The
first year - Articles
Breast
is best - Breastfeeding
Information
Breastfeeding
is a perfect and irreplaceable gift a mother can give to her baby.
It is the best start a baby can have in life.
10
Good Reasons
Breastfeeding
…
1.
protects your baby from illness and infection;
2.
provides the perfect food for your growing baby;
3.
aids the development of your baby's eyesight, speech and
intelligence;
4.
may lower the risk if SIDS and asthma;
5.
reduces the likelihood of allergy;
6.
saves money - there's no need to buy expensive infant formula and
feeding equipment. Because
breastfed babies are healthier, you'll save on medical bills;
7.
is environmentally friendly - it saves fuel, energy and resources;
8.
provides long-term health benefits for both you and your baby;
9.
promotes a special loving bond between mother and baby;
10.
breastmilk is the perfect food for your baby for the first six
months of life. No water,
formula, juice or solids are needed.
It
helps to know …
·
Most babies
have a strong need to suck when they are first born, so you can start
breastfeeding straight away if you are both well.
·
The more
milk the baby takes from the breast, the more milk the breast will make.
To establish a good supply, let your baby feed frequently, whenever
he cries or seems hungry. Allow
him to finish the first breast before offering the second side.
·
Breastmilk
is easily digested. It is
normal for young babies to feed frequently, including at least one feed at
night. This helps your supply
too.
·
Babies feed
for comfort and closeness as well as to satisfy their hunger and thirst.
·
There is no
need to avoid any specific foods while you are breastfeeding.
There are no magic foods which will increase your supply - a
sensible well balanced diet is the key.
·
Many women
successfully combine breastfeeding and work outside the home.
·
As your
baby grows your breastmilk changes to meet his developing needs - your
breastmilk is always perfect for your baby.
Some
Common Questions and Answers
How
do I put my baby to the breast?
Find
a comfortable position either seated or lying.
Hold our baby close to you, chest to chest and chin to the breast
with your nipple opposite the baby's mouth.
Gently touch baby's lips with your nipple to encourage your baby's
mouth to open wide. Make sure
that your nipple and as much as possible of your areola (the darker area
around your nipple) is in the baby's mouth.
When the baby is positioned correctly breastfeeding should not
hurt.
How
do I know if my baby is getting enough?
If
your baby is feeding frequently, has pale wet nappies (at least 6-8 cloth
or 3-5 heavily wet disposable in 24 hours), is only receiving breastmilk,
is gaining weight and seems reasonably alert, active and happy, then relax
… Babies will enjoy being nursed and cuddled - lots of loving attention
will not spoil a young baby.
How
can I increase my supply?
If
you feel your supply is low, feed your baby more often.
Take things easy for a few days - the more milk your baby takes
from your breast, the more milk you will make.
This
article was written by :
The
Australian Breastfeeding Association
Enquiries:
(08) 9340 1200
or
www.breastfeeding.asn.au
The
Australian Breastfeeding Association conduct regular meetings covering a
range of topics. These
meetings are held in various locations around your city.
Details of the Perth meetings are located on our Calendar of
Events.
|
