The Advantages of Breastfeeding and Some Helpful Suggestions
Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your baby. It is a learned skill and requires practice. The nursing experience is different for every mother. To make breastfeeding successful, you may need a few tips and most especially support. There are many benefits of breastfeeding for the baby. During pregnancy and just after you give birth, you produce colostrum. This milk has nutrients and antibodies that protect your baby from harmful bacteria and allergy-triggering protein molecules crossing into baby’s blood. Between the third and fifth day colostrum changes to mature breast milk to help your baby grow. The composition of breast milk changes to keep up naturally with your baby’s growth and nutritional needs. Breast milk is easier for the baby to digest than formula. It also reduces the risk of childhood diabetes, SIDS, allergies, asthma, ear infections, and respiratory illness. These are just a few of the benefits.
There are also health benefits for moms who breastfeed. These include reduced risk of breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers. Breastfeeding can also help protect the mom from osteoporosis in later life. It can help mom to get her body back to its pre-pregnancy state faster. While nursing, you burn about 500-1,500 calories a day.
While you are nursing, you need to pay special attention to your diet. Good nutrition can effect the quality of your breast milk. Include carbohydrates in your diet. A good source of these are broccoli, cauliflower, squash, beans, apples, berries, plums, oranges, peaches, whole-wheat and rye bread, and brown rice. Get enough protein and fat in your diet also. The most important nutrient you need is calcium. You might want to keep taking your prenatal vitamins. Some foods you eat may cause problems for your baby. Cow’s milk can cause colicky symptoms. Gas producing foods can also cause problems. These include broccoli, cabbage, and beans. Do not smoke or drink alcohol. Lower your intake of caffeine. Most drugs or medicine will pass through the breast milk. You should talk to your doctor if you are on a medication you take daily.
When you breastfeed, choose a chair with armrests and use pillows if you can. This will support your arms and back. If you feel comfortable and secure, your baby will nurse much better. Find a nursing position that you like best, and keep a glass of water or juice to drink within hand reach. This keeps you hydrated and able to produce milk.
Some mothers are unable to breastfeed for one reason or another. They should not feel guilty. Today formulas are much better.
About the Author
I am the mother of 3 children. I have opened a website http://sugarplumsinfantwear.com I am very excited about this new adventure and hope that you come visit. I love the idea of sharing my experiences with new moms and dads.
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