Breastfeeding: advice for mothers on how to breastfeed their baby correctly. Proper feeding of an infant: advice for a nursing mother

In the postpartum ward there are young mothers who have no idea how to breastfeed properly. The nurse brings the children, quickly distributes them to the women, and runs off to do other things. One is sleeping, the other is crying, the third has taken the very tip of the nipple with his sponges and greedily draws milk, and there is no one nearby who can give advice or teach how the first feeding of a newborn should take place. About 30 years ago, this situation happened in almost every maternity hospital: babies were taken away from their mothers and were not allowed to drink the healing colostrum that appeared immediately after childbirth. Now you can avoid such an attitude if you take care in advance of choosing the institution where the long-awaited baby will be born. Most good maternity hospitals make sure to teach mothers how to breastfeed their baby correctly.

Choosing a suitable maternity hospital

Future parents dream that their baby will be born in the best conditions. You have made inquiries in advance about the qualifications of doctors, methods of childbirth, and the availability of modern equipment. Don’t forget to ask about the environment in which the newborn will spend his first days. There are still medical institutions where the baby is immediately taken away from the mother, is not allowed to be in the same room, and the baby is brought in for the first feeding no earlier than 24 hours later. There, too, it is not villains who work there, but qualified specialists, and they justify their methods with reasonable arguments. How to understand which is better?

One of the arguments of supporters of the separation of a nursing mother and a newborn: the woman is tired, during the first days she needs to lie down alone, rest and gain strength. At the same time, for some reason, it is not taken into account that it was also very difficult for the baby, he walked a difficult path through the narrow birth canals and found himself in a new, completely unfamiliar world. The child is stressed, he wants to cuddle with his loved one, but finds himself completely alone in an unfamiliar crib. It is also impossible to separate for physiological reasons. Immediately after birth, the baby should latch on to the breast and drink the first drops of colostrum, which have an analgesic and calming effect. All fears will be left behind, the baby will fall asleep. This will also be a signal to the female body that it is time for the uterus to contract and milk to be produced in the breast.

It is in the first days that the lactation algorithm is laid down, and if you follow the rules of breastfeeding from the very beginning, the child will not need any additional nutrition until six months old. The composition and quantity of milk is not constant; the mother’s body adapts to the needs of the children and produces the food it needs during this month. Do not interfere with natural processes, and you will be able to breastfeed your baby for up to 2 years.

First feeding

The first breastfeeding should be done under the supervision of a specialist who will give the necessary advice on how to teach your baby to latch on to the breast. In the first days, get used to making yourself comfortable. Breastfeeding is not just about the newborn’s absorption of food, but also about your communication, which should bring joy to both mother and baby. What pleasure can there be if your arm goes numb or your back hurts from an uncomfortable position? First, position yourself so that you feel comfortable for about half an hour, and then you can put the baby to your chest. The first days it is better to feed lying down: you are not yet strong after childbirth, the tears have not healed - you need to give rest to your exhausted body.

Place your baby next to you, hold him with one hand and see if he is lying correctly:

the body is straightened and the tummy is turned towards the mother;
the head is slightly tilted back;
The cheeks and nose are pressed to the chest, but not too much, so that the child can breathe freely.

If the baby has not started to eat, you need to teach him to latch on to the breast. Run your nipple across your lower lip. When the baby opens his mouth, insert the nipple there. Correct breast capture: lips turned outward cover almost the entire dark area around the nipple. Listen to your baby's breastfeeding: you should not hear any panting, smacking or any other sounds other than swallowing.

Some babies love their mother’s breasts so much that even after they’ve eaten, they don’t want to let go. Do not pull the nipple out by force, as this may cause cracks. When you realize that he has eaten as much as he needs, lightly press the baby’s chin, and if he still does not open his lips after that, carefully insert the tip of your little finger into his mouth and slightly turn your finger. The baby will open his mouth and you can easily release the breast.

Take a comfortable position

There is no one best position for feeding a baby; different circumstances can accommodate different positions. For the first month, it is better to breastfeed while lying down; this will be a wonderful rest for the mother and will help the organs damaged during childbirth to recover. Then you can feed while sitting, reclining, standing, or moving. It is better not to stop at one position, but to change positions each time and teach the child to take the breast in any position. If you position yourself the same way all the time, some part of the breast may be constantly pinched and milk will stagnate in it. If you fed the baby while sitting one time and lying down the next, the breast will be completely freed.

When feeding while sitting, make sure you have a comfortable place. The back should not get tired so that the mother does not fidget and disturb the baby. Place the leg located under the nursing breast on a slight elevation. Both of you will get real pleasure if feeding takes place in a rocking chair. The quiet rocking will lull both the baby and the mother to sleep, and you will take a sweet nap together. Make sure in advance that the baby does not fall out of your hands, secure it with a sling.

