Young mothers try to do everything to keep their babies strong and healthy, so the question of how to properly feed a newborn with breast milk is considered very important. Many women have difficulty lactating, give up too early breastfeeding... Experts say that this is due to the wrong behavior of women in labor, so it is important to understand this problem.

8 rules of first feeding

After childbirth, a woman develops colostrum (a thick yellow liquid), which turns into milk after 3-4 days.

The first feeding of the newborn is carried out in the maternity hospital. The baby is applied to the breast after childbirth so that he receives a portion of colostrum. The first meal provides full protection of the baby from bacteria, strengthens the immune system.

The feeding regime of the newborn is currently irrelevant. The baby needs to be fed on demand, breastfeed when he starts to worry. Breastfeed your baby every 1.5 hours, including at night.

How to apply a newborn when feeding? Mothers need to follow 8 feeding rules:

1. Take a comfortable position, turn the child towards you with the whole body.
2. Position the newborn so that its head and neck are in a straight line... It is this position that allows milk to enter the stomach without obstruction.
3. Bring the baby's mouth to the nipple. The baby himself opens his lips after he smells the milk.
4. Correct attachment of the newborn while breastfeeding is not painful for the mother. The baby's tongue protrudes slightly from the mouth, "hugging" the nipple and areola below.
5. The nipple is placed in the mouth so that the top of the areola (the dark circle of skin that surrounds the nipple) is visible. It is important to ensure that the newborn captures both the nipple and the areola, the lower part of which fits completely into the baby's mouth.

4 Signs of Good Latching on the Breast

1. If the child does not open his mouth, you should gently touch his lips with the lower part of the areola. It is not worth manipulating the nipple, since the child is able to grab its tip. Even short-term, improper sucking can lead to nipple injuries.
2. If the baby begins to choke while feeding, you should gently open his jaw with your finger and pause the process. Hold the baby in an upright position on your hands until you burp.
3. It is not recommended to take the breast away from the baby until he leaves it himself. Breastfeeding a newborn causes nipple pain. Do not have to endure the discomfort caused by improper latching of the breast... In this case, the nipple is carefully removed from the baby's mouth and placed again according to the described rules.

If necessary, see how to properly feed your newborn breast milk in this video:

The health of the mammary glands depends on the correctness of the manipulation.

In some cases, it is required prematurely. We must not forget that this will harm the baby and the mother.

Consider the situation and only wean your baby if absolutely necessary. Experts recommend adhering to the following rules:

1. Lactation stops naturally: the number of feedings decreases, the diet changes. The gradual cessation of milk production will help prevent the development of endocrine system diseases.
2. Hormonal drugs are used only as directed by a doctor; self-selection of drugs can harm the body.

Breastfeeding is a natural process that creates a protective barrier for your baby's health

1. Early termination of feeding is carried out under the guidance of a specialist who finds a safe method.
2. The chest does not need to be bandaged. This does not affect milk production, but it leads to the development of mastitis and inflammation..
3. Fluid intake should not be reduced, this negatively affects the health of the young mother.
4. Expressing milk frequently supports milk production, preventing lactation from stopping.

Breastfeeding of a newborn baby should not be stopped for no reason.... They are used to suppress milk formation. They have contraindications and side effects. They are prescribed by the attending physician. The most common are:

• Bromocriptine. Available in tablet form, the dosage depends on the intensity of lactation. The treatment lasts 3-14 days. When nausea, headaches, vomiting appear, the medication continues.
• Cabergoline. 0.5 mg tablets are taken for 2 days, every 12 hours.

6 poses for proper feeding of the baby

During lactation, the portion of the mammary gland is emptied faster, which is directed to the chin of the baby. For full suction, newborn feeding positions must be changed.

How to properly feed a newborn baby with milk? The procedure is carried out in positions that are comfortable for mother and baby: in a sitting, lying or standing position. Feeding time for a newborn varies from 20 to 50 minutes.

1. Lying on your side. The mother turns the child to face her. First, the baby sucks at the breast, which is located below, then the woman leans forward and offers the second breast.
2. Reclining in a chair. The child lies on top and eats exactly as much as he needs. The method is suitable for mothers with increased milk production.
3. Lying with a jack. A woman and a baby sit on a bed or sofa with their heads towards each other, with their feet in opposite directions. How to properly feed a newborn breast milk while lying down? It is more convenient at night - in the "lying on your side" position, during the day - use both positions.
4. Sitting. The woman takes a sitting position, puts the child on her knees and holds him bent arm. A pillow is placed on the knees for the baby to reach the chest.
5. From under the arm. Feeding a newborn baby with breast milk is carried out on the sofa using a volumetric pillow. The baby is placed on a pillow at chest level. The woman sits down on the surface of the sofa and holds the baby as if "from under the arm."
6. Sitting. The option is convenient for outdoor use while walking with a sling.

