Breastfeeding Essentials
Breastfeeding comes naturally and easily! However, this is not always the case, as I have learned through my own experience. Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to master. Once you have done it successfully, it becomes easier. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to get in touch with your healthcare provider to discuss and seek assistance.
Breastfeeding is the most effective way to keep your child healthy. Breast milk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean, and contains antibodies that help prevent many common diseases. Breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients and, in the first few months of life, is all they need. It continues to supply half of the nutrients required during the second half of the year.
I recommend breastfeeding exclusively for the first 4-6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for at least 1-2 years. After that, breastfeeding can continue as long as desired by both sides.
Breastfeeding Tips and Facts
Human milk benefits:
Carbohydrates
Mainly lactose, which provides energy and helps with brain development.
It also contains oligosaccharides, which support healthy gut bacteria and protect against infections.
Fats
It provides about half of a baby's energy.
Includes essential fats like DHA and ARA, which are necessary for brain and eye development.
It also contains cholesterol and other types of fats for growth.
Proteins
Includes easy-to-digest proteins like whey and casein.
Essential immune proteins like lactoferrin and secretory IgA help fight infections.
It helps build and repair body tissues.
Immune Protection
It contains antibodies that protect the baby from viruses and bacteria.
Includes enzymes and white blood cells that support the immune system.
Vitamins and Minerals
Includes vitamins A, D, E, K, and B-complex vitamins, as well as vitamin C.
It provides minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc.
These support bone growth, blood formation, and overall development.
Other Important Elements
Hormones that help regulate appetite and digestion.
Enzymes help the baby digest milk.
Growth factors that support development.
Maternal Benefits:
Reduced bleeding.
Reduced risk of certain diseases, best studied but not exclusive to rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
Baby's Benefits:
Decreased risk from:
Ear infection
Respiratory infections
Allergies
Asthma
Gastrointestinal diseases
Diabetes types 1 and 2
Obesity
SIDS
Tips for Breastfeeding:
Latching:
A good latch should be comfortable and painless. Sore, cracked, bleeding nipples are a sign of poor latching.
Frequency of breastfeeding:
Feeding on demand. Let your baby guide you. It is normal to feed 8- 10 times in 24 hours for the first few weeks. You will soon learn when it is time to feed when your baby gives the following signals: Sucking its lips and fists, or wriggling and opening its mouth.
Cluster feeding:
Usually, this happens during the first few 3-4 months. It is when your baby wants to feed more frequently. It is very normal. It can occur during the day, night, or both, usually for a few days.
Burping:
Tiny burps and small posets are acceptable. Some babies burp easily, and some babies do not need to burp. Persevere if the baby shows signs of being uncomfortable.
Contraindications to Breastfeeding:
Some metabolic disorders (I always advise parents to take a Newborn Screening test to identify if there are metabolic disorders).
In some instances, HIV-positive mothers.
Not Contraindicated to Breastfeeding:
Moms who are Hepatitis B surface antigen (Ag) positive.
Moms with Hepatitis C.
Moms who are carriers of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) (not actively ill and recently seroconverted).
Febrile moms.
Smoking moms .
Jaundiced babies should not stop breastfeeding and feeding breast milk.
HIV-positive mothers who are followed up and managed appropriately can breastfeed.
What to Eat When Breastfeeding:
When breastfeeding, eat a variety of healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (chicken, eggs, beans, fish), and healthy fats (avocados, nuts, seeds). Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and limit caffeine and alcohol. Avoid foods that are high in mercury, such as shark or marlin. Key nutrients like calcium, iron, omega-3s, and protein are vital for you and your baby's health, so include foods like dairy, leafy greens, salmon, and legumes. Watch for any foods that may cause a reaction in your baby.
Expressing and Storing Breast Milk
Expressing breast milk means extracting milk from the breast for later feeding and storage. It may be needed when a parent returns to work, the baby cannot latch properly, breasts become swollen, or to help maintain or boost milk supply. Breast milk can be expressed manually or using a breast pump, whether manual or electric. Always wash hands thoroughly and use clean, sterilised containers for collection and storage.
Breast milk should be stored as follows:
Refrigerate at 4°C or below for up to 8 days or within 3 days if the temperature is uncertain.
Freeze in a deep freezer at -20°C for up to 12 months.
In a freezer with a separate door -18°C, milk can be stored for up to 9 months.
When freezing, do not fill containers to accommodate expansion, and store milk in the back of the freezer, not the door.
Always follow proper storage practices to maintain milk quality.
Label milk with the date of expression and store it in small portions to reduce waste. Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator or warm water, never in a microwave, to prevent hot spots and nutrient loss. After thawing, gently shake if separated, use immediately, and discard any remaining milk within one hour of feeding. Breast milk offers optimal nutrition and immune protection, supporting healthy growth and development.
In conclusion, breastfeeding is a natural process that may require some practice and support. It offers essential nutritional and immune benefits for infants, making it advisable to exclusively breastfeed for the first 4-6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for 1-2 years or longer.
For successful breastfeeding, focus on achieving a comfortable latch and feeding on demand, while being mindful of potential challenges. Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for nursing mothers, along with proper techniques for expressing and storing breast milk. Ultimately, breastfeeding significantly contributes to the health and well-being of both the mother and child.
For this World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August), I encourage mothers to donate milk to the Netcare Ncelisa Human Milk Banks. Contact Sister Verena Bolton +27 (82) 214-5929.
For more information on breastfeeding, I recommend the following sites:
https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_1