Within a month, the wounds will heal, and the nursing mother will want to move more. If you don’t want to sit with your baby in your arms for a long time, find out how to breastfeed a newborn while standing; here, too, the sling will become your reliable assistant. Turn on gentle music and spin around with your baby in a smooth dance. The time will come when you will be able to do a lot of things with your baby at your breast, just don't do things that require all your attention. You will communicate with the baby, and let your hands do their usual work. And when you get tired, lie down and take a nap together.

After feeding, be sure to hold your baby upright for a few minutes to allow air to escape from the stomach.

When should you feed your baby and how long should you keep him at the breast?

There are many recommendations for mothers about the infant feeding schedule. The range of opinions is very wide: both guidance to strictly follow the established regimen, and advice to breastfeed at any time when the baby cries. There is no need to go to extremes; it is better to independently determine what is best for you and the baby. Having chosen the desired tactics, stick to it constantly, then your body will also adapt to this routine and begin to produce as much milk as needed. In the first month, the baby will eat 7 to 10 times a day. If you feed him more often, the baby will not suck the milk completely.

You should keep your baby at your breast for about half an hour: if he stops sucking after a few minutes, he will drink only the first, thinnest portion, and the most nutritious last milliliters will remain in the breast. You need to teach your baby to eat everything without leaving a trace. If he falls asleep, take out the nipple and lightly stroke his cheeks, the baby will wake up and continue eating. If he is already full, he will not take another nipple. Feed only one breast each time, most often you produce as much milk as you need, especially in the first month. It’s just that the little cunning ones don’t always try to finish eating; it’s more convenient for them to take the other breast and suck without difficulty. A second breast can be given if milk is really not enough.

Until the baby is one month old, one feeding should last him at least two hours. If your child asks for the breast more often, do not refuse the first few days, but figure out why the baby does not eat as much as he needs. When he falls asleep, try to wake him up and feed him; if the mother has little milk in one breast, give the other one and soon get advice from your doctor on how to increase the production of food for the baby. If there is too much milk and the baby cannot eat it, be sure to express the remainder after each feeding. Stagnation can lead to mastitis.

Do not wash your breasts with soap before each feeding; carry out this procedure only in the morning, and in the middle of the day it is enough to wipe the nipple with boiled water. The skin contains a special lubricant that prevents the growth of bacteria; frequent use of soap destroys this protection.

Problems and mistakes of young mothers

Why study tips on how to breastfeed correctly if nature has already built a sucking instinct into children, the baby will still take the breast and gorge on milk? Of course, he won’t go hungry, only then he will suffer from gas and colic, and mom will cry from pain in her cracked nipples and treat mastitis. Have you heard horror stories about how, just a month after giving birth, your breasts became swollen and hardened, and ulcers appeared that required surgery? They are about those mothers who believe that there is no need to follow any recommendations; correct breast latch will occur naturally.

Proper breastfeeding brings great joy to both mother and baby, do not deprive yourself of this pleasure.

Cracked nipples cause women severe pain. Do not stop breastfeeding newborns because of this, but purchase special pads at the pharmacy. In the first month there are often small wounds, but the unpleasant sensations from them arise only at the moment when the baby takes the breast, then everything goes away. Never decide for yourself whether to transfer your child to artificial nutrition or not if the nursing mother is ill. In case of dangerous infections or serious illnesses, breastfeeding may be contraindicated, but only a doctor can make this decision.

Each generation of doctors introduces its own innovations, and they are not always beneficial. Ask old pediatricians whether you need to give your baby water, and they will unanimously answer: definitely in the first days, milk is food, not drink. Now it is believed that the mother’s breast gives the baby everything he needs; he does not need to be given water or additional feeding. Like any issue, this problem requires an individual approach. If a nursing mother has very thick milk and the heat outside is unbearable, it is not surprising that the baby will be thirsty. In the first month, the doctor will order blood and urine tests, their results will show whether the child is dehydrated or not. Increased hemoglobin and red blood cells, low ESR may signal that the baby is not receiving as much fluid as he needs.

A young woman is in doubt: should she breastfeed her baby or switch her to formula in the first month so as not to spoil her figure? In fact, there is no problem: the shape of the bust depends on natural features, body care, and lifestyle. There are women who have nursed several children under one year and have retained breasts, which they are not ashamed to show at a beauty contest. There are nulliparous girls who are forced to insert silicone to lift their saggy breasts. Feed your newborn correctly, and beautiful forms will soon be restored.

With the advent of formula, bottles and sterilizers, breastfeeding has become a lost art. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the first year of a baby's life because breast milk contains all the essential nutrients and is ideal for a baby's digestive system. Breast milk also contains many antibodies, and breastfeeding helps the mother lose weight gained during pregnancy. If you want to breastfeed, this article will help you manage breastfeeding correctly.

Steps

Preparation

Prepare a comfortable feeding area. Try feeding while sitting in a large, comfortable chair or on the sofa. Keep a bottle of water and some snacks nearby as breastfeeding moms may become suddenly hungry. It's best to have the feeding area next to the crib so you can feed your baby as quickly as possible.