The 3 feeding positions are most clearly shown in this video:

How to keep a newborn baby after feeding? The best position is considered to be the "column". The baby's head rests on the mother's shoulder and is supported by the hand.

This position allows the woman to stand, sit and walk around the house.... The position of the column is useful for babies, helps them to regurgitate air, calm down, get rid of excess milk, and fall asleep. Later you will figure out how to fix the cause of poor sleep.

Nutritional norms for babies

How much should a newborn eat per feeding and per day? Children are individual, so they eat in different ways. If the baby was born large, then he will eat more.

A table is built on the basis of the average indicators. The information presented in it is not strict, but a guideline.

The feeding rate of a breastfed newborn is increased 10 times compared to the first day of life, which makes it possible to normalize correct mode with a certain time interval.

Many young mothers try to follow the feeding schedule of the newborn baby by the hour. In this case, the baby eats at intervals of 3-3.5 hours, at least 6 times a day.... The accustoming to the routine is carried out gradually.

5 common problems

Even with proper attachment to the breast and adherence to a certain regimen, problems sometimes arise. What is their reason and how to deal with them?

You will need to consult a specialist who will tell you what to do in such a situation. There are several rules:

Direct your baby in the right direction to grab the breast

• do not use pacifiers and nipples (in the next article you will learn without tears if she has firmly entered the life of the crumbs);
• breastfeed your baby more often;
• if the baby does not want to wrap sponges around the nipple, squeeze a few drops of milk into his mouth.

Crying while feeding

Why does a newborn cry while feeding? In most cases, colic and cramps are the cause.

Stop feeding for a few minutes, hold the baby upright, pressing his tummy against you. Stroke your belly clockwise.

If all else fails, you will have to use a flue gas pipe. See how to use it.

When crying occurs regularly during feeding, try to apply the baby to the breast more often, which will reduce food arousal. Sometimes babies cry at the end of a feed, this is accompanied by throwing and greedy grabbing of the nipples. Most likely, the baby is trying to show the mother that he is not full..

Falling asleep while feeding

If a newborn falls asleep during feeding, this happens due to the baby's fatigue, the action of drugs that are administered to a woman during childbirth.

Should a newborn be woken up for feeding? If the drowsiness persists after a few days, you will have to express milk and give it through a syringe or finger. Babies are woken up 2-3 hours during the day and 4-5 at night.

Regurgitation

This process occurs due to the swallowing of air when sucking on the breast, so it is important to monitor the correct attachment.

After feeding, hold the baby in an upright position so that excess air comes out of the stomach... If copious and occurs frequently, see your doctor.

Hiccups

Babies hiccup due to the contraction of the diaphragm. It often appears before spitting up. When the child spits up, it will pass. Factors that trigger hiccups:

• Hasty drinking of milk with swallowing air;
• Binge eating;
• Frequent manifestations of intestinal colic.

6 feeding rules

1. Breastfeeding is recommended to continue until 2 years of age or older. There is no need to talk about the benefits of breast milk, there are no analogues of this natural substance.
2. Frequent attachment to the chest will help to establish.
3. Sucking at the breast in the first 6 months of life is a necessity that will help protect the child's body from diseases.

From the first birthday, the baby must be applied to the breast. It doesn't matter if you can't do it right right away - you can learn

1. Additional feeding up to six months is not required. An exception is living in hot climates.
2. The optimal feeding style for babies under one year old will be latching on to the breast on demand, but not more often than after 2 hours.
3. Expressed milk, when stored correctly, does not lose useful properties ... How much breast milk is stored and the rules for its storage.

During this period, all this occupies the thoughts of a young mother.

Here I am sure that each of the relatives will certainly give you at least some advice. But with regard to the establishment of the very process of feeding - this topic is more intimate and personal. However, difficulties that arise can lead to early refusal of the breast or painful sensations on the part of the mother.

And this process should bring pleasure not only to the child, but also to the mother. Let's figure out what subtleties and rules you need to know so that you can avoid unpleasant complications.

We will not go into the topic of how useful breast milk is for the health and development of a newborn - I am sure that each of us already knows about it. The main thing that every mommy should remember: this process should bring pleasure to both you and your baby.

