Breastfeeding: Everything you need to know

Benefits of breastfeeding

Is there anything that can be considered more natural than your own milk? The answer is no, which makes the list of benefits of breastfeeding in newborns be endless.

The breast milk it is without a doubt the best food for newborns since it contains each and every one of the essential components for your baby during the first six months of life . This milk contains macronutrients, minerals, vitamins and all the necessary elements to protect you from viral and bacterial infections. And as if by magic breast milk Modifies its composition according to the needs of the baby . In the first shots it is calledcolostrum(thick milk, with a higher concentration of proteins and vitamins A, E and K, minerals and a greater amount of immunological elements). Subsequently, the transition milk and from the 4th day the considered mature milk (richer in fat and with a high immunoglobulin content). And as nature is wise… also varies during taking making the final milk more satiating and rich in fat. Here you can read more about the nutrition in pregnancy.

Benefits of breastfeeding for the baby

Thanks to breast milk the baby will sufferfewer respiratory infections, digestive problems and their cognitive, immunological and motor development will be optimal.

The likelihood of having allergies will be reduced while you will have less risk of suffering from diabetes, obesity, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, multiple sclerosis,… The risk of sudden infant death will also be limited. Here you can read more about the infant colic.

Benefits of breastfeeding for the mother

Eye! Not only do the benefits of breastfeeding go to the baby… The mother also gets her share!

with breastfeeding bone remineralization is improvedlimiting the possibility of suffering from osteoporosis. Besides The risk of developing type 2 diabetes or breast and/or ovarian cancer is reduced. Here you can read more about the gestational diabetes.Helps reduce bleeding after birthwhich favors recovery after giving birth and influences weight loss (due to the tremendous caloric expenditure produced by making milk). At the same time it delays the return of the menstrual period. Thanks to prolactin (a hormone that stimulates milk secretion), a more restful sleep occurs.which also has an impact on daily well-being. Here you can read more about thepain in childbirth.

Breastfeeding helps mother-child bond

He is such feeling of accomplishment that is felt during breastfeeding that increases the release of prolactin and oxytocin:

On the one hand theprolactinleads to calm, relaxation. Thanks to it you can focus and concentrate on your baby.On the other hand theoxytocinIt is present in pregnancy, childbirth,the postpartum and of course during breastfeeding. In that magical moment where there is greater eye contact and caresses increase… an increase in oxytocin levels occurs, which helps strengthen the bond between the two. They call it the love hormone for a reason!

Thanks to the emotional bond, the baby will be able to develop asecure affectivity , a better cognitive development and one greater emotional closenessregarding their attachment figures. They will be able to develop a greater self-confidence, autonomy and self-esteem and adequate emotional management.

What should the baby latch be like?

So far everything seems wonderful, right? But… let’s put it into practice! Especially if you are a new mom. It is very likely that one or another will attack you.doubts about breastfeedingrelated to positioning or latching of the baby.The body of Your baby has to be close and aligned with you, preventing him from having to turn his head and making it easier to latch on to the nipple and areola.. Your mouth must be wide open, with your lips turned outward. But above all… comfort! You can help yourself with a good chair or nursing pillows. Remember that you can be sitting or lying down. In addition to looking for a quiet place, it is essential that you avoid distractions and focus solely and exclusively on your baby.

Quantity and frequency of breastfeeding

Another major concern regarding breastfeeding is:How many shots do you need? I How often or how much?

There is no stipulated time or time. Breastfeeding is on demand because babies don’t understand watches . However, everything will depend on the stage they are in, being those with the greatest growth where they demand more breast, which will cause your milk production to increase. You will learn little by little how to overcome the lactation crisis! As for the amount… whatever the baby needs. It is important let the baby be satisfied and let go of the breast. Once he does it, you can offer him the other breast (even if he doesn’t want it) which will be the one that will be offered in the next feeding.

Possible fears during breastfeeding

“What if I don’t have enough milk?”, “Is there any method to stimulate milk production?”, “Will my child be suffering from infant colic?”, “Why is he crying?”, “When should I wean my child?”either“What if I can’t or don’t want to breastfeed?”

Welcome! These are some pregnancy fearsproduced in lactation. It is a great responsibility that you have… how can you not be somewhat afraid?

Our recommendation is: Gather all the truthful information you can and from there decide and act.

Agalactia: an unusual breastfeeding problem

To the question “Could it happen that I don’t have milk?”We must answer that unfortunately yes, it is possible. In that case you would sufferagalactiaeither hypogalactia. It is a lack of breast milk due to a glandular problem. It occurs when the mother finds it difficult to breastfeed since she does not have enough milk.

Is it rare? Yes, in fact it is very unusual. When it occurs it is associated with day-to-day stress. That is why it is important not only pay attention to physical condition but alsogive the necessary importance to the psychological state and seek help whenever it is considered appropriate. Here you can read more about the emotional health in pregnancy.