This is individual for everyone - some women can breastfeed even in public places, others can only breastfeed in a private place.

Wear comfortable nursing clothes. Nursing bras or nursing tops are comfortable and easy for nursing in public. However, any soft, comfortable button-down shirts are also great for nursing, as they allow you to quickly reach your breasts. The more skin-to-skin contact, the better the feeding and milk production process will be.

Learn to breastfeed before your baby is born. Asking for help from a midwife at birth or seeing a lactation specialist will help you feel confident when your baby is born, because he or she will be very hungry.

Do not give your baby a pacifier right away. And while a pacifier is great for soothing a crying baby, it can have a negative impact on breastfeeding. In order for the baby to learn how to properly suck the breast and not the pacifier, it is not recommended to give him a pacifier before 3-4 weeks. This period is enough for the baby to get used to breastfeeding. However, there are also situations in which it is recommended to give a pacifier immediately after birth. Research this issue further to find out what is right for your child.

Do not drink alcohol at least two hours before feeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics says a breastfeeding woman can drink up to two glasses of wine or beer. However, it is recommended to wait at least two hours after drinking alcohol before breastfeeding.
- It's also a good idea to pump or express your milk ahead of time if you know you won't be able to breastfeed for a while.
Do not smoke. Smoking not only changes the amount of milk produced, but also its taste, which can cause the baby to refuse the breast. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding, forget about cigarettes.

Be careful with medications. When breastfeeding, you should be careful with the medications you take. Check with your doctor about what medications you may be taking, especially new medications.

Crying is usually the last sign that a baby is hungry. Don't wait until your baby starts crying. Most children first signal that they are hungry by licking their lips or in some other way.
Never Do not wean your baby from the breast if he is sucking - this can damage the nipples. It is best to insert your little finger (clean!) into the corner of your mouth to release the nipple.
Gently squeeze a small amount of milk onto your baby's lips to encourage baby to perk up and start sucking if he's a little sleepy.
Don't worry and be confident. Breastfeeding is inherent in a woman by nature itself.
Breast milk is produced according to the law of supply and demand. The more a baby eats, the more milk is produced.
Not Give your baby solids until he is six months old, even if your mother or mother-in-law insists on giving your baby something. Your pediatrician will tell you when you can start introducing solid foods and how to do it.
Heat the milk in warm water. Do not microwave it, as this will destroy all the beneficial properties of breast milk.
If your nipples are sore, this is the first sign that you are not feeding correctly. Watch how your child eats. Immediately after the baby releases the nipple, the nipple should be its usual round shape.
Avoid using pain-relieving ointments - there are several lanolin-based creams that have been formulated specifically for breasts. They are safe for the baby and do not need to be washed off before feeding.
Touch your baby's cheek with your nipple or finger - this will also activate the sucking reflex. The baby will turn his head towards the nipple and begin to suck.
Trust your own instincts when breastfeeding.
Breast milk can be stored in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months, and in the refrigerator for up to 8 days.
If your baby is sleeping and misses a feed, you can change a wet diaper to wake him up completely.
Suctioning or pumping also helps increase your milk supply. You can purchase a breast pump, however, not all breast pumps are created equal, so we recommend working with a lactation consultant to help you decide which option is best for you.
It is recommended to shake the defrosted milk gently before feeding.
If you plan to feed your baby in public, purchase special nursing clothes. Practice feeding your baby discreetly first with your family. Over time, as your baby learns to feed comfortably and you feel confident, you can feed in public if the need arises.

Warnings

It is not recommended to drink alcohol while breastfeeding.
Breastfed babies can pee 8-10 times a day.
Before taking any medication, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor or lactation specialist to ensure that the drug will not affect your milk supply. Some medications can reduce milk production, while others are transmitted through milk.
Breastfed babies usually have yellow stools. It can be less than every other day or, conversely, four times a day or more often.
Be sure to contact your doctor or lactation specialist if:
- The baby fusses after feeding.
- The child does not urinate or has irregular bowel movements.
- Breast pain, nipples that are cracked or bleeding can be a sign of poor breastfeeding or more serious problems such as mastitis.
- The child is not gaining weight.
- The skin or nail bed (nails) have a yellowish tint.

What you will need

Diapers or burp wipes.
A comfortable bra (it must be purchased after the birth of the child, since the size of the breast changes after childbirth).
Patience and desire will always help you achieve success
Consultation with an experienced lactation specialist is always helpful.

The more idle advice a mother listens to, the more difficult it is for her to organize feeding.

When losing weight after childbirth, try to lose no more than 1 kg per week and eat foods rich in proteins - lean meat, eggs, fish, legumes. Thanks to this, the breasts will become smaller, but will not lose their shape.

How to breastfeed correctly - do you need to prepare for feeding?