In order to avoid unpleasant consequences - cracked nipples, mastitis in a mother and even colic in a newborn, it is worth remembering some simple rules on how to properly breastfeed. Here they are:

• You must equip yourself with a comfortable place, your "nest", where you will regularly feed the baby with milk. Many mothers boast that their baby eats for almost an hour. This is completely normal. Normally, one meal can take him 15 to 40 minutes. At first, he will let you read books or magazines while you are breastfeeding him, so put something interesting under your arm. In addition, stock up on drink in case you suddenly want to quench your thirst during the meal.

• When equipping a place, think in what position it would be convenient for you to feed it. It's good when a newborn is still very tiny, any position for feeding is suitable here, but do not forget that it grows very quickly, and holding a baby of 10 or more kilograms in your arms is not the easiest thing to do.
• It is necessary to feed the newborn in a position on its side, moreover, its head and legs should be one line. That is, you put one of his hands behind your back or put on your side, his nose is directly opposite the nipple, and his stomach is pressed against the mother's belly. Eating breast milk in this position reduces the risk of colic in the newborn.
• During feeding, the baby's nose should not sink into your breast, but, at the same time, a fairly tight fit of these body parts to one another is allowed. Many scientific studies show that newborns have a special shape of the nose - a slightly raised tip. It is this form that helps him to eat in a comfortable position and not obstruct the breathing process.

• Opinions differ slightly regarding the very moment of nipple capture. Some people think that the child should grab it with his mouth, only in this case it is possible to ensure the correct capture. But at the same time, other consultants argue: in order to reduce the risk of cracking, it is better if mom helps put the nipple in his mouth. It's hard to say who is right, but I can definitely say that every mother, like her newborn baby, is individual, so try both options, and then decide which one is best for you.
• The grip of the nipple must be complete. The newborn should take not only the nipple, but also most of the areola. If he only captured the nipple, then the process will be incorrect, and as a result, the child will not be full, and the mother will have cracks in the nipples. If you feel and see that the baby has not picked up the breast well, then you can pull his chin or close his nose for a second. You can also just put your pinky finger in the corner of his mouth and open his gums. As a result, he will open his mouth, and you can help him do everything right.
• With the correct structure of the process, you should not hear any other sound than the swallowing sound.
• If something doesn't work out for you, don't worry. The first step is to calm down. Ideally, if you can retire in these moments with your baby. In this case, your instincts will also work, and you will be able to organize the process many times faster.
• And one more subtlety. Do not use teats or drinking bottles until your baby is at least 3 months old. The fact is that these items have a very different type of sucking, it is much easier, and the newborn can refuse breast milk.

Correct grip while breastfeeding

It is on the correct grip that the success of this operation depends. So what you need to remember:

• Lay the newborn on its side with your bellies touching and the nipple against the newborn's nose. His head should be at the bend of the elbow if you are holding him in your arms. Thus, when he eats, he will have the opportunity to turn away, thereby making it clear that he has finished lunch.
• At this moment, the baby smells milk and instinctively begins to open his mouth. You can help him, or he will cope on his own, the main thing is that the nipple and part of the areola are in his mouth.
• Thus, you will see that his nose breathes freely, despite the fact that it touches you closely, and the lips are slightly turned outward.

With the correct grip, you will not hear any extraneous noises of smacking or something like that, only the sounds of swallowing.

Poses

There is no hard and fast rule as to which position you should feed in. Each mother chooses her independently. You should understand that most often a newborn does not eat for 10 minutes, although this happens, and holding him all this time in his arms is quite tiring for both the arms and the back. Each mother, relying on physical and other characteristics, chooses for herself the position that will allow her to feed her baby with breast milk as much as he needs. The most popular are:

• "In the cradle"... The newborn lies with his head on the elbow of the right or left arm, and the other mother supports him from below. Thus, something like a cradle is created. You can feed a child in this position both standing and sitting. The first option is often used before bed, as the mother can rock her body by helping herself with her whole body. This option is convenient as long as the baby is very small, but it is worth remembering that this is a big load for the back and arms when he gains more than 5 kilograms.
• "Cross cradle"... This pose is one of the possible variations of the previous one. In this case, the mother supports the newborn with both hands. She holds his head with her hand opposite to the breast, which she feeds, and the other supports him from below. This position is very convenient when the mother needs to establish the process of feeding with milk and organize the correct capture. Thus, you can control everything more clearly and, if necessary, come to the rescue of the little one.
• "From under the arm." This position is very helpful for mothers who are not recommended to sit after a natural birth or after a caesarean section. The mother is in a reclining position, leaning on an arm or thigh. The newborn lies down perpendicular to her, under the support arm. By the way, this method is an excellent way to prevent congestion in the lower part of the chest.
• "Lying on your hand"... This position is very comfortable as it gives you the opportunity to release tension from your back and rest a little. In addition, it is suitable for sleeping together. Mom, lying on her side, puts the newborn on her lower hand, as if holding him. You find yourself facing each other and pressing your stomachs against each other. You need to feed him with milk from the lower breast. If you want to take the hand that you are holding, then place some pillows behind his back so that he does not roll over on his back if you suddenly fall asleep.

