Breastfeeding: The first hour after birth is very important

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Truong Nghia Binh - Obstetrician-Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital.
Colostrum is the first drops of breast milk that appear within 72 hours after birth, mothers should not pass up this once in a lifetime opportunity. Many new mothers give formula milk to their babies very early because they think they don't have enough milk or milk to feed their babies. This can cause mothers to inadvertently miss out on the many benefits and essentials of colostrum for the newborn.

1. What is colostrum?

Colostrum is the first drops of breast milk, usually secreted during the last months of pregnancy (from about 28 weeks of pregnancy) and in the first 48 - 72 hours postpartum. Colostrum is light yellow in color, thick and rich in nutrients. When the baby is born, colostrum is already available in the mother's breast to feed the baby.
After the placenta has been ejected from the mother's body (birth), the estrogen and progestogen levels will decrease, the prolactin hormone level increases will stimulate the mother's body to produce milk, the amount of milk will begin to increase. from day 3 to 4 depending on the amount of milk the baby sucks and the amount of milk expressed.

2. Excellent nutritional value of colostrum for babies

Colostrum contains less lactose, fat and water-soluble vitamins but is rich in protein, the amount of protein in colostrum can be 10 times higher than that of mature milk. More fat-soluble vitamins include: vitamin A 2 times higher than mature milk, vitamin E, vitamin K. Minerals such as iron, zinc... have a fairly high concentration and content, so colostrum is the most suitable source of nutrition for the newborn baby, in accordance with the baby's needs and ability to digest and absorb. Colostrum is rich in natural antibodies, helps the newborn baby fight infections, prevent chronic diseases, contains antioxidants to fight cancer, protects the baby's body from harmful agents. environmental damage for healthy growth. The mother's colostrum also contains a lot of ganglioside, an important factor for brain development in the baby and strengthening the intestinal immune system.

3. How long after giving birth can you breastfeed your baby with colostrum?

The first hour after birth is a very important time for mother and baby. Breastfeeding is a natural reflex that is organized and involves the nervous systems. So, right after birth, putting your baby on your skin can calm him enough to start instinctively searching for the breast. Breastfeeding should be done immediately after birth, within about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Although colostrum is very small, only about 3 - 5ml of milk, it is an excellent source of nutrition for the baby to suckle.

At the first day of birth, the baby's stomach is like a small apple, with a capacity of about 5 - 6ml, mothers can rest assured when the baby is breastfed without fear of hunger or need for more artificial milk. The next day and the following days, the baby's stomach will expand, then the demand for milk will increase, and the breast milk will also come in enough for the baby to suckle.
Try to breastfeed immediately after birth to stimulate lactation and provide timely nutrition to the baby. Many mothers have too large nipples, making it difficult for the baby to latch on and suckle, so the baby refuses to breastfeed. In this case, the mother should persistently let the baby suckle or can express colostrum, then use a small spoon to feed the baby and should avoid early bottle feeding. The more frequent feedings, the more breast milk comes in.
Exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months of life, especially the first week after birth. If babies are exclusively breastfed, they will get the best benefits from breast milk. Note that giving the baby extra foods such as formula before breastfeeding will make the baby suckle less.

4. Instructions on how to breastfeed your baby as soon as possible

About 1 hour after giving birth, the mother can breastfeed the baby immediately, unless the mother is too tired or has a special prescription from the doctor to ensure the mother's health. Family members or medical staff can support the mother, help the baby breastfeed by helping the mother lie on her side (the breast to be fed) or the mother lying on her back, holding the baby close to the mother's belly and the baby's belly together, The baby's face is turned to the mother's breast, helping the baby open his mouth wide so that he can fully latch on to the mother's nipple, and his chin is close to the breast. Note, before breastfeeding, wipe the udder with a clean wet cloth and squeeze out the first drop of milk.
To ensure the maintenance of breast milk supply, mothers should breastfeed "on demand" or breastfeed "unrestricted". Feed your baby every time the baby shows signs of wanting to feed (the baby moves, opens his mouth), should not wait until the baby cries to breastfeed. The number of times a baby breastfeeds can range from 8 to 12 times a day or even more. There is no limit to the number of times your baby feeds.
When breastfeeding, let the baby suckle on demand and the baby will adjust to his own feelings until he feels enough and will release the breast on his own. After that, the mother can breastfeed the baby on the other breast so that the two breasts are even. If there are abnormal signs, parents can contact Vinmec International General Hospital for advice and examination.
As a key area of ​​Vinmec Health system, Pediatrics Department always brings satisfaction to customers and is highly appreciated by industry experts with:
Gathering a team of top doctors and nurses in Pediatrics : consists of leading experts with high professional qualifications (professors, associate professors, doctorates, masters), experienced, worked at major hospitals such as Bach Mai, 108.. Doctors All doctors are well-trained, professional, conscientious, knowledgeable about young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. from birth to adulthood Specialized techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in Pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - skull surgery, stem cell transplantation. blood in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to have fun and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment. If you have a need for consultation and examination at Vinmec Hospitals of the national health system, please book an appointment on the website for service.

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