is customary to replace the bottle with a syringe or spoon.

Today, the system with a straw is very popular, capable of replacing as comfortably as possible. natural feeding. First, the mother must breastfeed the baby, and then supplement it with the help of a special device.

When the baby is fed only formula, and there is no plan to return to breastfeeding, this rule does not apply. The baby can safely use the bottle. How to bottle feed a newborn? Special attention Parents should pay attention to the quality of this item when purchasing. Dishes must be made of safe materials marked “0+”.

Glass bottles are very easy to wash and sterilize with boiling water. They have a long service life. The disadvantage is very significant - such dishes break, which is extremely unsafe for the baby and not only. Plastic bottles made from high-quality material are the safest to use, but they have to be changed very often. This is due to the fact that the plastic wears out, and during the boiling process it loses its attractive appearance and shape.

Preparing for feeding

After reading the recommendations on how to properly feed a newborn with formula, you can proceed to the next stage. Preparations for feeding the baby should be done in advance. You should have clean bottles and nipples ready. Before starting to prepare the mixture, mother should wash her hands thoroughly with soap.

Before preparing the mixture, carefully read the instructions on the package. Do not make mistakes with adding liquid, otherwise the baby may become dehydrated or have insufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Although there is an opinion that the finished mixture should be stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours, try to prepare fresh food for your baby every time. If for some reason you are against this point of view, then heat the milk in a water bath.

Most infant formulas are diluted with boiled water at an average temperature of 36-37 degrees. This important nuance process on how to properly feed a newborn with formula. Before offering milk to your little one, put a drop on yourself. back side hands. If the temperature is comfortable, you can safely offer it to your child.

Wear a protective collar or bib for your baby, and put a towel on yourself. If you spit up during feeding, you and your baby will remain clean. When choosing a bottle, it is very important to pay attention to age restrictions: from 0-3-6-12 months, etc. The fact is that this information implies the pressure of milk from the nipple. The smaller the baby, the weaker the leakage should be. Normally for a newborn, when the bottle is tilted, it should just drip.

A few minutes before the next feeding, you can place the baby on the tummy, but only under constant supervision. If the baby is capricious, dissatisfied or irritated by something, then you should not immediately offer a bottle. The baby needs to be calmed down and wait until he gets hungry.

How to properly feed newborns with mixed feeding? The schedule should be maintained on average every 4 hours between meals, but try to prefer the on-demand schedule. In this case, the risk of overeating is reduced.

To make bottle feeding as comfortable as possible, mothers should follow certain techniques:

When feeding, hold the bottle at a slight angle so that the nipple spout fills with the mixture.
The milk should completely fill the nipple.
Avoid holding the bottle upright. This increases the pressure, and the baby may choke or choke.
Do not screw the pacifier ring too tightly. Air should not get into the bottle. Although on modern market Children's products already feature a variety of dishes with a well-thought-out system.
During feeding, the baby should be kept in a horizontal position with his head slightly elevated.
Take regular breaks so that your baby can burp up air and continue the “comfortable” process of milk absorption.
Never leave your baby alone with a bottle.

As soon as the baby is full, take the bottle and take the baby in your arms vertical position- “in a column”, and give the baby 5-10 minutes to burp.

Prolongation of lactation with mixed feeding

Many young mothers wonder how to properly feed a newborn with mixed food. There is a proven relationship between the amount of milk a mother has and her breastfeeding. Accordingly, if you put the baby to the breast as often as possible, then lactation will be better.

To prolong the possibility of natural feeding, the mother should supplement her baby with formula only after breast milk. For this purpose you can use modern systems imitation of GW. It works on a very interesting principle. The baby suckles at the mother's breast, but receives milk from the system. The advantage is that the baby stays with the mother emotional connection, and the mother receives additional stimulation for the lactation process.

If the mother works, then lactation can be maintained by pumping, but at least every two hours, and the baby can be fed in the morning, evening and at night as required.

Signs of lack or excess of mixture

If the baby overeats, he:

burps frequently;
sleeps poorly and is regularly capricious;
pulls the legs towards the tummy, thereby signaling attacks of abdominal pain;
experiences gas and flatulence;
he vomits after feeding;
gaining weight quickly.