• "Lying from the upper chest." The essence of feeding is the same as in the previous option, but you are feeding not with the lower breast, but with the upper breast. Honestly, it is very difficult to be in this position for a long time, since the load on the arm is going on, but you can make the process easier for yourself if you put your baby on a pillow. This option is convenient only if you want to change breasts, but there is no opportunity to roll over or shift the baby.
• "Top on Mom"... A rather unusual position implies that you put the baby on top of you, so that your stomachs touch, his head should be tilted slightly to the side. This method is convenient in cases where the newborn eats too quickly or during the period when the lactation process is just being adjusted. Because it is then that the streams of milk can beat so hard that the newborn baby involuntarily chokes.
• "Overhang". In this case, the mother should hang over the baby when she feeds him with breast milk. If you are doing this on a bed, get on all fours over him, or you can use a table. This option is very useful for both, since it allows you to empty the central lobes of the mammary gland, and this method is less difficult for the baby. It is often used when feeding weak or premature babies, as well as those who refuse to breast.

Frequency

The rule that breast milk should be fed to a newborn at a time has long since sunk into oblivion. Now doctors unanimously say that it will be right to feed the baby on demand. That is why you should apply it to your chest as often as it asks for it.

In addition, hunger may not always be the reason for this desire. Again, according to modern statements, it is not recommended to give water to children — before the introduction of the first complementary foods — so your baby may be thirsty. You also need to understand that the baby feels safe and comfortable when mom's breasts are near.

Therefore, if your baby is in pain or discomfort, then he will definitely want to snuggle to your chest, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

In addition, it is worth noting that in the first days after the birth of a baby, the process of milk formation is just beginning. The more often you apply it, the more milk will flow. Everything in our body is very simple. You feed your newborn breast milk as needed, the brain receives a signal and records how much breast milk the baby needs to feel comfortable. And within three days, milk will be released as much as he asked.

Does the baby have enough breast milk

The stomach of the baby from the moment of birth resembles a walnut. As you can imagine, not so much is needed to feed him. As for the amount of milk, immediately after the birth of the baby, colostrum appears in the mother instead of breast milk. Despite the fact that it stands out very little, it is very nutritious. And literally one teaspoon is enough to feed your baby.

Only starting from 3-7 days, the mother has milk. It is produced exactly as much as the body of a newborn requires. Approximately every 3 months of life, the baby goes through certain stages of development, they are called growth spikes. So, during this period, you can really observe or think that breast milk has become less.

In fact, things are a little different. Your baby has grown, and now he needs more - apply it more often, and within three days, milk production will be in the amount that he needs.

Common mistakes

Young mothers are often faced with the question of how to feed: the same breast, or how often to change them. It often happens that on the first day after birth, the baby sucked one, and it is easier for him to eat from it, or it is more convenient for mom to give it. This is not entirely correct, since you must feed each breast in turn. Thus, the baby in one feeding will be able to take both the first, thinner breast milk, which plays the role of drinking, and the second, thicker, which plays the role of food.

The second common mistake is that the mother does not pull the baby to the breast, but the breast to the baby. This is not entirely true, because we are all young, attractive women, and in later life, beautiful breasts will still be very useful to us.

Another old rule that has lost its relevance today is that you need to wash your breasts before each feed. This rule took place during our infancy with you, but now it is believed that morning and evening dress will be quite enough. In addition, if you abuse detergents and water treatments, you will wash off the protective lubricant that protects the nipples from the growth of bacteria, and then, simply dry the skin, which will lead to an increased risk of cracking.

The most frequent questions and answers to them

Whether to give the newborn water

Many modern pediatricians claim that the baby does not need additional fluid before the introduction of the first complementary foods. Since at first the milk is thinner, it quenches thirst, and only then comes thicker milk from the far wall of the mammary gland, and it satisfies hunger. But, at the same time, some doctors argue that it is up to the parents to offer the newborn a sip of water, and he himself will be able to decide whether to drink it or not.