Lactation– this is an “internal” matter of the body. All external characteristics - nipple shape, breast size - do not affect milk production. All that is required of a woman planning to conceive or already pregnant, before and after bearing a child, is proper care of the mammary glands. Even a massage that develops the milk ducts and stretches the nipple is recommended to begin after childbirth: breast stimulation can lead to hypertonicity of the uterus.

Will a maternity and nursing bra maintain the shape of your breasts?

Such models require wide and durable straps and a reinforced cup. Such models are also necessary outside of pregnancy for those with a bust larger than size 2. And women with small, firm breasts who actively visit the fitness center will need them if, after the birth of the baby, their breasts increase by several sizes.

How to breastfeed correctly: should you sleep in a bra when breastfeeding?

The opinion that without external support milk stagnates in the lower lobes of the glands has no basis. It has been proven that when a baby sucks milk, he empties the breast evenly.

Should nursing mothers sleep on their stomachs?

Due to the need to control the position during sleep, a young mother will not be able to relax and have a good rest. Which will negatively affect the amount of milk.

Can a breastfeeding woman be a vegetarian?

Animal proteins are found not only in meat, which provides us with the lion's share of iron and, as a result, a normal level of hemoglobin, but also in milk with all its derivatives - kefir, cottage cheese, yogurt, which supply much-needed calcium. Fish and eggs are also excluded from the vegetarian menu, along with amino acids and minerals that support the functions of the nervous system and nourish the brain. These substances cannot be replenished with plant foods. The World Health Organization recognizes long-term vegetarianism as hazardous to health.

Are lactation and sports incompatible?

Only if they are carried out in a professional manner and take several hours a day. Regular fitness does not give such an effect. But the costs of a sedentary lifestyle are much more dangerous. They slow down metabolism, and the body is filled with toxins, causing systemic failures and diseases. Half an hour on the treadmill, skiing or 45 minutes in the pool will not affect the amount of milk.

Beer helps lactation

This drink is alcoholic and cannot benefit either mother or baby. And those that are declared non-alcoholic, firstly, still contain about 1% ethyl alcohol, and secondly, they contain fusel oils released during the fermentation of hops, and many other dangerous additives. In addition, beer is an excellent diuretic, capable of removing maximum fluid from the body, which will result in a decrease in the amount of milk. Brewer's yeast, which is sold in pharmacies, is a different matter. They contain many beneficial B vitamins.

Are lactation and sauna incompatible?

It is believed that during these procedures, the body of a nursing woman loses a lot of fluid, which is needed for good health. lactation. But the outflow of liquid is small (no more than 300 g). And the thermal effect activates blood circulation, opens pores through which toxins come out along with sweat, which is useful.

How to breastfeed correctly: do not use creams

Cosmetics cannot pass into milk. They can be easily removed from the surface of the skin by simply washing the breasts with soap. You should not apply them immediately before feeding, and you need to make sure that there are no cosmetics on the nipple and areola during feeding.

Are lactation and contraception incompatible?

Hormonal contraceptives are not dangerous for a baby. And yet their choice must be taken seriously. Those containing estrogens depress lactation. Contact a specialist and he will select a progestogen-based mini-pill for you.

How to breastfeed correctly: you can’t breastfeed when you have a fever?

On the contrary, if a mother has an acute respiratory infection or acute respiratory viral infection, then her body produces immunoglobulins and antibodies that resist viruses. They are passed on to the baby through milk, after which the baby becomes invulnerable to this disease. An exception is purulent mastitis, since the contents of the inflammation are very harmful to the baby’s stomach and should not get into it.

Lactation and menstruation

On critical days, just like on any other days, the taste and composition of breast milk is affected only by the diet of the nursing woman. All other circumstances are powerless.

How to breastfeed correctly: are breast pads traumatic?

If you follow the rules of use (change quickly, without waiting for the milk to dry out and the crust to scratch the breast), then there will be no harm. Otherwise, inflammation may begin at the site of microtrauma. The sweet and milky environment is favorable for the development of harmful bacteria.

Expressing milk by hand can damage the nipple and areola. When expressing, you are not working on the nipple and areola, but on the areas around them. It is necessary to relax the ducts located outside these zones throughout the chest. The most tender areas are involved only in the prelude to pumping: light touches should excite the receptors hidden in them.

Does breast plastic surgery affect lactation?

If the operation affects the areola area, then you will have to forget about breastfeeding. When, while enlarging the glands, incisions are made for implants from below or on the side, closer to the armpits, options are possible. Even with a favorable outcome, decanting will be more difficult, that is, the risk of lactostasis will increase.

Does breast shape worsen after breastfeeding?

After lactation, the shape of the breast often remains the same or changes for the better. If before childbirth the bust was lush due to a large amount of fatty tissue, then most likely it will remain so. Women with pumped up muscles are also not in danger. Much also depends on the condition of the skin: if it has a lot of collagen and elastin, then metamorphosis will be minimal.

