Guide for Effective Nursing: Ensuring a Seamless Journey for Mother and Child
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Breastfeeding is a natural process that offers numerous benefits for both mother and baby. In this article, we explore the advantages of breastfeeding, based on the research and insights of Dr. Julia Meier, whose work was published in the February 2025 issue of "Die Vorteile des Stillens: Eine Schenkung der Natur".
A Complete Source of Nutrition
Breast milk is a complete source of nutrition for babies, containing all essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes. It adapts to the baby's needs as they grow, making it easier to digest than formula.
Improving Milk Supply
Maintaining a healthy milk supply is crucial for breastfeeding. Including oats, almonds, fenugreek, fennel seeds, leafy greens, and dairy in the diet can help boost milk production. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids like water, coconut water, and herbal teas is also essential.
Newborn Feeding Patterns
Newborns have small stomachs and need frequent nourishment. They should be fed 8-12 times in 24 hours, usually every 2-3 hours. Skin-to-skin contact during feeding is beneficial, promoting bonding and encouraging the baby to nurse better.
Addressing Low Milk Supply
If a mother experiences low milk supply, there are several strategies to address it. Nursing frequently and on demand, drinking plenty of water, eating nutrient-rich foods, and trying skin-to-skin contact can help increase milk production.
Preventing Sore Nipples
Sore or cracked nipples during breastfeeding can be prevented by ensuring a proper latch, applying breast milk or lanolin cream, and letting nipples air dry after feeding. A good latch is essential and can be achieved by proper positioning, guiding the baby, ensuring a deep latch, and finding a comfortable hold.
Bonding and Emotional Connection
Breastfeeding creates a deep emotional bond between the mother and baby, providing them with warmth, comfort, and security. It also helps the mother's body recover after childbirth, reducing postpartum bleeding and aiding in weight loss.
Health Benefits for Mothers
Breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in mothers. Resting whenever possible, including napping when the baby naps, is important for the well-being of the mother during breastfeeding. Taking care of mental health is crucial too, and seeking support from family, joining a mother's group, or seeking help if needed can be beneficial.
Immunity for Babies
Breast milk provides immunity to babies, protecting them from infections, allergies, and chronic illnesses. Breastfeeding while sick can help protect the baby by passing on antibodies through the milk, as long as good hygiene is maintained.
Engorgement and Clogged Ducts
Engorgement and clogged ducts can cause breast pain. They can be relieved by nursing or pumping frequently, applying warm compresses before feeding and cold compresses after, and massaging the breast gently.
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and continued breastfeeding for 2 years or more based on the mother and baby's comfort. Embracing this natural process not only benefits the baby but also the mother, creating a unique and rewarding journey for both.
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