There is no other single action by which a mother can so impact the present and future health of her baby.
Yet, in today's society, breastfeeding is often thought of as unnecessary. Young mothers are mistakenly led to believe that formula does very well as a replacement for breastmilk. It emphatically does not! Nothing can duplicate the properties of breastmilk, no matter how many vitamins, minerals and supplements are added to what is basically a chemical formulation.
Breastmilk remains the one and only natural, complete and complex nutrition for human infants. It is nature's formula for ensuring the health and quality of life for infants, as well as on through childhood to adult life. Just as importantly, breastfeeding promotes a very special bond between mother and child that only a mother can provide.
To fully understand the benefits of breastfeeding, these are some of the major, but by no means all of the benefits of breastfeeding your baby.
BREASTFEEDING FACTS:
Health Benefits to Babies Who Breastfeed
-Children receive the most complete and optimal mix of nutrients & antibodies The varying composition of breastmilk keeps pace with the infant's individual growth and changing nutritional needs
-Have fewer incidences of vomiting and diarrhea in the US (20-35 million episodes of diarrhea occur in children under the age of 5, resulting in over 200,000 hospitalizations and 400-500 deaths in the U.S.)
-Protection against gastroenteritis, necrotizing entercolitis
-Reduced risk of chronic constipation, colic, and other stomach upsets
-Reduced risk of childhood diabetes
-Protection against ear infections, respiratory illnesses, pneumonia, bronchitis, kidney infections, septicemia (blood poisoning),
-Protection against allergies, asthma, eczema, and severity of allergic disease
-Reduced risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) Statistics reveal that for every 87 deaths from SIDS, only 3 are breastfed.
-Protection against meningitis, botulism, childhood lymphoma, crohn's disease and ulcerative entercolits
-Decreased risk of tooth decay (cavities)Nursing promotes facial structure development, enhanced speech, straighter teeth and enhances vision.
-Breastfed infants develop higher IQ's, and have improved brain and nervous system development; IQ advantage of 10-12 points studied at ages 8, 12, and 18. (Breastfeeding is considered the 4th trimester in brain growth and development...there are specific proteins in human milk that promote brain development)
-Reduced risk of heart disease later in life
-Increased bone density
-Breastfeeding plays an important role in the emotional and spiritual development of babiesBreastfed babies enjoy a special warm bonding and emotional relationship with their mothers
-Antibody response to vaccines are higher
-Are hospitalized 10 times less than formula fed infants in the first year of lifeThe colostrum (first milk) coats the GI tract, preventing harmful bacteria and allergy -triggering protein molecules from crossing into baby's blood
-Decreased risk for vitamin E and Iron deficiency anemiaDecreased risk for acute appendicitis, rheumatoid arthritis, inguinal hernia, pyloric stenosis
-There are factors in human milk that destroy E coli, salmonella, shigella, streptococcus, pneumococcus....and many others
Health Benefits to Moms Who Breastfeed
-Reduced risk of breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers
-Reduced risk of anemia
-Protection against osteoporosis and hip fracture later in life
-Reduced risk of mortality for women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been associated with total time of lactation
-Helps the mother's body return to its pre-pregnancy state faster - promotes weight loss...1/2 of calories needed to manufacture milk is pulled from fat stores... can burn from 500 - 1,500 calories per day.
-Helps delay return of fertility and to space subsequent pregnancies
-Develops a special emotional relationship and bonding with her child
-Breastmilk is free- reducing or eliminating the cost of formula (in the thousands of dollars/per year)
-Breastfed babies are sick less thus reducing healthcare costs to family in Doctor office visits, prescriptions, over the counter medicine purchases, and hospitalizations
-Helps the uterus contract after birth to lower postpartum bleeding
Benefits to the Environment and Society
-Breastfeeding reduces the cost of healthcare by promoting healthier children and mothers..........If all WIC babies in the U.S. were breastfed, our economical savings would be $33,000,000 per month ..........In 1993, 90,000 babies were hospitalized for RSV at a cost of 450 million dollars. Currently, the U.S. spends over 1 billion dollars a year on Otitis Media (ear infections)
-Reduced insurance premiums for both parents and employers
-Breastfeeding reduces global pollution by decreasing the use of resources and energy required to produce, process, package, distribute, promote and dispose of materials created by the manufacture and use of artificial baby milk
-Reduced tax burden on communities and government to ensure children are properly fed-Reduced absenteeism in the workplace due to children's illnesses
Other Benefits from Breastfeeding
-Breastfeeding makes you feel good, the hormones produced during nursing have an endorphin effect giving you a relaxed feeling.
-You have a great excuse to sit down and relax.....
-You can nurse while sleeping...nursing moms get more rest than formula feeding moms.
-Breastfeeding saves moms about 7 hours a week off their feet.
-No screaming baby in the middle of the night waiting on the formula to heat up.
-It's the only time you can ever lose weight without dieting or exercise!
-Breastfeeding is more convenient, when traveling, all you need is to take diapers, the milk is always available, sterile, and the right temperature.
-During times of disaster, you don't have to worry about finding formula.
