Top Tips For Successful Breastfeeding

health

Top Tips For Successful Breastfeeding

By Alpro Pharmacy

July 24, 2024

Breastfeeding is a challenging yet wonderful process every mother could ever go through. This timeless way of nourishing a baby not only helps them become healthier, but it also provides a host of benefits for the mother as well. Starting early helps your body produce milk faster, ensuring your baby gets all the nutrients and antibodies they need for healthy development. With that being said, there are still less women able to have a successful breastfeeding experience. Let’s explore the reasons behind it and how to strive for a successful lactation!

Myriad Benefits Of Breastfeeding

Breast milk contains antibodies and lactoferrin which help to maintain proper immune function for the baby against many common childhood illnesses
It induces epigenetic changes which lowers infant cortisol levels overall makes babies less reactive to stress
Exposure to potential allergens in breast milk together with its anti-inflammatory contents help reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions and airways inflammation in infants
Breast milk contains a perfect balance of nutrients and antioxidants that help reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes in your baby
Breast milk composition changes following a circadian clock which helps to meet the baby’s nutritional needs over time
Reduces ovarian and breast cancer risk in the mother
Promotes quicker uterine involution from the increased oxytocin concentration
Acts as a natural contraceptive attributable to lactational amenorrhea

Breastfeeding Initiation And Duration

WHO and MOH recommend breastfeeding initiation within the first hour of birth where the baby is placed skin-to-skin with the mother and suckles the first breast milk known as colostrum (a thick yellowish foremilk rich in nutrients and antibodies).

You should exclusively breastfeed the baby for their first 6 months of life whereby they are fed with only breast milk without any other foods or liquids including formula milk or water. This includes breastfeeding from a wet nurse and feeding expressed breast milk (milk expressed from the breast using manual manipulation or using a breast pump).

At the age of six months, nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods must be introduced along with continuation of breastfeeding until your little ones turn two years and above.

Breastfeeding Challenges

Breastfeeding is often mistakenly perceived as effortless. In reality, both mothers and babies require time and practice to master breastfeeding. Several challenges often faced by breastfeeding mothers include :

Sore and cracked nipples due to lactation and latching issues
Concern on low milk supply
Infant nutrition and weight concern
Mother’s concern with medications while breastfeeding
Cultural norms and lack of family support
Unsupportive work policies and unsupportive hospital practices and policies

These challenges can be tackled by getting appropriate health services from a registered medical practitioner regarding correct positioning of breastfeeding, treatment of mastitis with antibiotics, and regular weight monitoring of a breastfed baby (your baby should gain about 20-30 grams per month).

We should also provide a breastfeeding friendly environment such as longer maternity leave and breastfeeding facilities in the workplace and public area.

Top Tips Of Breastfeeding For Mothers

Eat well-balanced meals consisting of 1/4 portions consisting of protein and carbohydrate respectively whereas the remaining half portion consists of fiber.
Your baby should feed frequently on demand for at least 15-20 minutes from each side. Alternating breasts in the same feeding session or different sessions helps to keep up your milk supply in both breasts and prevent breast engorgement.
You must line your baby’s nose with your nipple to ensure a good latch. If you notice frequent poor latching, you may want to check for any tongue or lip tie in the baby. Lip or tongue tie is correctable with a minor surgery that can be done by a registered primary care physician.
Exclusively breastfed babies will usually need a maximum of 5 oz per feed for their whole first year. As your baby gets bigger, your breast milk will adapt and increase in calories required by the baby. Breast milk production follows supply and demand rules. Thus when there is demand, there is supply.

As the saying goes, it takes two to tango. Let the mothers around you know that there is nothing wrong if they struggle here. It takes a village to create breastfeeding friendly communities! Employers, hospital practice and the partner play an important role in ensuring a successful breastfeeding journey between a mother and child.

If you need help and guidance on breastfeeding, you may get help from a certified lactation consultant, doctors or registered dietitians. Together, you can make it through any challenges that may arise!

Need More Information? Talk to Our Expert!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Alpro ePharmacy or visit the nearest Alpro Pharmacy. Our team, consisting of pharmacists, doctors, physiotherapists, nutritionists, audiologists and dietitians, is ready to assist and provide support.