How long does it take to feed a newborn

There is no exact answer to this question, all children are individual. Someone can eat for 10 minutes, and someone will not have an hour. And then, the same baby can be fed for different amounts of time: if, for example, he is thirsty, then 5 minutes will be enough for him, but if he is pretty hungry, then 40 minutes may not be enough.

Full or not

You can understand whether your baby is eating up on several grounds: he is active, sleeps well, evenly gains weight and height, he lets go of the breast after feeding.

Crying and breastfeeding

There are times when the baby is upset by something, and he cannot switch over and take a breast. In this case, you should shake it and talk affectionately. If this does not help, then squeeze out a drop of milk and drop it on the tongue or stroke its lips with a nipple. Usually, for every child, the best comfort is the mother's breast. So I do not think that you will have to beg him for a very long time.

This is also possible if you are very worried or upset. Then leave the baby for 5 minutes with someone close to you or put it in a safe place and move away to calm down and catch your breath. As soon as you calm down, the child will feel it and will be able to calm down too.

Video about correct attachment while breastfeeding

It is especially very important in the first year of your child's life to breastfeed him, but the question is, how to properly establish this process? I suggest you watch a short video, where you will learn in detail about all the intricacies of this process.

A child can be happy only if his mother is calm and happy, cracked nipples or breast refusal do not give much reason for joy. But do not be upset, because everything can be easily fixed. I am sure that all of the above recommendations will help you cope with this task. Tell us in the comments on the website what difficulties you had while feeding your newborn with breast milk, and how you dealt with them!

• GW basics
• Doctor Komarovsky
• Rules and postures
• Nutrition
• Breast milk composition
• Pumping
• Storage

Breastfeeding is recognized as the safest and most beneficial way to feed a baby in the first year of life. With all the simplicity of breastfeeding, there are quite a few misconceptions and difficulties that can interfere with lactation. Let's take a closer look at such a natural process available to every woman who has given birth, like breastfeeding (HB).

Benefit

Receiving breast milk, the baby will grow and develop harmoniously. The crumbs will feel good, the risk of developing anemia, allergies, rickets, gastrointestinal diseases and other pathologies will decrease. In addition, the emotional contact with the mother acquired during breastfeeding will contribute to the development of the personality of the little one in a positive way.

Why is breast milk necessary for babies?

To achieve an increase in milk production, more frequent latching, feeding the baby at night, changing the drinking regime, good nutrition, a shower and a bath for the breast, as well as the use of special tea help. It is very important that a woman is in the mood for breastfeeding, knows correct technique feeding, consulted a counselor in a timely manner and was provided with support from the family and other mothers with at least a year of breastfeeding experience.

Hyperlactation

Excessive milk production in the breast causes great discomfort in a woman. She feels that her breasts are bursting, the mammary glands become painful, the milk is leaking. In addition, with hyperlactation from the mother, the child receives too much liquid milk, which is called "front", and, accordingly, does not receive more fatty milk remaining in the back of the glands. This leads to disturbances in the digestion of the baby.

The most common cause of too much milk production in women is intense and prolonged expression after feedings. Also, an excess of fluid and lactogonic agents can lead to hyperlactation. It happens that hyperlactation is an individual feature of the body of a nursing mother, and then it is not easy to cope with it. You have to limit your drinking and control your diet so that it does not contain foods that provoke excess milk production.

Pumping must be done responsibly as it affects breast health. Read about the types of pumping and the technique of pumping breasts by hand in other articles.

In addition, we suggest watching a video on this topic.

Baby refuses to breast

The reason for the refusal can be a stuffy nose, ear inflammation, stomatitis, teething, colic and other health problems of the baby. Changes in mom's diet, for example, eating spicy foods or spices, can affect the taste of milk, so the baby will refuse to suckle. The use of pacifiers and the feeding of a baby from a bottle often leads to refusal.

A situation is quite common when a grown-up toddler at 3-6 months of age may refuse to feed, since his needs for milk decrease, and the pauses between feedings are lengthened. During this period, the baby explores the world around with interest and is often distracted from sucking. Over the age of 8-9 months, breastfeeding can be triggered by the very active introduction of complementary foods.