-Breastfed babies smell great....spit ups don't stain, or smell, and poopie diapers are not offensive...(until solids are introduced)
-Breastfed babies know their moms and will never confuse them with a sitter.The strong bond developed with nursing is much more intense.
-There is no feeling to describe the child suckling at your breast and letting go to give you a big smile; and knowing that the growth of your baby came from what your body produced! Wow! What a feeling! The satisfaction of knowing you are giving your baby the best start in life!
-Breastmilk taste great! Sweet tasting! Variations in taste according to foods moms eats. Have you ever tasted formula? Ugh!
-Breastfeeding requires the use of only one arm....you can do other things while breastfeeding, (except cooking and driving)
-Many, many more benefits, too numerous to list!!!
BREASTFEEDING TIPS AND HELP
Increasing and Maintaining Milk Flow
One of the easiest problems to remedy is lack of sufficient milk. First, it is important to see to it that nursing takes place in a safe, inviting space where both mom and babe can be relaxed. Second, try to include one or more of these herbs and foods that are well known galactagogues, that is, substances that encourage abundant milk.
(1) Nourishing herbs, such as raspberry leaves, stinging nettle, oatstraw, and red clover blossoms—prepared as strong infusions,* not taken in pills, capsules, tinctures, or teas—not only encourage a plentiful supply of breast milk, they also support the overall health of mother and child. The minerals in these herbs are amazingly abundant, so they counter mineral loss from nursing, and help keep mom calm and alert during those first few weeks of round-the-clock infant care. I don't combine the herbs but use them individually to derive each one’s unique benefit.
*To make an infusion: ~ Place one ounce, by weight, of dried herb in a quart canning jar. ~ Fill to the top with boiling water. ~ Lid tightly and let steep for at least four hours or overnight. ~ Then strain. ~ Drink liquid portion hot, cold, or in between. ~ Refrigerate what you don't consume at once; use within 48 hours. (Water houseplants with old or excess infusion.)
(2) Foods rich in carotenes, such as cooked apricots, asparagus, green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peas, and all cooked leafy greens—including kale, collards, mustard greens, beet greens, parsley, watercress, and dandelion leaves—are considered critical for women wishing to increase or sustain lactation. Carotenes are most available when foods are well cooked: tomato sauce has over 2000 times more of them than a fresh tomato. And carotenes are more easily utilized in the body when consumed with plenty of fat. (Olive oil or butter are my favorite fats.)
(3) Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) is famed for its ability to increase milk supply. As the tea is very bitter, this herb is best used as a tincture. A dose is 10 - 20 drops, two to four times daily. Blessed thistle is said to lift postpartum depression and relieve suicidal feelings, too.
(4) Borage leaves (Borago officinalis) are highly respected for their ability to increase milk flow. But because they contain compounds that may have a harmful effect on an infant's liver, it is best to drink borage only as a weak tea, and to take it after, rather than before, nursing. Half a cupful of borage leaf tea, made by steeping a spoonful of herbs in a cup of water for a few minutes, taken two or three times a day will ensure an abundant supply of milk, act as a mild laxative, and soothe jangled nerves.
(5) Comfrey roots (Symphytum uplandica x) contain the same liver-damaging compounds sometimes found in borage. But comfrey leaves do not. That's a relief because comfrey leaf infusion is one of the most treasured of all remedies. Use comfrey leaf infusion (*To make an infusion, see above) not only to increase the amount and richness of the breast milk, but also to build strong bones and teeth for mother and child, to improve digestion, to check allergies, and to repair ligaments, muscles, or other tissues traumatized during the birth.
(6) Fennel/barley water is a tried-and-true classic. Soak one-half cup pearled (regular) barley in three cups cold water overnight, or boil the barley and water for 25 minutes. Strain out barley. (You may save it and add it to a soup.) Store barley water in refrigerator or cool place until needed. Then heat a cup or two to boiling and add fennel seeds—one teaspoon per cup of barley water. Steep for no longer than 30 minutes. This combination not only increases the breast milk but also eases after-pains and settles the digestion of Mom and baby.
(7) Hops (Humulus lupulus) is another old remedy. It is especially for mothers of twins who need lots more milk. Hops tea is a suitable accompaniment to nighttime feedings, as it brings sleep along with increased milk flow. Hops is also used in beer, which tastes better than the tea. No more than one high-quality, additive-free beer, such as Guinness Stout, per day is fine. For those who wish to avoid alcohol, there are alcohol-free brews rich in hops and malt available.
(8) Aromatic seeds, such as anise, cumin, fennel, caraway, coriander, and dill increase milk production and tone the digestive system. Their powers are carried through the breast milk, curtailing colic and indigestion. To brew, simply put a heaping spoonful of dried seeds in a cup and fill to the top with boiling water. Let steep for 5-10 minutes. Drink warm with honey. Up to two quarts a day can be consumed.
