A guide to breastfeeding for the first time

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor II Lai Thi Nguyet Hang - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
Health experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. Then combine eating chips and breastfeeding the baby at least until the child is 1 year old. Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn't mean it's easy, especially for first-time moms.

1. Guide to breastfeeding properly

Breastfeeding is when you give your baby breast milk, usually directly from your breast. Many health professionals, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, strongly recommend exclusive breastfeeding (no formula, juice, or water). ) in the first 6 months. After giving babies other foods, health professionals recommend continuing to breastfeed, at least until the baby is 1 year old.
How often you should feed your baby depends on his need and how he sucks. If the baby suckles less each time, the interval between feeds will be shorter. On the contrary, if each feeding is more and longer, the interval between feedings will be longer. This will change as your baby grows.
Newborns usually want to feed every 2-3 hours. Up to 2 months of age, babies feed every 3 to 4 hours. By the time babies are six months old, most babies feed every four to five hours. No two babies are the same, so how you breastfeed your baby will be entirely up to you and your baby.
Here are some proper breastfeeding guidelines you can refer to to make breastfeeding easier:
Gain knowledge: you should learn how to feed your baby from before birth through books, articles, videos, friends, your mother or a class. Use a nursing pillow or other soft support to help you position your baby while feeding. Ask the experts: you should ask the lactation consultant and nurse while you are in the hospital. Your baby's mouth should be open and your areola should be completely covered. Small amounts of nutrient-rich colostrum are all a baby needs to get at first. That's enough, so you shouldn't worry that your milk supply is too little and that it's not enough for your baby. Tracking: you should keep a record of when you breastfeed, for how long, and when you ended breastfeeding. This will help you know when to breastfeed your next baby. You may need to pat your baby on the back after he's finished or midway through a feed to prevent gas from building up in his stomach. Because when the baby suckles, there will be some gas absorbed by the baby with milk into the stomach, this amount of gas will fill the stomach and make the baby uncomfortable. Make sure you are eating well and drinking plenty of water. Breastfeeding will nourish your baby in the best way, but it takes a lot of energy, so you need to get enough nutrition. Breastfeeding is harder than you think and can be painful at first. Try hot or cold compresses, and apply lanolin cream for sore nipples.

In addition, to make breastfeeding comfortable for both your baby and you, you should pay attention to:
Recognize when your baby is hungry: watch your baby's hunger cues and feed him whenever he's hungry. This is called "on demand" feeding. During the first few weeks, you can breastfeed 8 to 12 times every 24 hours. Hungry babies will bring their hands to their mouths, make noises when they suck or move their mouths, or move towards your breast. Don't wait until your baby cries, because he's already hungry. Be patient: feed your baby for as long as he or she wants to feed each time. Do not rush to breastfeed your baby. Please wait patiently until the baby is hungry and wait until the baby is finished feeding, each feeding can last from 10 to 20 minutes. Comfort: this is the key to successful breastfeeding. Relax while breastfeeding, and your milk is more likely to "down" and come out. You can absolutely use pillows as needed to support your arms, head and neck, and a footrest to support your feet and legs before you start breastfeeding.

2. Signs that your baby is hungry

One of the most common ways babies let you know they are hungry is by crying. Other signs that it's time for a baby to be fed include:
Licking lips or sticking out their tongue Baby is moving their jaw, mouth or head to find your breast Hands in mouth Open mouth Sucking things

3. Benefits of breastfeeding

3.1. Benefits of breastfeeding for babies

Breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for infants. Breast milk has an almost perfect combination of vitamins, proteins and fats - everything a baby needs to grow. And it's all delivered in a more digestible form than infant formula. At the same time, breast milk also contains antibodies that help the baby avoid the attack of viruses and bacteria. Research shows that breastfeeding reduces your baby's risk of asthma or allergies.
In addition, babies who are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months, without formula, are less prone to ear infections, respiratory illnesses and diarrhea. Children are also less likely to have to go to the doctor and be hospitalized for other reasons.
In some studies, breastfeeding was associated with higher IQ scores in childhood. What's more, physical proximity, skin-to-skin contact, and eye contact all help your baby bond with you and feel secure.
Breastfed babies are more likely to gain the right weight as they grow, less likely to be overweight.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says breastfeeding also plays a role in preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This is also thought to be able to reduce the risk of diabetes, obesity and some cancers, however more research is needed.

3.2. Benefits of breastfeeding for mothers

Breastfeeding burns extra calories, so it can help you lose weight and get in shape faster after giving birth. When you breastfeed, your body releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine bleeding after delivery.
Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. It may also reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
Since you don't have to buy and measure formula, sterilize nipples, or heat bottles, it saves you time and money. Breastfeeding also regularly gives you some quiet, relaxing time with your newborn, helping you bond with each other.

