Birth is a very exciting process, which ends with the arrival of a new member of the family, which arouses great excitement and joy. Immediately after birth, a special and magical time comes, the mother and baby are flooded with hormones of love, calmness and attachment that help them move straight to the next stage: the baby begins the journey of adapting to life outside the womb, the mother begins to fall in love with the little baby, feel compassion and empathy for him, and understand that she is a mother! Meanwhile, the baby, who is placed on his mother in skin-to-skin contact, will first complete his survival tasks: he will regulate his heart rate, blood sugar levels, breathing rate and body temperature, and then he will be free to take on his next task – the task of feeding. He will use his primitive reflexes and try to reach the breast and start breastfeeding.
nursing
This is an action that, beyond its primary purpose (feeding the baby), also contributes greatly to the connection between the mother and the baby, to a sense of closeness, warmth, and security. The first breastfeeding immediately after birth is very important for establishing successful breastfeeding, strengthening the mother-baby bond, and for the uterus to return to its normal size more quickly. Breastfeeding causes the secretion of the hormone oxytocin, which contracts the uterus. It is important to note that there are mothers for whom breastfeeding flows easily, but for many, the first days or weeks are accompanied by difficulties such as pain, congestion, questions about the baby's satiety, and more. Therefore, in their opinion, breastfeeding is not necessarily something natural, flowing, ideal, fun, easy, and simple as many may think. The best way is to give the mother the ability to choose in a respectful manner, to expose her to breastfeeding and its benefits, because equipping herself with as much information as possible on this subject can help with successful breastfeeding and prevent unnecessary surprises, while also incorporating formula, and letting the woman choose for herself.
Why is breastfeeding important?
An unquestionable fact: Breast milk is better than any formula (infant formula). Benefits of breast milk and why breastfeeding is important
- The composition of nutrients is ideal.
- There is a transfer of immune, antibacterial, and antibody components from mother to baby.
- Full breastfeeding protects against diseases such as asthma, allergies, allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, and various infections.
- Sucking requires effort from the baby, which helps develop facial muscles and speech ability.
- There are studies that support the belief that breastfeeding prevents obesity in young children.
- Prolonged breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer.
- Breastfeeding strengthens bonding between mother and baby.
- A breastfed baby cannot become dehydrated.
- The milk is fresh and at the right temperature.
Possible difficulties with breastfeeding
Many times, mothers encounter difficulties during breastfeeding, such as nipple pain, breast engorgement, blocked milk ducts, mastitis, and more. It is important to know that difficulties in breastfeeding do not require giving up breastfeeding. There are solutions that are supposed to help the mother and baby, such as receiving professional guidance before birth, which can prevent these situations, and receiving quick advice and help when a difficulty arises can solve them. Many women, when encountering these difficulties, are forced to give up breastfeeding and use formula milk. This does not mean that they were wrong. It is important to note that the mother should know what she is capable of and what she is not, and she should be given all the tools to feel like a great mother, raising a great child - even if he does not breastfeed, the main thing is that the second child is healthy.
In conclusion
There is no single opinion on breastfeeding, there is no right or wrong, what suits one mother may not suit another. It is important to accept this and trust yourself to know how to give the best to your child, because the mother is the only one who knows what is right and good for her baby.
*My Baby is essential even during the quarantine period. The Infant and Pregnancy Department is considered an essential department at My Baby and can be visited according to Ministry of Health guidelines.