If a child eats little, he:

weak and inactive;
sleeps poorly;
does not walk much “big” or “small”;
cries and is capricious during the feeding process;
sucking fingers or the edge of a diaper;
The baby is behind the norm in weight or does not gain it at all.

We have already looked at how to properly breastfeed a newborn while lying on his side and what role mother’s milk plays in the life of a newly born baby. But you should not rely on the fact that GW is the main foundation in building trust relationships with the baby, because there is still a very significant aspect: tactile contact. It is very important for newborn babies to feel their mother’s care, tenderness and love. When mom is nearby, the baby always feels protected and safe. A mother's touch and stroking is very important, and breastfeeding helps create a strong emotional bond with her baby.

There is no arguing that breastfeeding helps to establish close contact more quickly. But bottle feeding can also achieve positive effect. It is enough to gently press the baby to you during feeding. The baby will feel warmth and tenderness. Moreover, when feeding with a bottle, an emotional connection can be established not only with mom, but also with dad, and even grandmother.

Breast milk is, of course, the best thing that nature has come up with for a newborn baby. But if the mother does not have enough of it, you should not starve the baby; it is better to choose mixed feeding for newborns. The above article will tell you how to properly feed a newborn with milk. Moreover, most mixtures today are produced taking into account all the needs and characteristics of a small organism.

For the correct process of feeding with breast milk or formula, a mother only needs to know a few rules. GV was completely invented by nature, it is inherent in every woman. Therefore, there should be no problems here.

Do not forget that a warm and tender relationship with a child can be built not only through breastfeeding, but simply through regular tactile contact.

When a baby is born, and everything is for the first time, then of course you want to know the main points of feeding and care.

Often during face-to-face consultations, mothers ask how often to feed a newborn with breast milk?

Previously, this question did not require speculation; everyone was fed according to a strict schedule: once every 3 hours and a night break at 6 hours. Now the situation has changed.

A lot of information work has been done by lactation consultants, and more and more mothers, neonatologists and pediatricians are telling them to feed their newborns on demand.

What does it mean to feed a newborn on demand?

This means that for any of his squeaks, cries, or head turns, you offer your breasts. And do not limit sucking by time.

Breast milk cannot be overfed; I talked about this in more detail in the article about regurgitation of infants. Read it if you haven't seen it.

Nevertheless, grandmothers often see that the child is often fed and begin to add fuel to the fire and associate this with the fact that there is not enough milk.

What to do with the most common horror stories of grandmothers? Let's figure it out now.

Horror story 1. Look, the baby has been hanging on your chest for half an hour, there is no milk there anymore, better give him a pacifier...

There is no need to worry about the baby hanging on your chest for a long time.

Each child is born with its own character: there are rushes that suck greedily, strongly, and literally after 10-15 minutes they relax and fall asleep. There are quiet children who do everything carefully, and only under their mother’s breast they feel safe and try to prolong happy moments.

Of course, it’s worth checking whether the baby is latching onto the breast correctly? After all, when incorrect application he does not get enough milk, and cannot get enough to calm down and fall asleep.

For a child, a mother’s breast is the whole world, and this concept should not be reduced only to food. This is communication, love, care, affection and tenderness, intimacy and protection.

You can write a whole treatise about the psychology of a baby, but I’ll just invite you to my course “Happy Motherhood: How to Breastfeed and Care for a Baby,” where you can understand these issues in more detail.

Horror story 2. For some reason, the baby often asks for the breast, you probably don’t have enough milk...

This moment is very different from the previous one. Of course, if you consider the breast only as a source of nutrition, it may seem that the baby is constantly eating.

But if we begin to perceive his presence under the breast as an element of communication with his mother, and at the same time he becomes saturated, then it will become easier for everyone around him. After all, no one will demand that a newborn child play independently or do something - he needs his mother, chief assistant and defender.

The amount of milk has nothing to do with how often the baby suckles, or for how long.

