Making the choice to breastfeed your new baby is among the most significant and far-reaching decisions you’ll make as a new mommy. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend breastfeeding as the preferred method of infant nutrition for the first year of life.
Візьміть до відома
The current AAP breastfeeding policy states,”Human milk is uniquely superior for infant feeding and is species-specific; all substitute feeding options differ markedly from it.” Why? According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the specific chemical make-up of breast milk remains unknown and can’t be duplicated. Each year, synthetic baby milks are found to be nutritionally deficient as scientists expand their knowledge of human milk.
Breastfeeding is your baby’s perfect nutrition. Breastmilk is a living substance that changes to meet your baby’s nutritional needs, both during individual feedings and as he or she develops. Plus, you don’t have to worry about breastmilk being recalled for contamination. Breastfed babies have higher IQ’s. Formula feeding is associated with lower IQ’s and cognitive development.
Дослідження
A recent study found, on average, children who were breastfed to have a three to five point IQ advantage over their formula fed peers. Breastfed babies (and mothers!) are healthier. Breastfeeding is proven to decrease risk of infection and disease by aiding in immune system development. Breastfed infants have lower incidences of asthma, gastrointestinal illness, diabetes, cancers, and are less likely to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
They are additionally better able to absorb ingested nutrients, and receive greater immunity from childhood immunizations. Breastfeeding also lowers a mothers lifetime risk of many cancers. Despite the fact that breastfeeding is a completely natural way of feeding your baby, knowing how to do it properly is a learned skill and takes practice.
How do you prepare for a successful nursing experience? Most hospital’s and birthing centers offer a number of classes to new mothers on parenting, birthing and breastfeeding. Check your local offerings and sign up beforehand. Classes often fill up quickly, so don’t wait. Many excellent titles are available to answer all of the questions you forgot to ask your health care provider (and those you were too embarrassed to).
Майте на увазі
Consider, “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding,” by Gwen Gotsch, Anwar Fazal, Plume, Judy Torgus. Think about what you will need to make life simpler. Breastfeeding has the benefit of being the most simplistic way of feeding a baby–no bottles to wash and carry or formula to buy. But that does not mean that a few well chosen accessories can not enhance the experience. Will you want others to be able to help with feedings, or do you have plans to come back to work after your baby’s birth? A hospital-grade breast pump may be in order.
Might you be more comfortable during long nursing sessions having a nursing pillow or foot stool? How about breastfeeding in public? Consider the options of a sling or nursing cape for discreet public feedings–and do not forget to be sized for a properly fitting nursing bra. Your baby has arrived and you are ready to put all your months of preparation to the exam. The lactation consultant is your friend.
Many hospital’s and birthing centers (and pediatrician’s offices too!) Have lactation consultants on staff that will be delighted to get you and your baby off to a healthy start in your nursing relationship. Don’t miss the chance to meet with a consultant for practical, hands-on advice about the mechanics of breastfeeding.
Останнє зауваження
Unlike bottlefeeding, you can not measure how much milk your baby is getting through breastmilk, so keep count of your baby’s wet and dirty diapers to make sure he or she is receiving adequate nutrition. Although it’s extremely rare a mother doesn’t produce enough milk to feed her baby, if you have any questions, make sure to contact your pediatrician. Nursing your baby is a dance that takes time to learn. Though some babies are champion nursers from the beginning, many new moms find it takes some effort to perfect the skill. The first few weeks are often the most challenging, but if you encounter problems, do not quit. Given the right assistance, the great majority of woman can successfully breastfeed their infants. Meet with a lactation consultant or attend a local La Leche League meeting. Utilize the support of other nursing mother’s.