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The Madonna and Child is an eternal theme in art, causing delight and tenderness. But in life, breastfeeding is associated not only with the joy of motherhood, but also with various difficulties and myths. Every nursing mother should be aware of all the nuances of lactation so that the baby grows healthy and the new responsibility is a joy.

The axiom about the benefits of natural food for infants today is accepted by many without controversy. But for the sake of preserving their figure, a certain percentage of women in labor try to quickly switch their babies to adapted formulas.

Scientists have long proven that breastfeeding is the best nutrition for babies. And it’s not just about the special biochemical composition of mother’s milk - an excellent building material for the baby’s rapidly growing tissues and the formation of the circulatory system. Much more valuable is the presence of immune bodies, amino acids and other complex molecules that create the immune and central nervous system of newborns.

Babies up to 6 months old, with breastfeeding (breastfeeding), receive all the necessary nutrients and biologically active substances from mother's milk. Breastfed babies grow up healthier than formula-fed babies. It has been proven that breastfeeding reduces the likelihood of metabolic disorders and gastrointestinal disorders in children in the future. Mother's milk also has a slight hypnotic effect, so when babies are full, they fall asleep better than when fed with adapted formulas.

A young mother should not only know everything about breastfeeding, but also understand that this process is the only opportunity to maintain non-verbal contact and emotional connection with her child. But you shouldn’t teach your baby to literally grow in your arms. This harms his character; often such children, growing up, insistently demand to be held in their arms as often as possible. Breastfeeding an “overage” baby is also not worth it. The older the child, the more painful the separation from infant feeding.

If we talk about the benefits of feeding for the mother, then here too natural factors only benefit health. Although some women refuse this process “for the sake of their figure,” weight gain is a temporary phenomenon. This is due to the body’s accumulation of water, protein and fat - building material for the baby. After the lactation process is completed, the body itself stops storing all this, and the weight returns to normal if you lead an active lifestyle.

But this is not the main thing. When maternal functions run their course, it prevents female cancer. Breastfeeding after 40 years leads to healing and rejuvenation of the body at the hormonal level. During breastfeeding there are no periods: the likelihood of pregnancy is negligible. When feeding, the uterus contracts faster and falls into place.

How to hold your baby correctly while breastfeeding

A nursing mother should not only know everything about lactation and breastfeeding, but also understand how important a calm environment and comfortable conditions are. In peace and quiet with soft lighting, the baby digests food better, and the mother produces milk. Therefore, at all times, people subconsciously left a nursing woman alone with a child, giving them the opportunity to feed the baby without being distracted by external stimuli.

The classic position is breastfeeding while sitting, the baby should eat with his head raised, the mother slightly presses him to herself. It is important to sit as comfortably as possible, and do not forget to apply the baby to the right and left breasts for 15-20 minutes (and longer if you are feeding twins).

Signs that mom is sitting incorrectly:

nagging pain in the lower back;
severe discomfort;
unmotivated irritation;
numbness in the limbs or muscles;
fatigue before finishing feeding.

Many mothers, even before giving birth, are interested in how to properly hold their baby while breastfeeding? Is it possible to feed lying and standing? Should I use a pad and a baby bandage for breastfeeding? These are all relevant questions, the answers to which will be provided by practical experience.

Half asleep, when feeding occurs at night, you want to take a little nap, lying on your side or half-sitting. This is convenient when you feed in a chair or on the sofa, placing pillows under your head and behind your back. A newborn, while he is small and light, can be supported with a pillow to form the most comfortable position for his spine.

It’s wonderful when both participants in breastfeeding feel comfortable: the baby catches the sounds of the heartbeat and hears the mother’s smell. But half-asleep feeding contains a great danger: a mother, tired from daily worries about the baby, may not notice how her breasts block the baby’s nose as she falls asleep. There are many tragic cases in history when the mother or nurse “slept the child to sleep.” This happened even in royal families. Therefore, it is important to sit while feeding your baby so as not to fall asleep. The free breast should not be squeezed: ensure a natural flow of milk.

Some mothers use special bags and bandages to move around the city with their baby - an idea borrowed from the indigenous ethnic groups of Asia and Africa. At the same time, your hands are not busy, the child can be fed on the go, and some have also been noticed smoking while the baby is trying to eat. All this is unacceptable!

Any doctor will confirm that these devices cannot be used immediately after birth, but only after 3-5 months, when the baby’s spine becomes stronger. You can feed in a bandage, but not on the go, not standing in the subway, but sitting on a comfortable city bench, in a secluded corner of the park, where it is quiet and not crowded. This is possible in exceptional cases, occasionally, and not daily on walks, in order to save time by combining important components in the daily schedule.

In a sitting position, it is also convenient to place a small stool under your foot, as classical guitarists do. She will support the baby in a comfortable position at the breast that is involved in feeding. The mother, leaning on the handrails of the chair or the side of the sofa, holds the baby's head with her hand so that he does not throw it back.

