Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers?

1. Breastfeeding saves the mother’s health by reducing the risk of developing breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, and ovarian cancer.
2. Helps the uterus contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size through the release of oxytocin.
3. Helps the mother lose weight gained during pregnancy
4. Reduces the risk of postpartum depression
5. Enhances bonding between mother and baby

Benefits of breastfeeding for baby:

1. Provides optimal nutrition an infant need during the first six months of life
2. Boosts the infant’s immune system since the mother’s breast milk contains antibodies that protect the infant against infections (such as ear infections, respiratory infections, and diarrhea)
3. reduces the risk of allergies and asthma
4. Reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
5. Promotes healthy weight gain at a healthy pace
6. Improves cognitive development

How to schedule breastfeeding and pumping?

1. Breastfeed at least 8-12 times a day: Newborn babies need to be fed frequently, typically every 2-3 hours. As the baby grows, the frequency of feedings may decrease.
2. Watch for hunger cues: Signs that a baby is hungry include rooting, sucking on hands or fingers, and making sucking noises.
3. Time feedings: Aim for each feeding to last around 20-30 minutes. If the baby is still hungry after one breast, offer the other breast until they’re satisfied.
4. Offer both breasts: It’s important to offer both breasts during each feeding to ensure that the baby gets enough milk and that both breasts are stimulated to produce milk.

Why nipple shield is used:

1. Helps with latch issues: It can be helpful for babies who have difficulty latching onto the breast due to flat or inverted nipples, or if they have a tongue-tie or other oral issues.
2. Helps to reduce pain and soreness associated with breastfeeding.
3. Helps maintain milk supply by ensuring that the baby can extract milk from the breast effectively

Pumping breast milk has several benefits for both the mother and the baby:

1. Maintains milk supply by ensuring that the breasts are regularly emptied
2. Relieves breast engorgement, which can be uncomfortable and lead to plugged ducts or mastitis
3. Provides the same nutritional benefits as breastfeeding providing the protective factors and antibodies found in the breast milk
4. Stimulates milk production for mothers struggling with low milk supply
5. Helps with premature or sick babies