I got my newsletter this week from OhBaby! and they were celebrating World Breastfeeding Week. I thought the info they obtained from the MOH website was interesting. However, we all know that breastfeeding isn't just a given, and it doesn't always work. It is a skill to be learned by both Mum & Baby, and sometimes, there are physiological reasons why it isn't possible. With my first baby, I began to lose my milk around 4 months, and was exclusively bottle-forumula feeding by 6 months. I found this really difficult to adjust, and there wasn't really anyone to talk to as no-one was experiencing what I was.
I'm very aware of the things that effect my milk supply this time round, and thought I'd share some: tiredness (if I don't have arvo sleeps for a week, it has a huge effect); liquids - you really do need to drink alot!; good food - when we're busy with toddlers, breakfast often gets skipped, when I do this, I notice that my milk is so much lower in the evening; lastly Stress. It is so important as a mum to get a good time out for yourself. Sometimes the only way this is possible is to have a quiet bath on your own for 20 mins while your husband takes the child/ren for a walk.
Being a Mum is a tough job girls - Look After Yourself so you can effectively Look After Your Family!
Breast is best for baby because:
- Breastfed babies are less likely to have tummy upsets, respiratory infections and ear infections – or if they do get these illnesses, they may be less serious.
- Breastfeeding decreases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- It helps a baby grow and develop physically and emotionally. They feel secure, less anxious, and more settled and happy. Sucking is rhythmic and comforting and very good for the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system.
- Breastmilk is easily digested and provides the best nutrition for a baby. It is always fresh and immediately available.
- Breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in a baby’s later life.
- It reduces the risk of breast cancer.
- It may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, and hip fracture later in life.
- Breastfeeding may help with losing the weight gained during pregnancy.
- Skin-to-skin contact with a well baby is a wonderful way to recover from birth for a mother and baby, a way to start intimately connecting to a baby and a great boost to breastfeeding beginnings.
- Oxytocin has been described as the ‘love hormone’ and it is secreted when falling in love with another adult, or a baby, and it makes mothers feel relaxed, contented and less anxious.
- Mothers who breastfeed experience surges of oxytocin every time they breastfeed their babies. Skin-to-skin contact helps this hormone start and keep working.
- Oxytocin also makes the cells that are wrapped around the milk making glands in breasts contract, which starts breastmilk flowing. A baby sucking at the breast triggers milk let downs during breastfeeds and at the same time a mother's uterus contracts to help it get back into shape faster.
- Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until the infant is around six months of age.
- Exclusive breastfeeding means that only breastmilk, from the breast or expressed and prescribed medicines have been given from birth.
- Exclusively breast-fed infants can meet their fluid requirements with breastmilk and do not need water or any other drinks or food.
- Exclusive breastfeeding protects the infant from infection, because baby is not given any other food or drink that may contain harmful bacteria. Breast milk also supplies antibodies, and immune cells that help baby to resist infection.
- After around six months of age, exclusive breastfeeding alone is not enough for baby to grow and develop. Complementary foods (solids) should be introduced with continued breastfeeding until at least one year of age, or longer.
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