When you have to feed two newborns at once (twins, twins, a second adopted baby), they are placed on their sides, slightly leaning forward. If one baby is sleeping and the second is awake, then they are fed alternately, but each from one breast, leaving the remaining milk for the second twin.

If we talk about the position of the child’s face, then there are also some nuances here. It should lie as close to the nipple as possible, while visual contact with the mother is important, and the chin should be in contact with the breast. The baby will not immediately learn to grasp the areolas by opening his mouth wide and moving his lip down. Correct grip does not lead to pain and injury to the tissue of the mother's breast.

Which breast should I start feeding my baby with?

There is an opinion that at the next feeding the baby should be applied to only one breast. People have long said that there is “front” and “hind” milk. In this case, “hind” milk is formed in the breast that was not given (enriched in fat and protein). Foremilk is less rich and contains more liquid and lactose. But in practice, it does not always turn out that the baby is full from one breast, so he is “supplemented” from the other. Then, at the next feeding, you should start from the breast where you finished.

If this advice is true, you can regulate the baby’s “menu”. Some babies are prone to being overweight, and it is advisable to “dilute” the fattier mother’s milk with foremil at one feeding, and express the remaining milk. Other mothers have a genetically less nourishing “natural product”, so it is better for the baby to withstand “hind” milk.

Keep in mind that real “mature” milk is formed only 2-3 weeks after birth. When the milk is too rich, the baby is given boiled water in the nipple between feedings: he gets thirsty and becomes capricious, pushing out the breast. But it is advisable to discuss this issue with a doctor if it seems that the baby needs to be “diluted.”

Upon completion of the breastfeeding process, it is recommended to lift newborns briefly, holding them upright. This is necessary so that the air that babies swallow with milk comes out. It provokes intestinal colic. But over time, children get used to the correct grip of the nipples, swallowing less and less air. Belching is audible, but sometimes a small amount of milk is regurgitated - this is normal. Afterwards, it is advisable to rinse the breasts and let them dry.

Feeding on schedule or on demand?

Most pediatricians, when discussing breastfeeding problems, give advice to a nursing mother that breastfeeding requires a certain order. They are inclined to believe that it is advisable to accustom the child to a certain feeding regimen - at regular intervals. But with one caveat - without fanaticism! Any doctor will tell you that if a baby is hungry, he needs to be fed.

On the other hand, the correct process stimulates the production of mother's milk. It arrives at the next feeding in sufficient quantity. Some children eat more often, waking up on a “schedule” during the day and at night. Other babies sleep almost all night without waking up to eat. Most infants eat 8 to 12 times a day, especially after maternity hospital.

Young mothers do not yet know how to distinguish the whims of a baby from his “hungry cry.” But their maternal instinct works in an amazing way - when the baby cries, milk flows more actively.

The main signs that a child is hungry:

smacks lips;
makes sucking movements;
turns his head (in search of his mother’s breast);
cries or acts up more persistently;
waving his arms in search of his mother.

When there is not enough milk, mothers try to feed the baby less often, switching to complementary feeding with adapted formulas. This practice is considered normal before weaning, but not at the beginning of the lactation period.

Sometimes a child does not want to suck on a tight breast on his own, preferring a pacifier. And the mother has to pump so that he receives such a valuable “natural product”. Frequent feedings are beneficial for stimulating milk production. It is especially important to establish this process in primiparas who have difficulties with breastfeeding.

When a nursing mother and her baby get used to a certain regimen, a kind of balance is formed:

the saturation of milk with fats, proteins and lactose (the percentage is individual for each mother);
intervals between feedings are approximately 2.5-3.5 hours;
number of breastfeedings: 6-12 times;
Duration of feeding until satiation: 10-20 minutes;
need for night feedings or lack thereof.

The sleep-wake schedule also varies: some children “walk” at night and sleep during daytime walks. All this affects the rest time of the nursing mother, and some are very exhausted by the “all-night vigil” of the little person. They say that “indigo”, “academician” or “owl” grows, and these biorhythms are very difficult to change. Other babies fall asleep very early, even in winter, but the mother has to reckon with this schedule.

Important components of breastfeeding technique

Breastfeeding has a beneficial effect on the health of mother and child. But there are many difficulties that periodically overshadow happy motherhood. A newborn has a lot to learn, he only has a swallowing and sucking reflex, and he distinguishes his mother by smell and heartbeat.

When enough milk is produced in the breast, feeding the baby is not difficult, but breastfeeding consists of different components:

Feeding frequency (fluctuates throughout the lactation period). Babies over 6 months old can be weaned and transferred to complementary foods and adapted formulas.
The duration of a baby's meal depends on the composition and quantity of milk, the child's activity and his desire to work on sucking the coveted product.
A way of grasping the chest, which is partly reflexive, partly from experience. The mother must help the weak creature grasp the nipple correctly so that feeding is comfortable for both. It is important to ensure that the breast tissue does not block the baby's nose.
Choosing a feeding source. You should start with the right or left breast, give alternately or feed from one, then after sleep start with the other. Every decision has its own reasons.
Feeding position (use of pillows, benches, armrests, bandage), which was discussed in detail in one of the sections.

