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Breastfeeding, a natural way to feed your baby. Breast milk is the first vaccine for your child. Breast milk contains a wide range of multi-nutrients which makes it an ideal dietary source for all infants. Breastfeeding offers ideal nutrition and it is sufficient for the optimal growth and development of an infant for the six months after birth.  

The production of breast milk is by the activity of different hormones which directly or indirectly control the process. Prolactin and oxytocin affect breastfeeding whereas hormones like estrogen and progesterone impact lactation indirectly. When an infant suckles at the breast, sensory nerves within the nipple transmit the signal to the pituitary gland. The anterior lobe of this gland mainly works for secreting prolactin and the posterior lobe secretes oxytocin.   

How do hormones support lactation?  

Prolactin: During pregnancy, prolactin levels rise to support the growth and development of mammary tissue for lactation. Prolactin levels continue to rise as the baby continues to suckle and stimulate the nipple. It is recommended that new breastfeeding mothers must breastfeed every two to three hours for increasing prolactin levels.   

Oxytocin: prolactin stimulates the production of milk by alveoli of breasts where milk is stored until contraction of these sacs is initiated by increased oxytocin level. Milk flows through cells and fills ducts which ultimately carry milk outside the breast. The level of oxytocin also arises when mothers see, smell, and touch the baby. Oxytocin levels can decline when the mother is in pain or upset, this also hinders milk supply.   

Different Stages of Breast milk composition:  

Breast milk is the main source of nutrients for a newborn baby. From the 4th week of pregnancy, lactocytes i.e., milk-producing cells start forming. Let us understand the different stages of breast milk:  

• Colostrum- First stage of milk:  

This occurs during pregnancy and lasts for several days after childbirth. This milk is thicker and is yellow in color and also essential for protecting the baby. This has many nutrients however the amount of ingredients varies and is also tailored in a manner that suits the newborn baby. This milk is rich in antibodies and White Blood Cells (WBCs). This milk protects the baby from infections and is also important for the digestive system.   

• Transitional Milk- Second stage of milk:  

Colostrum is replaced by transitional milk. This is creamy and has a high level of protein, vitamins, fat, and lactose. The milk color changes from yellow to white.   

• Mature Milk- Third Stage of Milk:  

After a few weeks of breastfeeding, your milk becomes lighter in color and stays consistent. The composition of breast milk can change from day to day and feed to feed.   

It is recommended that breastfeeding must be given to infants for up to 6 months to 2 years. The longer the mother feeds the child with breast milk, the higher health benefits are availed by the child.   

Benefits of Breastfeeding:  

Breastfeeding babies has decreased the rate of allergies and dental caries. They also benefit from the appropriate jaw, teeth, and speech development as well as overall facial development. Breastfeeding is protective against many illness and conditions. Mother’s milk is a personalized formula containing all the essential nutrients that your child needs to grow and develop. Let us glance through the benefits of breastfeeding:  

• Boosts baby’s immune system:  

Breast milk is a strong illness inhibiting food for newborns. Breast milk has anti-infective properties which strengthen the immune system for preventing harmful bacterial growth. Mother’s milk protects the baby against mild to severe infections. This also works against other conditions such as digestive, ear infections, and respiratory.   

• Balances baby’s belly:  

Breast milk provides good bacteria into the digestive system of the baby for building a strong and healthy immune system. The experts have advised that after introducing your baby to solid foods, it is best to keep breastfeeding and continue for some time in order to offer beneficial bacteria. This protects the baby against allergies, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and other gastrointestinal issues.   

• Breast milk contains important antibodies:  

Breast milk is filled with antibodies that help the baby fight against different viruses and bacteria. Colostrum provides a high amount of immunoglobulin A. IgA protects the baby against fever by forming a protective layer in the baby’s nose, throat, and digestive system.   

• Breast milk promotes a baby’s healthy weight:  

Breastfeeding promotes healthy weight gain and prevents childhood obesity. Breastfeeding for more than 4 months reduces the chances of a baby developing overweight and obese. Breastfed babies have a higher amount of beneficial gut bacteria which affects fat storage. Babies who are breastfed have more leptin in their system than formula-fed babies. This is a key hormone for regulating appetite and fat storage.   

• Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer:  

Breastfeeding not only benefits the baby but it offers some benefits to mothers too. It protects mothers against breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. These diseases are less common among women who breastfeed.   

• Breastfeeding lowers the risk of depression:  

Postpartum depression develops shortly after childbirth. Women who breastfeed seem less likely to develop postpartum depression. Mothers who experience postpartum depression early after delivery are more likely to have trouble breastfeeding.   

There are numerous benefits of breastfeeding from containing antibodies and other elements that protect the baby from illness and chronic diseases.   

What is the best position for breastfeeding?  

Often it is observed that new mothers are very confused about how to handle their child during breastfeeding. The best position for breastfeeding is one where you and your baby are comfortable and relaxed. Some common positions for breastfeeding your baby are cradle position, football position, side-lying position, cross cradle hold, and laid-back position.   

What are the common challenges with breastfeeding?  

Breastfeeding is not just a woman responsibility instead every family must play a significant role and makes the procedure easier. Let us take a glimpse at the common challenges with breastfeeding:  

• Sore nipples: during the first week of pregnancy, you must experience sore nipples. Make sure your baby latches on correctly. This will prevent sore nipples. If you still experience sore nipples, you must nurse each breast fully enough to empty milk ducts. This must be done to prevent engorged, swollen, and painful breasts.   
• Dry, cracked nipples: avoid the use of soaps, creams, or lotions that make nipples dry and cracked. Gently apply lanolin to nipples after feeding and make sure you wash off lanolin before breastfeeding again.   
• Inverted nipples: this does not poke forward when you pinch the areola or the dark skin around the nipple. A lactation consultant will provide you with tops that allow women with inverted nipples to breastfeed properly.   
• Breast engorgement: breast fullness is natural and healthy. This happens as your breast becomes full of milk, staying soft and pliable. This means blood vessels in the breast have become congested. This traps fluid in the breasts and makes them feel hard, painful, and swollen.   

Tips for new Breastfeeding Moms:  

There are many tips which are known as ABCs of breastfeeding which make the procedure go seamless. These are awareness, being patient, and comfort.   

Let us have a look at some things which help new mothers to prepare for breastfeeding:  

• Get regular prenatal care to avoid preterm birth  
• Get in touch with the expert to be aware of what facility is needed for planning breastfeeding after birth.   
• Connect with a lactation consultant, who teaches breastfeeding basics and helps you if there is any issue.   
• Speak to your doctor if you face any health condition which interferes with breastfeeding.   
• Stock up your supplies for breastfeeding like nursing bras etc.   

Is it normal to experience pain during or after breastfeeding?  

When babies latch on, some mothers feel a few moments of discomfort at the beginning of the nursing session. But the discomfort subsides with time. You may feel a gentle tug on your breast while the baby feeds. When babies latch on in the wrong manner, you may feel hurt or feel a pinch each time. This can also lead to sore, cracked nipples.  

Conclusion:  

Breastfeeding is one of the effective ways for ensuring child health and survival. Breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests and are likely to be overweight or obese and less prone to diabetes later in life. Breastfeeding is an excellent option for supporting a baby’s health and development and it offers benefits for both infant and lactating parents.   

Breastfeeding is the act of giving your baby the benefits which include reducing the risk of asthma, diabetes, ear infection, etc. Let us together make breastfeeding a remarkable journey for new mothers by spreading awareness.