Horror story 3. Have you tried to weigh how much milk a baby eats per feeding?

Practice check weighing becomes a thing of the past. Each feeding, the baby sucks a different amount of milk from the breast, depending on the reason for the sucking: after all, when applying to the breast to calm down, he first of all seeks comfort, and not food.

Conversely, when hungry, the baby will suck more actively and greedily and suck out more milk.

To relieve worries about the amount of milk and whether the baby is getting enough, there are 2 objective ways. Just two:

Count how many times a child pees in 24 hours.

If 10-12 or more times, there is enough milk.

If 8-10, you need to analyze breastfeeding techniques, perhaps some rules are being violated and the baby is a little lacking.

Less than 8 times - you should seek a telephone, or better yet, face-to-face consultation with a lactation consultant. And as quickly as possible.

Look at your weight gain in a week! If your baby has gained 120 grams or more, everything is fine, don’t worry. He has enough milk.

Also watch my video on on-demand feeding:

Now it’s clearer how to feed your baby? Write any remaining questions in the comments, I will answer.

Lyudmila Sharova, lactation consultant.

Ask questions to the medical staff and report any concerns you have so you can go home as informed as possible.

Colostrum and breast milk

Until the mother produces real breast milk, which occurs around day 3 after birth, your baby will rely on colostrum, the yellowish liquid produced by the mammary glands.

Beneficial properties of colostrum. This is a milk concentrate that fully meets your baby's first needs. Having a strong laxative effect, it accelerates the removal of meconium (original feces) from the baby’s body, reducing the risk of infant jaundice. Thanks to its rich content of fat, sugar, salt and protein, it eliminates the risk of hypoglycemia and dehydration.

Colostrum is very valuable for your baby’s health, because it is his first defense against germs and viruses. In fact, it contains a high concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A, which creates the first anti-infective barrier and also stimulates the development immune system. Thus, your child will not only be protected from infections, but his own immune defense will also turn on faster.

The benefits of mother's milk. Mother's milk easily absorbed by the child's body. It adapts perfectly to the needs of your baby, born at term or prematurely, day after day, week after week, throughout the feeding period.

At the beginning of feeding, the milk is light, watery, rich in lactose; during this period it contains especially a lot of water. Then the milk thickens and becomes “fat”, more nutritious (the amount of fat increases four times). Therefore, it is recommended to give the child alternately the left and then right breast.

The composition of milk is different for all women and changes every day and even throughout the day; Thus, the concentration of milk fats increases from 6 to 10 a.m. and is higher during the day than at night. Breast milk is always the right temperature, sterile, and comes in a variety of flavors depending on what the mother eats.

Start of feeding

A young mother has to listen to various conflicting opinions, which only confuse her! Our useful tips will help you determine whether your baby is latching correctly and getting enough milk.
The two of you study together. Always keep in mind that breastfeeding involves not only you, but also your baby. Some women prepare carefully for breastfeeding in advance, but from the very beginning things don't work out as they expected. The baby also has a share of responsibility! It may be difficult for him to latch onto the breast, he may be nervous, etc.

First two hours. Ideally, a newborn is first put to the breast within two hours after birth. The mother is very receptive at this moment, all the baby’s senses are awakened, and his reflexes are especially strong. But the first feeding is not always easy; patience and calm are required. Allow your baby to latch onto the breast on his own so that he learns to suckle through instinct. Attempts to help most often only frighten the baby, even leading to him refusing the breast.

Indeed, if a child is forced to the breast, he may scream, and then his tongue is pressed against the roof of the mouth, rather than curling up around the nipple. Then he is physiologically unable to suck.

If your baby doesn't latch correctly right away, don't worry. Give him time to get to know you. You'll soon have plenty of opportunities to teach him how to suck productively! Remember that for this first breastfeeding, the “result” is not as important as physical contact, rapprochement; The moment when you and your child explore each other is very important.

In the first hours after birth. In the first 24 hours after birth, your baby will be tired and sleep a lot... just like you! He must rest, because the birth was a real test for him, on which he spent a lot of effort. However, the breasts need to be stimulated to produce milk. Indeed, milk production throughout breastfeeding depends on how often the baby is put to the breast and how effectively it is stimulated in the first days. To help your baby want to latch on, use the following tips.