Some babies suck weakly and quickly fall asleep at their mother's breast, so you have to pat him on the head or pat him on the cheek. After this, he begins to eat more actively. In all this, a young mother needs to be knowledgeable enough to make it easier to solve problems.

There are not many difficulties with breastfeeding:

pathology of the nipples (concave);
baby's refusal to breastfeed;
painful cracks in the nipples;
lactostasis and mastopathy (milk stagnation and inflammatory processes in the breast).

Feeding during mother's illness can only be done after consulting a doctor, especially when there are painful cracks around the nipples (this needs to be treated immediately). For viral infections, it is better to postpone feeding. Sometimes the baby bites the nipple, so you need to be patient and wise rather than irritated.

It is advisable to start feeding from the first day after birth. You can feed for up to six months without complementary foods and water, if the milk meets all the parameters. It is important to adhere to the regime, but it is advisable to feed the baby at the first request.

When should you not breastfeed?

Contraindications to breastfeeding are some diseases of a nursing mother:

For seasonal respiratory diseases, use a gauze bandage, be careful, and wash your hands more often. As a rule, the crib is moved to another room, but feeding is not canceled. The list of seasonal diseases includes: sore throat and flu, mild forms of inflammation of the respiratory tract.

It is better to entrust close relatives or family members with basic care for the baby during the “virus quarantine”. It is advisable to minimize contact with the baby - pick him up only during breastfeeding.

When a baby has severe genetic disorders associated with impaired absorption of protein and lactose, it is also impossible to feed him. Only a specialist can select specialized imported mixtures for this problem. In cases of severe prematurity, when the child’s organs and tissues are underdeveloped, only a doctor should allow feeding.

Properties of breast milk

Breast milk is a product of the mammary gland. It is produced under the influence of the hormones oxytocin and prolactin, which appear after childbirth. The intensity of production depends to some extent on the activity of the baby (empty breasts). The characteristics of the most active milk production are observed up to 4-5 months - the peak of breastfeeding of a newborn, then the intensity decreases.

The biochemical composition of breast milk changes over time:

Colostrum (a thick sticky yellow mass with a large number of immune bodies) - concentrated, fatty, produced in small quantity.
Transitional milk appears 4-5 days after birth, it is more liquid, the color is whiter, there is more of it.
Mature milk is formed at 3 weeks. It has a classic (white) color, liquid, sweet, not as fatty as colostrum, and its composition best suits the needs of a rapidly growing body.

Mature milk consists of 88-90% water, so there is no need to “supplement” the baby without the need. Fat content varies depending on the mother's diet and genetic predisposition to obesity. If a woman produces almost no subcutaneous fat, then regardless of diet, breast milk will also contain much less than the standard minimum - 3-4%.

Foremilk, produced at the beginning of feeding, is less rich in proteins and fats, but is high in lactose. The “back” is formed in the intervals between lactation, it is quite high in calories, the baby gets full quite quickly.

Lactose, which is up to 7-8% in breast milk, makes the taste of the “baby product” more pleasant. And if you breastfeed a child for a long time, then a craving for sweet food is laid in his subconscious. Lactose is very beneficial for intestinal microflora and gastrointestinal function.

Milk contains various vitamins and biologically active substances in microscopic doses that cannot be synthesized artificially. These are exactly what the baby lacks in adapted mixtures, which are balanced in percentage terms in all respects.

Maria Sokolova

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Breastfeeding is the process of feeding a newborn baby with mother's milk. Continue until the child begins to fully feed on his own. Pediatricians recommend breastfeeding your baby for at least a year, because... Usually, after the first year, parents begin to feed the child little by little, usually as the child develops an interest in food.

How does the process of breastfeeding a baby occur?

On the first day after birth, the mother of the newborn usually feeds him while lying in bed.

Before feeding, the mother washes her hands with soap and treats the area of the nipple and areola with a sterile swab moistened with a solution of potassium permanganate or furatsilin. Then the baby is placed on a sterile napkin so that it is convenient for him to later grasp the nipple; the head should not be thrown back too much.

Brief instructions on proper breastfeeding

Mom supports the breast with her index and middle fingers, pulling it back a little so that nasal breathing is not greatly hampered by pressing the breast.
The nipple, which the mother holds with her fingers, must be placed in the child’s mouth in such a way that he can capture the areola of the nipple with his lips.
It is better to express the first drops of milk before feeding.
After feeding, the breasts should be washed with running water and soap.
Then lubricate the nipple with Vaseline and cover it with a piece of sterile gauze.

Correct position for mother during breastfeeding

During feeding Mom should be in a comfortable position. This position should allow her to hold the baby at the breast without any problems during feeding.

