The Best Feeding For Your Baby
Do you know that you can work on improving your child’s IQ, the moment he/she is born? You have a naturally endowed power within you as a mother to do so. Want to know how? Read On.
Breast feeding is the answer. Studies have shown that babies fed human milk may have a higher I.Q than babies fed artificial formulas.
Evidence-based medical research has clearly established that mother’s milk is the ‘perfect first food’ for the newborn, physiologically, developmentally and psychologically. Mother’s milk is nature’s gift of a head start for the baby. As soon as the baby is born, the mother’s milk that is secreted is called the colostrum and this is the ideal food for the baby’s developing stomach. It is concentrated in carbohydrates and proteins and low in fat and is easily digested. It also has a laxative effect and among the many benefits it bestows on the baby, this laxative effect helps to get rid of the excess ‘bilirubin’ that accumulates with childbirth as this can cause jaundice if in excess. Human milk is a species-specific first food that also helps the newborn develop a strong immune system to fight the many infections he/she will face. Importantly, breastfeeding has been touted as a strong preventive factor in chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, obesity and even in some cancers.
Breastfeeding is natural and be assured that women from time to time have breastfed their babies and the natural instinct is within you to do so. All that the new mothers need are help, counseling, guidance and support to ensure successful breastfeeding.
Preparing or learning how to breastfeed before the baby is born is a bit like learning how to drive a car without actually sitting in one. The practical aspect would be learnt only with the baby. Nevertheless, the theoretical knowledge helps you prepare mentally for the stress involved and also helps you make right choice.
Learn as much as you can about breastfeeding even before your baby’s born. Talk to other nursing moms, read books to familiarize yourself, take the advice of a qualified lactation consultant, and consider taking a breastfeeding class (offered by many centers) some time in your last trimester. The more you know about how to get started and the benefits of nursing, the more likely you are to succeed.
Your pregnant body is preparing itself for breastfeeding during your pregnancy. That’s one reason your breasts get so much bigger during pregnancy — your milk ducts and milk-producing cells are developing, and more blood goes to your breasts than before. But breast size has nothing to do with your ability to nurse successfully. For example, it’s not true that smaller-breasted women make less breast milk.
The hormonal changes pregnancy brings to your breasts are sufficient preparation for most women. Don’t rub or scrub your nipples — this will only hurt you and make breastfeeding difficult. Latching your baby correctly from the beginning is the most effective way to prevent soreness.It’s not uncommon for a woman to have flat or inverted nipples and not realize it. Neither of these circumstances will prevent you from breastfeeding, but they may present some additional challenges in the beginning. If you have any question about your nipple shape, you should specifically ask your doctor.
Do understand that exclusive breastfeeding is the best feeding for your baby during the first six months. It helps you bond with the baby and it enhances the experience of motherhood. If you are a working mom, there are ways to manage breastfeeding. Talk to a lactation consultant who will guide you to do the best for your work life and your baby’s feeding.
Authored By: Dr.S.Subramanian M.D