Breast milk is the best food you can give to your baby.
Breast milk is a complete food source, containing all the nutrients your baby need – at least 400 of them to be exact, including hormones and disease fighting compounds that aren’t founding formula.
Breast Milk make your baby's bone strong & helps in fast growth.
There is no love purer or stronger than the love of the mother for her child. And, breastfeeding helps make this bond stronger. Oxytocin, a hormone present in the mother's milk, induces the 'let-down reflex', enabling the child to suckle. The hormone is thus passed from the mother to her child. Research has shown that oxytocin helps foster a stronger emotional bond between a mother and her child. In a book titled, Infant and Young Child Feeding: Model Chapter for Textbooks for Medical Students and Allied Health Professionals', published by the World Health Organization, session 2, the authors show how this hormone enhances the mother-child bond. An excerpt from the book reads: 'Oxytocin induces a state of calm, and reduces stress. It may enhance feelings of affection between mother and child, and promote bonding. Pleasant forms of touch stimulate the secretion of oxytocin, and also prolactin, and skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after delivery helps both breastfeeding and emotional bonding'.
In another study, researchers have concluded that breastfeeding for a shorter period of time results in growth problems and can be a predictor of mental health problems later. The study, 'The long-term effects of breastfeeding on child and adolescent mental health', published in the Journal of Pediatrics (2010) states that, 'A shorter duration of breastfeeding may be a predictor of adverse mental health outcomes throughout the developmental trajectory of childhood and early adolescence'.
The nutritional makeup in breast milk will adjust to your baby’s needs as he or she grows and develops. Aside from the brain building, infection fighting benefits of breast milk, which no formula can match, nursing will also help to build a special bond between you and your baby. When nursing, your child thrives on the contact, cuddling, and holding – which you will as well.
Since breastfeeding can take up to 40 minutes or more, you should pick a cozy spot for nursing. The atmosphere is very important, even more so in the early days of breastfeeding when you’re still trying to get the hang of it. If you get easily distracted by noise, go somewhere quiet.
You should always hold your baby in a position that won’t leave your arms or back sore. It works the best to support the back of your baby’s head with your hand, although which position you choose depends on what’s more comfortable to you and your baby.
When supporting your baby, a nursing pillow can sometimes be a big help. You should never feed until both you and your baby are comfortable. Pay attention to how your breasts feel when your baby latches on, as his mouth should cover most of the areola below the nipple, and the nipple should be far back into your baby’s mouth.
While some women adjust to breastfeeding easily, other moms find it hard to learn. If you feel discouraged, always know that you aren’t the only one. Everyone feels different when starting, it all depends on the mother and the situation. Breastfeeding will take practice. Therefore, you should give yourself as much time as you need to get it down to second nature. Always take it one feeding at a time. If you are having a bad day, tell yourself that it’ll get better. Keep in mind that any problems are temporary, as you’ll be nursing like a pro by your six-week postpartum checkup.
The first six-weeks will be both an adventure and training. You can’t expect to know everything when you begin, which is where training and practice will really help you excel. The more you breastfeed, the more you’ll learn. You’ll also build a bond with your baby – which is something you’ll always have for the rest of your lives.
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