(9) Triple Blessing Brew. Combine 1/2 ounce dried blessed thistle leaves with 1/2 ounce dried oatstraw or nettle. Place in a quart jar. Add boiling water until the jar is full. Cap tightly and let steep overnight or for at least four hours. Strain out herbs. Refrigerate liquid until needed. Before nursing, pour off one cupful of the brew and heat it nearly to a boil. Pour it over a teaspoon of anise, cumin, fennel, caraway, coriander, or dill seeds (not a spoonful of each). Let it brew for five minutes before drinking. Blessed thistle stimulates the milk flow and helps restore vitality to weary mothers. Both oatstraw and nettle are rich sources of vitamins and minerals, notably calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The aromatic seeds improve the quality and quantity of milk and ease digestion.
Latching and Positioning
Knowing how a baby latches on to a breast can help you feel more comfortable about what to expect. VIDEO: Latch Positioning and Breastfeeding
Keep Your Baby Alert for the Feeding! A baby must be awake and alert to be able to latch-on. Not sure how to position your baby when breastfeeding? This video gives you a primer on the three most popular breastfeeding positions.VIDEO: Breastfeeding Positions - How to Position Your Baby During Breastfeeding
Some positioning how-tos: (click on position title for in depth instructions)
Cross-Cradle Position: The most common breastfeeding position used for newborns is the cross-cradle. Here are details on how to latch a baby in this position.
Football Hold: A wonderful position for a mother who has very large breasts or who has had a c-section. This position is also great for premature or very tiny babies.
Cradle Hold: A comfortable, natural position for older babies with better head control
Side-Lying Position: An excellent position for nursing in bed. This position is also great for a mother who has had a c-section.
So now your baby is latched on. Just let him or her nurse. At the beginning of a feed, the baby will take long, well-drawn sucks, then swallow, and pause. When the baby sucks, the nipple and surrounding breast tissue are drawn into a teat by suction created by the baby's mouth. The teat extends back as far as the hard and soft palates. The base of the nipple is held between the upper gums and the tongue which covers the lower gum. The sides of the tongue cup around the teat, which forms a long, narrow space in which the nipple lies. Milk is then expressed from the nipple and pushed toward the back of the mouth by a wavelike motion along the surface of the tongue. If the amount of milk taken in is adequate to activate swallowing, the baby's soft palate rises and closes off the nasal cavity.
As the feeding progresses, the suckle will turn to more of a flutter. Feedings are baby-led, which means that the baby determines when he is done. It's unfair to take a baby off of one breast when he's in a groove. If a baby comes off the breast in a totally relaxed state, the baby is done. At the next feeding, offer the other breast
If the baby or you is frustrated, you should take a break and just hold the baby skin-to-skin, perhaps with a finger in the baby's mouth for comfort. Once everyone has relaxed, try again. Babies learn very quickly, and soon enough you will feel the confidence that goes along with successful breastfeeding. The best advice? Be persistent and consistent. Practice. It will work out beautifully.If the baby is having trouble latching and nursing effectively, you must be patient, persistent and consistent. We don't want to frustrate the baby so that he's turned off from the whole experience, but we do want to keep trying as often as possible. Even if we have a baby who is having difficulty latching, but licks a few times and stops, we know there's potential. In many cases, we need to teach the baby technique. If the baby, for example, has a "peanut-butter tongue" (where the tongue does not come down and out, as it should, to cup the breast, and rather turns upward to the roof of the mouth), we can practice by simply putting our index finger in her mouth, pad side up, to elicit a suck. This teaches her tongue to come down and cup the finger, just like it should at the breast. A lactation consultant can work with you on these techniques and give other tips on how to teach the baby to latch. La Leche League can help as well.
Pain from Nursing
This I know very well. It can feel like a million needles stabbing into your nipples when the baby latches. This is the number one reason mommies give up nursing. getting a correct latch will help prevent this immensly, but until the nipples "toughen up" most women will experience some degree of pain, cracking, swelling and bleeding. What I reccommend is to keep nipples as dry as possible before replacing bra. Also use lanolin and breastmilk to heal sore, cracked nipples. (if using breastmilk, air dry before replacing bra) Another good option is to purchase a "nipple shield" sold by Medela. It is a small, silcone cap that you stick on before nursing and it will allow the baby to nurse with contact to your skin still while protecting you so you can heal. Another beauty of this product is it will help teach the baby to correctly latch.
If you have engorgement issues (swelling when your milk comes in) try a hot shower to release some of the milk or a warm compress. Also nurse as often as your baby will. Soon your milk will regulate itself.Tingling, itchy sensations a few minutes into nursing? This is your 'let down" The suckiling of your baby will trigger your glands to releasse a staedy flow of milk. This can cause uncomfortable, itchy and tingling sensations that are incredibly irritating. Don't worry, everything is normal and it will go away after a few weeks of nursing.
Baby Acting Like He or She No Longer Wishes To Nurse Ever Again Or Never Will Nurse
The solution to this one is incredibly simple. Don't give the baby a bottle. Plain as I can get it. The baby will eventually get hungry, and guess what-- It will start nursing again. Don't worry about the baby starving because He or she will not let it get that far. Keep offering the breast when hungry, and eventually they will understand that they have to nurse to eat. Don't give into them wanting a bottle. Ta da! I hope I helped everyone! If I missed anything, leave me a comment and let me know and I will Edit my Post and correct the problem.
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