Hold him in your arms: your smell, contact with your body can awaken his desire to suck.

Watch him and you will notice the first signs that he is ready to feed. Rapid eye movements indicate that he is dozing (feeding in deep sleep is doomed to failure!); Moving your lips and tongue, bringing your hands to your mouth, smacking your lips and restless body movements will indicate that your baby is ready to feed. And only as a last resort, when he is truly hungry, will he start screaming! In this case, you will have to calm him down first so that he can latch on properly.

At each feeding, give the baby alternately the left and the right breast, then place him on your shoulder in a vertical position so that he burps if necessary, stroke his legs, face, check if he is hot, change his diaper.

The benefits of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is very beneficial for both the baby and the mother.
Breast milk gives the baby antibodies to many infections and short term significantly reduces the risk of gastrointestinal (diarrhea) and respiratory (asthma) diseases, as well as otitis media and nasopharyngitis.
Breastfeeding can prevent postpartum bleeding in the mother: contractions (so-called postpartum cramps), which are caused by the hormone oxytocin, also involved in lactation, contribute to the reduction of the uterus.
Breastfeeding also has long-term benefits: it reduces the baby's risk of allergies, obesity and diabetes.

Attaching to the breast

It is important to be able to properly attach your baby to the breast, since cracked nipples and other unpleasant consequences occur due to incorrect feeding posture. You should sit comfortably (see p. 351) and relax. Place pillows under your elbow and under your baby so that he is lying under your chest, and also under your back so that you do not have to lean towards him. Hold your baby close. His ear, shoulder and hip should be in line, meaning he shouldn't bend to reach your chest. His nose and chin touch your chest, his stomach touches yours (if you were both naked, your belly buttons would be touching).

To help your baby, you can give him the breast by holding it in your hand and bending it into a "C" shape, placing it thumb on the chest, and the other four fingers under it, away from the areola. Your baby should now open his mouth wide as if he is yawning. Tell him: “Open your mouth!” (and very soon you will notice that he understands you), stroking him lower lip nipple or gently lowering his chin with your fingers. At this point, quickly bring the baby to your breast with the same hand with which you are holding him. He should capture the nipple and as much of the areola as possible with his mouth; your nipple should touch the depths of his palate.

Increased sensitivity. You may feel uneasy during the first days of feeding increased sensitivity breasts The strength of the baby's sucking movements is great; Don't be surprised if you feel some pain at first.

Bottles, nipples, breast pumps. Avoid using bottles and nipples that interfere with proper latching; Also avoid silicone breast shields (or breast pumps), which can cause blockage of the milk ducts, leading to breast and nipple pain; they also accustom the baby to an incorrect position at the breast, which is then difficult to correct.

I have very small breasts. Will I still have enough milk to feed my baby?

Feeding and breast size

You should never rely on the appearance of your breasts when making predictions about a mother's ability to breastfeed. Size female breast depends on the amount of adipose tissue contained in it, which does not affect the production of breast milk and does not determine its quality.

Breast enlargement during pregnancy is a sign of good breast function. Contrary to popular belief, almost all women are capable of breastfeeding if they are educated enough.
Milk production depends largely on hormones and correct application baby to the breast than from its volume!

Proper breastfeeding

To determine if your baby is sucking properly, check to see if his lips are drawn toward the outside of his chest. His tongue should be out and curled under your breast (covering his bottom gum). His temple moves in rhythm with the sucking movements, and when he swallows, you can see movement from below behind the ear (about two sucking movements for one swallow). At the same time, he should neither make clicking sounds nor retract his cheeks. You should not feel pain, except for the first days when breast sensitivity is increased. Your baby is calm during feeding and looks full at the end.

If you or your baby seem to be positioned awkwardly, start over and try as many times as necessary. Attention: do not tear the baby off the breast, do not pull him back: he sucks with such force that it can hurt you! It’s better to put your little finger in the corner of his mouth; then he will instinctively open it and you can try again.