4. Do you have enough milk to breastfeed?

In the first few days after giving birth, your breasts make a very good first flow of milk, which is called colostrum. Colostrum is thick, slightly yellow, not much but still enough to meet the nutritional needs of the baby. Colostrum helps the infant's digestive tract develop and prepare itself to digest breast milk. Colostrum is the first stage of breast milk, which will change over time to provide your baby with the nutrients he needs as he grows. The second stage is called transitional milk. So called because your colostrum is gradually replaced by the third stage of breast milk, known as mature milk.
You will start making transitional milk a few days after giving birth. About 10 to 15 days after birth, you will make mature milk, providing your baby with all the nutrients he needs.
Most babies lose a small amount of weight in the first 3 to 5 days after birth. This has nothing to do with breastfeeding.
When your baby needs more milk and sucks more, your breasts will respond by making more milk. Experts recommend trying to breastfeed your baby exclusively (no formula, juice or water) for 6 months. If you supplement with formula, your breasts may make less milk.
Even if you breastfeed for less than 6 months, it's still better than not breastfeeding. You can introduce solid foods when your baby is 6 months old but also continue to breastfeed if you want to continue to have milk.

5. How to know if the baby is full or not?

Many nursing mothers wonder if there is enough milk to provide good nutrition for their babies. If babies are getting enough breast milk, they will show the following:
No more than 7% loss of birth weight in the first few days after birth Seems comfortable 1-3 hours between feedings Baby pees at least 6 times a day with very pale or clear urine, when the baby is 7-10 days old

6. What is the best position for breastfeeding?

The best position for you is one where you and your baby are both comfortable and relaxed, and you don't have to strain to hold or continue breastfeeding. Here are some common breastfeeding positions:
Lean one side of your baby's head on your elbow and his whole body is towards you. Place your baby's belly against your body so he feels fully supported. Your other arm can be wrapped around to support your baby's head and neck, or over her body to support her lower back. Place your baby's back along your forearm to hold him like a ball, supporting his head and neck in the palm of your hand. This works best with infants and young children. This is also a good position if you are recovering from a cesarean section and need to protect your abdomen from the pressure or weight of the baby. Side lying position: This position is great for night feeding in bed. Lying on your side also works well if you're recovering from an episiotomy, an incision that opens up the vaginal opening during childbirth. Use a pillow under your head for comfort. Then, hold your baby close and use your other hand to lift the breast and nipple into your baby's mouth. After your baby has latched on to the nipple, support his head and neck with your free hand so he doesn't twist or strain to feed. Sit up straight in a comfortable chair with armrests. Hold your baby in your arms across from the breast you'll be nursing. Using your hand to support your baby's head, bring her across your body so her belly is facing your belly. Use your other hand to lift the breast in a U shape. Bring the baby's mouth to your breast and hold the baby close, never leaning forward. Find a place where you can rest your back, but not flat, on the couch or bed. Has good support for your head and shoulders. You hold your baby so that your entire front face is touching. Let your baby stay in any position they are comfortable with as long as their cheeks are close to your breast. Help your baby latch on if he needs help.

7. How to properly latch on to the breast while breastfeeding?

Lay your baby across from you so he's comfortable and doesn't have to twist his neck to feed. With one hand, lift your breast and gently move your nipple to touch your baby's bottom lip. Your baby's instinctive reflex will be to open his mouth wide and latch on to your breast. Bring your hand to support the baby's neck, bring the baby's mouth closer to the nipple, try to focus the nipple on the baby's mouth.
You'll know your baby has "napped" properly when both of her lips are drawn around your nipple. All of your nipples and most of the areola - the dark skin around your nipple - is in your baby's mouth. Although you may feel a slight tickle or tug, breastfeeding should not be painful. If your baby isn't latching on properly and sucks at a smooth, comfortable rhythm, gently insert your pinky finger between the baby's gums to break the suction, then remove the nipple and try again.

8. In which case it is not possible to breastfeed a baby?

In some cases, breastfeeding can harm the baby. Here are some reasons you shouldn't breastfeed:
You have the HIV virus. You can pass HIV to your baby through breast milk. You have tuberculosis, the TB bacteria are active, and you have not been treated. You are being treated for cancer with chemotherapy. You are using a stimulant, such as cocaine or marijuana. Your baby has a rare condition called galactosemia and cannot tolerate the natural sugar in breast milk, called galactose. You are taking certain prescription medicines that could harm your child, such as certain medicines for migraines, Parkinson's disease, or arthritis. You need to talk to your doctor before you start breastfeeding if you are taking any medications. Your doctor can help you make an informed decision based on the specific medication you're taking.
If you have a cold or flu, you can still breastfeed. Breast milk won't make your baby sick, and it can even provide your baby with antibodies to help fight off illness.

9. What to supplement when breastfeeding?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that - beginning at 4 months of age - exclusively breastfed and partially breastfed infants and receiving more than half of their daily feedings as breast milk, should be fortified with iron. oral route. Maintain iron supplementation until foods with iron, such as iron-fortified cereals, are introduced into the child's diet.
The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends checking iron levels in all children by 1 year of age.
Talk to your pediatrician about taking both iron and vitamin D supplements. Your doctor can give you advice on when to start, how much, and how often to take the supplements to make them right for you. both the baby and you.

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Reference sources: babycenter.com, webmd.com