Breast feeding according to the WHO is the normal way of feeding infants with the appropriate nutrients they require for healthy growth and development. Colostrum, a yellowish sticky breast milk is formed at the end of pregnancy. WHO recommends colostrum as the best food for newborns and feeding should commence within an hour after birth. Typically, every woman can breastfeed if they have the required information, family support, health care system and the general society. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding (receiving only breast milk without any other food, drink or water) for infants up to 6 six months, thereafter a combination of complementary food for up to 2 years or more.

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After birth, the breast has the ability to produce the right amount of milk needed by the infant. Colostrum may be less in the first day of birth, but there will be sufficient supply subsequently. Colostrum helps to prepare the baby's digestive tract for the digestion of milk. As your baby begins to require more milk and nurturing, the breast will respond by producing more milk. Experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months to achieve optimal growth and development.
It should be noted that most babies loose weight within the first 3 - 5 days of birth. This has nothing to do with breastfeeding.
Supplementing breastfeeding with formula will lead to your breast producing less milk. It is recommended to breastfeed,even if for a period less than six months, in order to sustain your breast milk production.

Breastfeeding is absolutely a personal decision. Mothers are to consider the best circumstances for themselves and their babies before taking a decision.

BENEFITS OF BREAST MILK FOR INFANTS

Breast milk has a combination of vitamins, proteins and fat. The ideal nutrients required by infants for development and healthy growth. Compared to infant formula, it is easier to digest by the baby. It contains antibodies to enable the system of the baby ward off bacteria and viruses; plus it helps babies to have a lower risk of allergies or asthma. Breastfed babies will have few occasions to be hospitalized or book appointments to see a doctor compared to infants who are fed on infant formula. Infants who are given exclusive breastfeeding for the half part of a year without infant formula will most likely have less attacks of diarrhea, infections of the ear and respiratory ailments. It is believed (although more research is needed) to lower the risk of certain cancers, obesity and diabetes. Breastfed infants are likely to demonstrate a high IQ level in the later stages of their childhood lives. It enables infants to put on the required level of weight. It strengthens the bond between mother and baby through skin-to-skin interaction and regular eye contact. This also makes the infant to feel protected. The American Academy of Pediatrics claim that breastfeeding aids in the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome.

BENEFIT OF BREASTFEEDING FOR MOTHER

Breastfeeding lowers the risk of osteoporosis in nursing mothers. It lowers the risk of ovarian and breast cancer. It produces oxytocin which helps the uterus to return to its original size prior to pregnancy and to reduce the rate of the bleeding of the uterus after birth. It helps to reduce pregnancy weight by dispelling surplus calories. It creates frequent opportunities for mother and baby to bond.

EXCEPTIONS TO BREASTFEEDING

In order to prevent harm to infants, the following class of mothers should not breastfeed:

those under medication for certain ailments like arthritis, migraine headaches or Parkinson's disease
those consuming hard drugs such as marijuana or cocaine
those undergoing chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer
those having an untreated tuberculosis
HIV mothers. Infants may contact the virus through breastfeeding
Certain women may prefer not to breastfeed because breastfeeding consumes time, They may not have such time to spare due to their busy schedules. Others may not love the idea of breastfeeding publicly. While some are comforted by the fact that a caregiver or the father can bottle feed breast milk to the infant. There are other women who are frightened by the fact that breastfeeding will alter the shape of their breasts and nipples. Majority of breast surgeons have argued that shape and size of breast and nipple can be distorted by other lifestyle practices like smoking plus age, gravity and the genes factors. These can alter the appearance of the breast in more adverse ways than breastfeeding.


If you have to breastfeed while under any medication, you should consider speaking to your physician for advice before you commence breast feeding.

A cold or flu cannot be transmitted to baby through breast milk. It may even give the baby antibodies that will help ward off the ailment.

PROPER BREASTFEEDING POSITIONS

Side-lying

Place a pillow under your head for comfort, then propel your body gently towards your baby. Use your free hand to lift your breast and insert nipple into your baby's mouth. Once your baby is correctly and comfortably positioned, support infant's head and neck with your free hand to avoid twists or straining of baby. This position is suitable for mothers who have undergone episiotomy- delivery done by making an incision on the vagina in order to make for a wider opening.
Cradle position

The side of baby's head rests in the crook of the elbows with the whole body facing the mother. Mother positions baby's belly against her body to ensure full support. Use free arm to support baby's head and neck, or free arm goes through the legs of the infant to provide back support.
Football position

Hold baby like a football by positioning back along your forearms with palm supporting head and neck. This position is ideal for mothers who have gone through a c-section and want to prevent baby's body from putting pressure on the point of incision. This position is best suited for small and new born babies.

Breastfeeding cautions

As a rule of thumb, be observant and watchful of your baby's hunger signs. When hungry, they move their hands close to their mouths. They may also make sucking noise, move closer to the breast and make mouth movements. Be ready for "on demand feeding". You may need to breastfeed between 8 - 12 times in a day in the first few weeks of birth.
Breastfeed as long as your baby wants to be fed. Infants tend to feed between 10 - 20 minutes on either breast. Do not rush your infant through feeding.
It is very important to be comfortable during breastfeeding process. This enables milk flow more seamlessly. Comfort is key. Support legs and feet with footrest; and arm, head and neck with pillows.

In the first week of breastfeeding, you should expect some soreness in the nipples. Avoid this by making sure your baby is correctly latched on. After each feeding, interrupt the feeding with one finger. Ensure that your breast cavity is fully emptied during breastfeeding if sores prolong and to prevent the engorgement, pains and swelling of your breasts. You may also keep your nipples dry and also letting them air dry to ease comfort from sores.

Breast milk can be gotten by hand or pumped with a pumping tool. Start practicing bottle feeding breast milk to your baby early enough so he can get used to it. Extracted milk can last up to 2 days if refrigerated or up to 6 months if frozen. Frozen milk should not be warmed or thawed in a microwave. This destroys some of its immune capabilities.
A reddish and hot sore spot on your breast signifies a blocked milk duct. Apply warm compresses and gentle massage over the affected area to release the blockage. Regular breastfeeding could also help.
When bacteria enters the breast through a cracked nipple, an infection may occur. This may appear as a sore nipple accompanied by flu signs like fever and tiredness. Consult your doctor if this is the case.
Contact your doctor if your breast secrets abnormal discharge or bleeding through the nipple, your breasts are strangely swollen, hard or sore and your baby isn't putting on weight.

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Very informative!

U give breast milk along side with the complementry food. when introducing complementry food, the food most be a lite food.