Appearance of milk

On the second or third day after birth, the mother produces milk under the influence of the hormone prolactin. By this time, milk production becomes necessary to meet the growing needs of the child: the volume of his stomach, which at birth contained from 5 to 7 ml, after 3 days increases 5 times!

The mother's breasts can be very tight, swollen and therefore often painful. However, do not put nursing cups in your bra: they can only worsen the situation by stimulating milk production. The painful sensations will soon stop: feeding will regulate milk production. To prevent stains on your clothes due to its “leakage,” you can use special feeding inserts (made of cotton, but not plastic, to avoid smudging). If you have too much milk, ask the staff maternity hospital, is it possible to donate it to a breast milk donor center located in your city or department.

Feeding rhythm

Breastfeeding a baby is a special moment that you do not have to share with others! You should be relaxed, but the presence of other people can make you feel uncomfortable. Your baby will also need rest, especially at the beginning.

Request privacy. IN maternity hospital ask to be left alone with your baby when you need to feed him. Ask the baby's father to talk to your visitors and politely let them know that you need peace. In the future, everything will work out naturally, depending on your characters, as well as how the feeding goes. It is important that you are relaxed when feeding and feel that your baby is calm.

Duration of feeding. To understand your baby and his needs, forget about the clock and watch him. There is no “hourly rate” for breastfeeding. One feeding can last from 10 minutes (two times for 5 minutes) to 40 minutes (two times for 20 minutes) and even more. It all depends on how much milk the baby swallows while sucking, as well as on the mother’s milk flow. You should notice when he sucks productively: the first movements will be fast, then more measured.

At the end of feeding, the breaks between sucking movements should become increasingly longer. At the same time, you may begin to feel sleepy or thirsty. Therefore, prepare a large glass of water for each feeding.

Feeding frequency. The rhythm of feedings is established over time: at first the baby may fall asleep without being completely satiated, and then after a short break he will ask to eat again. Gradually the situation stabilizes, and, as a rule, some time after returning home, 8 to 12 feedings per day occur. Remember to feed from both the left and right breast at each feeding, even if you think your baby is a little tired and dozed off. The more your baby nurses, the more milk she will produce.

If you're downhearted

It happens that a mother, knowing about the benefits of breastfeeding, prepares several weeks before giving birth and starts it quite confidently; but even then there are moments of despondency. This is all par for the course: the circumstances under which you start feeding your baby are not simple. Fatigue after childbirth, residual pain after episiotomy, baby's refusal to breastfeed, postpartum depression, confusion. As a result, due to all these unpleasant factors, your determination to feed may be shaken.

Be sure to share your doubts with someone: with someone from the clinic staff, with the child’s father, with a friend - it doesn’t matter. The most important thing is not to be ashamed if something doesn’t work out for you. Don't feel guilty if you can only talk about it through tears! Have the nurse check that you are in the correct feeding position; Ask her any questions you have. Things will gradually get better if you talk about your problems and ask for help.

Lyudmila Sergeevna Sokolova

Reading time: 4 minutes

A A

Loving parents are always concerned about the health of their baby, and in infancy, nutrition is undoubtedly the most important thing. Pediatricians recommend that all women breastfeed their children naturally. Research shows that breastfed babies have fewer allergies, obesity and diabetes mellitus, they have higher immunity, speech defects are less common. The composition of human milk is unique; even the best formulas are not its complete analogue. Nature made sure that it was ideal for a newborn. Lactation problems that occur in mothers are often associated with a lack of knowledge about how to breastfeed correctly.

First breastfeeding

For several days after giving birth, the mother does not have milk; only a small amount of colostrum is produced. Don't worry that there is too little of it and the child will be hungry. For a newborn, only 20-30 ml is enough. Colostrum is much superior to milk in the concentration of proteins, vitamins and microelements. But the content of fats and carbohydrates in it is reduced. This helps populate the baby’s intestines with beneficial microflora and clear it of meconium, reducing the likelihood of newborn jaundice.

The immune system of a newborn is in its infancy. Immunoglobulins contained in colostrum will become the baby’s first defenders against infections.

