Breastfeeding: A Special Gift
Do you think that if a
product existing that was free, protected you
against diseases such as cancer, diabetes and
asthma, came ready to consume, in its own
container and at the correct temperature,
increased your IQ, was friendly to the
environment, and contributed to weight loss and
improving your figure that people would stand in
line to obtain this miracle product? That product
does exist. It is breastmilk.
Human milk is the milk
made specifically for human infants. It is
important to begin breastfeeding as soon after
birth as possible. The sooner you start the
quicker you milk supply will come in and in
greater quantity. Breastmilk is made according to
the principle of supply and demand, the breasts
manufacture as much milk as the baby demands.
The most important
part of beginning to breastfeed the baby is proper
“latching on” at the breast. It is breastfeeding,
not nipplefeeding, so make sure that you have
approximately one inch of your areola, or the dark
brown area around the nipple, in the baby’s
mouth. This helps prevent sore nipples and aids
in stimulating the milk production or “letdown”.
The baby should be skin to skin with mother and be
allowed to “self attach”.
There are tips that
will make breastfeeding more successful. Avoid
artificial nipples and pacifiers if possible to
avoid nipple confusion. Nurse frequently, every
two or three hours. Breastmilk is easily
digested, so consequently babies get hungry
sooner. Make sure to offer both breasts at each
feeding , so that they both receive stimulation to
continue making milk. Alternating breastfeeding
positions helps to prevent one area of your
breasts from becoming tender or sore.
Some mothers become
concerned by the fact that when you breastfeed you
are not able to tell how much you are feeding the
baby. Indicators that your baby is getting enough
breastmilk are that your baby has five to six wet
diapers a day, one to two bowel movements per day,
and regained their birth weight by the age of two
weeks. You should be feeding your baby eight to
twelve times in a twenty four hour period.
Mothers also
express concern about medication. Caution should
be exercised when using medication. Most
medications are compatible with breastfeeding but
should be checked with a pharmacist, doctor or
lactation specialist.
Health
Department Breastfeeding Support Services:
Breastfeeding
Peer Counselor Program:
What is a Peer
Conselor? A woman who:
-
Breastfed or is
breastfeeding her baby and had been on or is
currently enrolled in the WIC Program.
-
Completed a WIC Peer
Counselor training course.
-
Shares breastfeeding
information.
-
Support for you and
your family before and after your baby is born.
-
Peer counselors are
available, by cell phone, twenty four hours a
day , seven days
Resources:
www.chfs.ky/dph/ach/BREASTFEEDING.htm
www.aap.org/healthtopics/breastfeeding.cfm
www.nal.usda.gov/childcare/links/infantfeeding.html
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