Over the past year (since March/April when we began trying for our baby) I have read a lot on baby everything. It's been great, but lately I've realized and wondered, okay so how much of what I am reading is truth and how much is myth or slightly wrong? Anyways, I went through my baby journal and grabbed what I have learned about breast feeding. I have narrowed it down to the most important things that I have found, please let me know if this is truly true :) Also, if you have more advice. Next week I will write more about other information I've read on other subjects, that way maybe by the time of our baby's birth I can be just a little bit prepared!
I also have to add - the more I read about our bodies and how they are able to carry another living being, as well as nurture the baby, deliver, feed, etc. the more I am in awe of how God created our bodies. I mean breast feeding alone if just phenomenal. Our body naturally produces nutrients to keep our baby taken care of, our breasts "drop" milk when we HEAR our babies cry alone, breast feeding helps the healing process for mom, while developing baby's immune system... and MORE! How incredible!
Benefits of breast feeding:
a. immediate and proper nutrients for baby
b. right amount of nutrients and fat for the baby
c. helps develop the baby’s immune system
d. pre-milk has plenty of nutrients for baby
Important things I have read on breast feeding:
a. Start feeding right away - if possible, within 1-2 hours after delivery
b. make sure baby’s mouth is around the entire nipple - which will make nursing easier
c. if nipple is bleeding; this can mean you aren’t positioning the baby on your nipple correctly
d. 10 minutes of feeding on each side
e. drink water before, after, and during nursing - the more hydrated the easier and faster you will produce milk
f. nurse on demand - signs of hunger before cry baby will be more alert and active putting hands or fist into mouth, begins suckling, making sucking motions with mouth, rooting - turning head in search for nipple, crying is a late sign of hunger
g. feed only breast milk - up to 6 months.
h. delay artificial nipples, such as pacifiers or bottles - wait until baby develops goof suckling habits.
i. breast feed even during the baby’s illness - baby will not want to eat, but feed anyways. Breast milk again has the right nutrients and is a natural antibiotic for baby. Helps prevent dehydration.
j. air dry your nipples after each feeding. (this is incredible, how God created our bodies!) This helps prevent cracking and infection. If infection occurs, coat nipples in breast milk.
k. eat properly & get enough rest
Signs baby is getting enough milk:
a. steady weight gain after 1st week
b. pale yellow urine: not bright orange or yellow
c. sleeping well - yet alert and healthy looking while awake
Keep tabs on soiled diapers throughout each day:
a. first few days after birth 1-2 wet diapers a day
b. after milk increases 5-6 wet diapers a day
christmas card.
11 years ago
4 comments:
another benefit...loss of baby weight for mom! Not necessarily all of it...but it helps!
This is all really good information! So many people are misinformed about breastfeeding. You're right- it is truly incredible. Another amazing thing about it is that the baby receives antibodies produced by the mom, so is much less likely to get sick, even if mom is sick, because immunity is produced against anything mom is exposed to. I love that. Make sure you know of a good lactation consultant in case you need help early on, and if you can, go to a La Leche League meeting before your baby is born.
So i just saw this post for whatever reason i looked back... Anyways this is all amazing, and truly the work of the lord!
One thing you Could add if you want that my midwife told me that i thought was AMAZING was how breast milk is the only thing, that helps with BRAIN stimulation, not even formula or cows milk. But Whats amazing is that fact that she also said the formula and cow milk is only made to help strengthen MUSCLES... Thats all cows need, to run, not brain power. Every animal is different in that area, and human milk is the ONLY on that helps with brain...
Hope this makes sense..haha but its amazing...
Ash
Jami ~ 2 Things:
1. My friend Lynel Kupec is a lactation specialist who can help if things aren't going well with nursing. She helped Cynthia in the hospital, and that is where I met her, so keep that in mind.
2. Did I ever tell you about my brother Travis swallowing a nail when we were kids and were talking and laughing with my mom while she was nursing Cynthia? It passed several days later...not good! :) Make sure no one has nails in their mouth!
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