Now practiced in maternity hospitals early application newborn to the breast. In addition to preventing possible troubles with lactation, early application causes contraction of the mother's uterus and accelerates the separation of the placenta.

Early application is impossible if:

the woman was done C-section with general anesthesia;
there was a large loss of blood;
the mother has been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted or serious infectious disease;
the pregnant woman was treated before giving birth by taking a course of antibiotics;
the condition of the newborn is serious, the test result using the rapid assessment method is below 7 points.

In order to be able to fully breastfeed when the problems disappear, it is necessary to regularly express milk with a breast pump or manually. It is recommended to perform the first pumping no later than 6 hours after birth. Then perform the procedure every 3 hours with a night break of 5-6 hours. This will help maintain lactation at an acceptable level and avoid mastitis.

Insufficient lactation occurs in women in postpartum period, if she suffered toxicosis in the third trimester of pregnancy or obstetric surgery, she experienced hormonal disbalance or she is over 35 years old.

How to put a baby to the breast

Important practical advice How to breastfeed your baby correctly:

The baby must independently grasp the areola along with the nipple. When he is hungry, he himself looks for the breast with his open mouth, makes sucking movements lips, turns his head. Mom can help him by holding the areola between two fingers so that the baby grasps more than just the tip of the nipple. At the same time, the lips turn slightly outward. The deep grip of the nipple protects it from cracks.
Mommy should get comfortable so as not to get tired; feeding usually takes a lot of time. There should be no unpleasant painful sensations during the sucking process.
The baby should be positioned with the stomach facing the mother, the mouth should be against the chest, the neck should not be turned, and the head should be firmly fixed. The baby should be able to adjust the position of the nipple in the mouth and turn away when he is full. He should not make any effort to reach the nipple, as this may cause insufficient latching. You need to make sure that the baby’s nose is not covered.
If the baby cries and does not take the breast, you can gently touch his cheeks or lips and squeeze a few drops of milk into his mouth.
If a superficial grip occurs, the mother can pull away by lightly pressing the baby’s chin.
You have to control the grip depth all the time. The baby can latch onto the breast correctly, but during the sucking process it gradually moves to the tip of the nipple. It’s not difficult for mom to understand this from the painful sensations. Take the breast away from the baby and reattach it.

Feeding positions

The mother is sitting, holding the child in her arms, with her head resting on the crook of her elbow - this is the most common position. While the baby's weight is small, it is convenient to hold it in one hand, and with the other you can help to grasp the nipple correctly.
If a newborn is having problems, additional head control can be obtained by holding small hand, opposite the proposed breast crumb. In this case, the head, slightly tilted back, is supported by the palm of the hand, which allows the baby to more comfortably grasp the areola. The disadvantage is that the mother's hand gets tired quickly, so it is recommended to place a pillow under it.
Also a good position for controlling latching and high-quality emptying of the mammary gland is when the baby is positioned on the arm and pillow under the armpit to the side of the mother. Since there is no pressure on the abdomen, this is a suitable position after a caesarean section.
The most comfortable position for the mother is lying on her side. The baby is laid side by side, raising his head with the help of a hand or a blanket folded several times.
Feeding is possible when a woman, lying on her back, places the baby on her stomach.

Breastfeeding rules

A newborn should be fed on demand; this is one of the conditions for successful lactation. Milk production is directly proportional to how much the baby sucks.

Breast milk is easily digested, so frequent feeding is not harmful. digestive system crumbs. After about six weeks, the child himself will have established a fairly stable schedule.

If the child is restless, then mothers perceive feeding on demand as a situation where the baby literally lives in the mother’s arms. This does not suit all women. Many doctors recommend a free schedule, when meals are not tied to a specific time, but a two-hour break is still observed. If the child is sleeping, they do not wake him up. If he is calmly awake, not demanding food, then it is not offered.

The time of one feeding depends on the personal qualities of the baby. Some babies eat more actively and quickly get full, others suck slowly and fall asleep, but when they try to remove the nipple, they wake up and continue to eat. It is considered normal when sucking lasts about half an hour.

