Breast feeding
Benefits
Breast milk
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Benefits
- Saves money. Breast milk is free so no need to buy formula feeds. It is of superior quality compared to formulas.
- Delays the return of menstruation.
- Helps the womb return to its normal size.
- Reduces your risk of breast cancer.
- Strengthens the baby and makes it less vulnerable to diarrhea, allergies, asthma, malnutrition, Crohn's disease, malocclusion (crooked teeth) and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
- Makes the baby feel secure.
- Can be really hard work at first, but it will become easier with practice and perseverance.
- Might be hindered if nipples are inverted or flat which makes it difficult for the baby to suck.
- Is not restricted to certain number of feeding times a day. Feed the baby whenever the baby is hungry.
- Produces a hormone called oxytocin which gives you a loving affection towards the baby.
- Reduces the baby's chance of developing chronic ear infections.
- Infants breastfed for at least 7 months are approximately 20% less likely to be overweight adolescents compared to those breastfed for no more than three months.
[Note : Weight control in children is also dependent on dietary habits and physical activity.]
References : "Risk of Overweight Among Adolescents Who Were Breastfed as Infants" M. Gillman, et al. Journal of the American Medical Association (2001) 285:2461-2467;"Association Between Infant Breastfeeding and Overweight in Young Children" M. Hediger, et al. Journal of the American Medical Association (2001) 285:2453-2460
- Breastfeeding has been well-researched so having all the right information can help you make the decision to breast feed.
Breast milk
- Filled with all the natural goodness that a newborn needs from birth till about 4 to 6 months.
- Milk produced 2 to 3 days after delivery is called colostrum (thick, early milk). It contains lots of antibodies that help fight infection against bacteria, parasites and viruses.
- Is easily digested.
- Contains long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) like the omega-3 fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the omega-6 fatty acid called arachidonic acid (ARA). LCPs are essential components in the formation of nerve cells in the brain and the eye's retinal membranes.
- Can be kept in the fridge (at 39 ºF/4 ºC) for 24 hours or up to 2 weeks (or even longer) in the freezer section.
Thaw frozen breast milk in the fridge for slow thawing over 24 hours or place the milk container under cool, running water then slowly add warmer water until thawed. Thawed milk can be kept for 24 hours in the fridge or 4 hours at room temperature. Never re-freeze.
- The amount produced does not depend on the size of the breast or nipple. Rather the quantity is dependent on the breast feeding method and the frequency.
- Production is enhanced with the help from herbs like dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare), chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus) and milk thistle seed (Carduus marianus). These hebs are safe for use while breast feeding (follow label instructions).
- Contains lauric acid, a 12-carbon saturated fatty acid which babies convert to a substance called monolaurin that protects them from viral or bacterial or protozoal infections.
- Makes baby's stools soft.
- A natural antiseptic plus an excellent moisturiser. To relieve sore nipples, apply breast milk on nipples and let to dry. Applying small pieces cabbage leaves may also help to soothe.
- Will contain caffeine if you have consumed anything with caffeine which may stimulate the baby to become restless.
- Will not contain insulin if you are taking insulin injections.
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