This can be absolutely any position of the mother’s choice: lying, sitting, reclining, half-sitting, standing.

Correct baby position

Before feeding your baby, he should be turned with his chest towards his chest. The baby himself should be close to the chest so that he does not need to reach for it. The child should be gently pressed to the body, the child's head and torso should be in one straight line.

During feeding It is worth holding the child himself, and not just the shoulders and head. The baby's nose should be kept level with the nipple, the baby's head should be turned slightly to the side.

After feeding You should hold the child in a horizontal position for 10-15 minutes. This will allow any air that may have entered the baby's stomach during feeding to escape. Then you should put the child on his side. This position will allow him to burp and prevent aspiration (milk entering the respiratory tract).

How to properly put your baby to the breast?

Grab your chest so that four fingers are on the bottom and your thumb is on top of the chest. It is advisable that your fingers are located as far from the nipple as possible.
In order for the child to open his mouth, you should touch his lips with the nipple. It is better for the child’s mouth to be wide open, his lips extended into a tube, and his tongue to be in the back of his mouth.
Make sure that the baby grasps the nipple and areola of the nipple in his mouth. The baby's lower lip should be below the nipple and the chin should touch the breast.

What to do if breastfeeding is not possible? If, due to circumstances, your child still needs supplemental feeding, you should choose the right formula. In such cases, experts recommend a formula that is as close as possible to breast milk so that the child does not experience metabolic disorders, allergic reactions, skin or digestive problems. Closer to the composition of human milk are adapted mixtures based on goat milk with the protein beta-casein, for example, the gold standard of baby food - MD mil SP “Kozochka”. Thanks to this mixture, the baby receives all the necessary substances that help the child’s body form and develop correctly.

If you latch your baby to the breast correctly, your baby's lips and gums will put pressure on the areola of the nipple rather than on the nipple itself. This makes feeding painless and enjoyable.

Video instructions: how to breastfeed correctly

To make breastfeeding a simple and easy process for your baby, follow these tips:

Before feeding, you should calm your baby if he is restless or crying. When a baby behaves this way, he will raise his tongue, which can make feeding difficult.
Remember that the baby should be brought closer to the breast, and not vice versa.

Place the baby lightly on the breast, without pressure, otherwise he will try to wriggle out and struggle in every possible way, which will make feeding very difficult;
During feeding, you should not move your breasts as when feeding from a bottle, this may prevent the baby from holding the breast;
If you feel pain during feeding, this indicates that the baby is not attached to the breast correctly. Touch your baby's lips with your finger to encourage him to open his mouth. And apply it to your chest again.
When feeding, the baby is placed on one breast, and the next time the breast is changed. If there is not enough milk from one breast, then you should supplement the baby from the other. At the next feeding, it is applied to the breast that was fed last.

How often should you breastfeed your baby?

The baby should be fed according to his demand. But a nursing mother needs to learn to distinguish when the baby cries from the desire to eat, and when for some other reason.

In the first days of life, a child can eat 10-14 times per day. And after about two weeks, the child begins to develop his own individual feeding rhythm. On average, a child eats every 2-3 hours.

In the first month, the number of feedings balances around 8-12 times a day.
And already in the second and third months somewhere around 6-8 times.
From four months, the number of feedings decreases to 6-8 times a day.

There should be no night breaks. Feeding at night is very important and necessary for the baby.

10 principles for successful breastfeeding

Formed by WHO and UNICEF in Geneva and 1989.

Strictly adhere to the basic principles of breastfeeding and regularly communicate these rules to medical personnel and women in labor.
Train medical personnel in the necessary breastfeeding skills.
Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and techniques of breastfeeding.
Help mothers during the first time after childbirth.
Show mothers how to breastfeed properly and how to maintain lactation even when mothers are temporarily separated from their babies.
Do not give newborns any food other than milk. The exception is cases due to medical reasons.
Practice keeping mother and newborn in the same room 24/7.
Encourage breastfeeding on the newborn's request rather than on a schedule.
Do not give newborns at the initial stage of breastfeeding sedatives that imitate the female breast, such as a nipple.
Encourage and refer mothers to breastfeeding groups.

For greater convenience, use special clothing for feeding. It is made specifically to make it easy to put the baby to the breast as the need arises.
Frequent feeding, drinking plenty of fluids and proper rest help milk production.
Leakage of breast milk happens quite often, so use special breast pads.
To avoid getting too exhausted during the day, try to sleep yourself while your baby sleeps.

Be sure to take modern vitamin and mineral complexes. Just choose proven and high-quality ones - the emphasis should be on a balanced and rich composition, as well as on the reputation of the manufacturer.

As a rule, such preparations necessarily contain folic acid and iron. But not everyone has a large amount of magnesium and iodine. But in Finnish "Minisan Mama" , which can be purchased in pharmacies in the Russian Federation, there is.

In addition, taking “Mama” will not take much time - the small tablet is easy to swallow, and Just one tablet a day is enough.