You can determine that a child is full by the following signs: he calmly lets go of the breast, remains in good mood, sleeps normally, gains weight according to age.

It is recommended to give one breast per feeding, alternating them. Let the child empty its contents completely. This will allow for adequate lactation. And the baby will receive both initial liquid portions, the so-called foremilk, and thicker ones - hind milk, containing a significant amount nutrients. If there is not enough milk, then it is possible to use both breasts in one feeding, but avoid overfeeding.

The most effective method of prevention insufficient lactation– regular attachment of the baby to the breast, because it is the irritation of the woman’s nipple that starts the process of milk production.

If a woman has problems that she cannot solve on her own, then you can find out how to breastfeed correctly from a pediatrician, an experienced midwife or a lactation consultant.

Timing and frequency of feedings

Necessary breastfeeding newborn up to six months of age. It is advisable to continue it for up to a year. Further preservation of natural feeding depends entirely on the desire and capabilities of the mother.

In the first week, the child requires food up to 10-12 times a day. Then the number of feedings decreases. The process may be uneven. During periods active growth, and this is 7-10 days, 4-6 weeks, 6 months, the baby’s appetite increases. The increase in milk production may lag by 2-3 days, and during this time food may be required more often. But The general trend the increase in intervals and reduction in the number of feedings is maintained. By the age of one year, a child is usually given breastfeeding 2 times a day.

When feeding on demand, the question of night feedings often arises. This can be quite tiring for a mom. Pediatricians advise that during the first six months you must respond to requests, since night feeding increases general education milk. Later, when the baby’s diet becomes more varied due to the introduction of complementary foods, you don’t have to get up at night. Creating a humid and cool microclimate in the sleeping room will help with this. You can also practice late evening bathing before the final feeding of the day.

Typical feeding mistakes

Standard mistakes made by inexperienced mothers:

If washed mammary glands using disinfectants before each feeding, then rinsing protective layer, you can open the path to infection. A regular daily shower is sufficient.
If you hold your breasts all the time while feeding, stagnation of milk may occur in those places where it is pinched with your hands.
There is no need to stop breastfeeding if you have a cold. You can feed while wearing a medical gauze mask.
If a baby is overfed, he usually spits up an extra portion of milk. In this case, inexperienced mothers often make a mistake. Believing that the child will remain hungry, they try to feed him again as soon as possible. Crying a few minutes after feeding cannot be caused by hunger.
If the baby calmly releases the nipple at his own request, it means he is full. The physiological feeling of hunger after satiety occurs no earlier than two hours later.
If a woman develops cracked nipples, she often refuses to feed, giving the baby expressed milk from a bottle. The baby will very quickly understand that eating from a bottle is easier, you don’t need to make any effort, and may refuse to breastfeed. It is best to continue breastfeeding through a special silicone pad or feed with a spoon or from a small cup.

You should pay attention to the mother's diet. Be sure to eat foods rich in fiber, cereals, soups, lean meat, fish, dairy products. In the first month, it is not recommended to drink freshly squeezed juices. You need to be careful with foods that can cause allergies, such as oranges, eggs, chocolate, strawberries, and nuts. You should also eat less spicy and sweets, it is better to give up strong tea and coffee, carbonated drinks, foods with dyes and preservatives. Nicotine and alcohol are strictly prohibited.

Breastfeeding is prohibited in case of serious health problems of the newborn: prematurity with absence sucking reflex, diseases of the central nervous system or respiratory organs; if the mother and child are incompatible according to the Rh factor; if the mother has kidney failure, tuberculosis, HIV or other infectious diseases.

In the first three months and at 6-7 months, “milk crises” are possible, when milk production decreases slightly. Complementary feeding should not be introduced immediately. Put your baby to your breast more often, and after a few days lactation will be restored.

Proper breastfeeding provides health benefits for mother and baby, a sense of security and closeness. For a nursing mother, you need to create a warm emotional atmosphere, relieve stress, surround you with care and attention, not overload with household chores, give you the opportunity to relax and simply delight with pleasant little things.