Facts About Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding by Choice – FAQs

BREASTFEEDING the OFFSPRING by the mother is THE DICTUM OF NATURE, then WHY HAVE SECOND OPINION OR NEGATIVITY ABOUT IT???

EVERY YEAR 1st AUGUST to 7th AUGUST is celebrated as WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK TO CREATE AWARENESS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF BREASTFEEDING AS WE ARE NOTICING A DOWNWARD TREND THESE DAYS. BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THE BABY’S LONGTERM HEALTH, BUILDING IMMUNITY AND PREVENTING MAJOR DISEASES.

Here are a few tips and tricks of happy, comfortable breastfeeding strategies.

1. Will I be able to breastfeed?

Yes – all delivered women, irrespective of the mode of delivery and the number of babies (e.g., TWINS) will be able to breastfeed.

2. When should I start breastfeeding?

As soon as possible or within 1 hour. The nurses can help put the baby to breast after the initial resuscitation.

3. What is colostrum?

It is the initial few drops of watery breast milk containing lot of protein helping to transfer mother’s immunity to baby.

4. How do I know that my breast milk is adequate for the baby?

If the baby is passing urine 6-10 times per day and gaining weight after initial loss. Your pediatrician is the best judge.

5. How do I avoid nipple cracks?

By letting the baby latch properly, cracks can be avoided.

6. How do I avoid breast engorgement, fever, infection (mastitis/abscess)?

Timely feeding every 2-3 hours, alternating the breasts consciously; most women are right-handed and when the baby cries, they become jittery and put the baby to left breast. Right sided engorgement is common in right-handed mothers.

7. How long can I breastfeed?

Exclusive breast feeding (not even a drop of water) for 6 months is the balanced wholesome food for the baby. You can continue feeding along with other foods for 2 years.

8. Will I get periods during breastfeeding?

If you are exclusively breastfeeding, it’s unlikely that you will get periods for 6 months. Periods can resume any time after 6 months.

But it’s better to use contraceptive method to avoid next pregnancy too soon.

9. Will I get back pain because of breastfeeding?

It is important to respect the spine. Sitting upright and resting your feet on a small stool, and bringing the baby to your breasts, rather you bending down will avoid back pain. You can also use a small pillow on your lap to support the baby. Simple spinal exercises can strengthen your spine and avoid back pain.

10. Will breast feeding cause any long-term health issues for me?

ABSOLUTELY NO. It prevents excessive bleeding after delivery, makes the uterus shrink quickly, avoids monthly periods for a while, protects you from breast cancer. YOU NEED MORE CALORIES DURING BREASTFEEDING THAN PREGNANCY. IRON AND CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTATION NEED TO BE CONTINUED FOR ATLEAST 6 MONTHS.

BREAST FEEDING IS BEST FOR THE MOTHER AND BABY. This has been traditionally practiced for generations and generations of MOTHERHOOD, WHY DISRUPT THIS NATURAL PROCESS???