Breastfeeding Positions

There is no specific position for breastfeeding your baby. What is essential is both the mother and the baby should be comfortable.

Breastfeeding might seem challenging initially, but with time and little patience, you will get used to the different breastfeeding positions. Breastfeeding is essential to safeguard a child's health and reduces the risk of many diseases like asthma, diabetes, obesity, etc.

Before we move ahead, let us look at the benefits of breastfeeding.

Breastmilk is safe and loaded with antibodies that combat many basic infancy illnesses. Breast milk contains all the nutrients required for the baby's development. 

Breastfeeding children have fewer chances of being overweight and are less vulnerable to diabetes. Also, nursing mothers have low chances of having ovarian and breast cancers.

Infants should be given their mother's milk as much as they want, whether at night or during the day. Babies should receive only breastmilk for up to 1 year as it is more nutritious than any other solid food.

Table of Contents

1. List of Diseases Which Can Be Prevented By Breastfeeding

2. Tips To Remember Before Breastfeeding

3. The Final Say 

4. FAQs

List of Diseases Which Can Be Prevented By Breastfeeding

Here is a list of diseases that can be prevented by breastfeeding! 

In Babies

• Asthma
• Acute otitis media (ear infections)
• Obesity
• Severe lower respiratory disease
• Type 1 diabetes
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhoea/vomiting)
• Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) for preterm infants external icon

In Mothers

• Type 2 diabetes
• Ovarian cancer
• High blood pressure
• Breast cancer

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Tips To Remember Before Breastfeeding 

1. Develop A Bond

Keeping the baby close to you right after birth increases the breastfeeding results and is the best way to develop a bond with your baby, improving the baby's and the nursing mother's health.

2. Get Your Position Right

The first few days offer you and your baby an opportunity to get accustomed to breastfeeding. Breasts are soft for a few days after the delivery, and then as breast milk changes from highly nutritious to mature milk, your breasts can become firm. 

Use the first few days to get accustomed to feeding positions. It may help to avert potential problems down the track.

3. Be Patient

Breastfeeding is a task that you and your baby experience and learn. Being a mother, you have to be patient and give a little time and try it over and over till you get it right. You can see a lactation consultant if you cannot produce more milk.

4. Feed On Demand Or According To Need

Your baby must be fed at least 7 to 12 times daily. The frequency will settle over time; the more you lactate, the better it is. 

5. Keep The Baby Close To You To Reduce The Risk Of Death

To reduce the risk of sudden infant death, keeping your baby with you in the hospital and at home is vital. Keeping the baby with you will make you understand when the baby is hungry, need a cuddle or is tired. It will also give a protective environment to the baby while sleeping.

6. Avoid Additional Foods

Make sure to avoid giving other foods to the baby and give breastmilk entirely to achieve proper growth, development, and health.

7. Breastfeed Only For The First Six Months

Feeding only breastmilk; to the baby for six months is vital. You can be confident that your baby will have enough milk in the starting weeks. 

Suppose your baby has six or more heavy, wet nappies and at least one bowel motion daily. Consider it a good sign.

The Final Say 

Breastmilk is considered a blessing for infants as it has all the vital vitamins and minerals required by the baby for the next six months. Breast milk can combat infections and other illnesses due to antibodies. Only giving breast milk helps to boost a child's cognitive and physical health. Along with the child, the mother can safeguard herself from falling victim to ovarian and breast cancer risk. Moreover, if you have any moderate medical condition, it can be managed by diet! 

FAQs

1. Is it common to have significantly less first breast milk (colostrum)Colostrum helps to fight infection. ?

Yes, it is common for many women to get a few teaspoons of colostrum which is bright yellow as it contains beta-carotene and proteins. Make sure not to throw It away.

2. Is breastfeeding very painful?

In the initial stage, it can be a little painful; however, milk production will increase as the baby settles into breastfeeding and latch the milk properly. 

3. How to know if my baby has enough feedings?

The babies look content and satisfied after every feed because they leave the breasts. Make sure to feed the baby for at least 10 to 15 minutes, 7 to 12 times a day.

4. What to drink or eat while breastfeeding?

Avoid foods that create bloating, and try to consume a balanced diet with enough protein, good fats, carbs, and lots of veggies and fruits.

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