Establishing contact between the baby and the mother will help to solve the problem of breast rejection. The baby needs to be carried more often in his arms, hugged, talked with the baby. You need to give complementary foods, medicines or drinks only from a spoon or from a cup, it is advisable to refuse pacifiers, and the mother's menu should not include foods that are unpleasant for the baby.

Choking

The baby may choke with too "greedy" sucking, but this situation may also indicate an excessively rapid flow of milk from the female breast. If the newborn begins to choke during feeding, it is worth changing the position in which the baby is eating. It is best to sit up straight and support the baby's head up.

In the case when the cause of choking is excess milk, you can strain the breast a little before offering it to the baby. If the change in posture and strain did not help, consult a specialist, since the reasons may be different pathologies of the oral cavity, larynx, or the functioning of the nervous system.

For the most common problems and how to solve them, see the video, in which experienced obstetrician-gynecologists tell important nuances.

Should I wash my breasts before breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding mothers should not fanatically follow the rules of hygiene and wash their breasts before each feed, especially using soap. It can destroy the natural protective film that covers the skin of the areola. As a result, frequent washing with soap is the cause of cracks, because of which it will be very painful to feed the baby.

In addition, detergents have the ability to interrupt the natural scent of the skin, even if the soap lacks a perfumed fragrance. It is very important for a newborn to catch his mother's smell during feeding, therefore, without feeling it, the baby will begin to worry and may even refuse to suck milk. To maintain cleanliness, it is enough to wash a woman's breasts once or twice a day, and only warm water should be used for washing.

Proper care of the breast of a nursing mother is an important point to avoid many problems. For more details, see the video.

How to latch on a baby to the breast?

When organizing GV, it is especially important that the grip of a small breast is correct, since a violation of grip on the breast threatens with excessive swallowing of air and insufficient weight gain. In addition to the nipple, the baby's mouth should also contain a portion of the breast area around the nipple, which is called the areola. In this case, the lips of the baby should be slightly turned out. In this case, the little one will be able to suck correctly.

The mother should not have any pain during sucking, and feeding can continue for a long time. If the crumbs are not applied correctly, the woman will experience pain during feeding, damage to the nipples is possible, the crumb will not be able to suck the volume of milk it needs and will not gorge itself.

Experiment and look for the type of breastfeeding that is most comfortable for you and your baby. If your nipples are damaged, you can use an emollient cream like Bepantena.

How to understand that the child is full?

The duration of each feeding is individual and may vary from one child to another or from one infant to another in different situations. Most babies take 15-20 minutes to empty their breasts and eat, but there are toddlers who suckle for at least 30 minutes. If you interrupt the feeding of such a child earlier, he will be malnourished. Mom will understand that the little one is full when the baby stops sucking and lets go of the breast. It is not worth picking off the breast up to this point.

Debunking myths

Myth 1. Before giving birth, it is necessary to prepare the nipples.

Women are encouraged to rub their nipples with a coarse cloth, but doing so is more dangerous than beneficial. Stimulating the nipple of a pregnant woman increases the risk of preterm labor, as there is a definite connection between the breast and the uterus (if you stimulate the nipple, the uterus will contract).

Myth 2. A newborn should be fed immediately with a formula, as milk does not come immediately.

Mature milk, indeed, begins to remain from the 3-5th day after childbirth, however, until this moment, colostrum is released from the woman's breast, which is quite enough for the baby.

Myth 3. For a successful hepatitis B, you have to constantly pump after each feeding of the baby.

Expressions after feedings are recommended by close relatives and even sometimes by doctors, ostensibly for the prevention of lactostasis, but in fact it is they that cause excess milk production and stagnation. It is worth expressing the breast only in case of pain and strong infusion, when the crumbs cannot grab the nipple. In this case, you need to express a small amount of milk.

Myth 4. If a child cries a lot and often needs breast, it means that he is hungry and does not gorge himself

Compared to formula feeding, the baby really asks for breast more often, since human milk is absorbed very quickly, and the formula takes longer. In addition, it is often easier for a baby to suck milk from a bottle than it is to take from a breast. But this behavior does not at all indicate a lack of nutrition for the little one. You should focus only on the weight gain per month and the number of baby urinates per day.

Myth 5. Different women have different milk fat content.

Some women are lucky to have fatty milk, while others are unlucky because they have low-fat blue milk. This misconception is associated with the color of expressed milk, the front portion of which does have a bluish tinge. This part of the milk is a drink for the baby, so by its color it is impossible to judge what kind of milk a woman has as a whole. If mom could express milk from the back of the breast, she would be sure of its fat content, but it is very difficult to get it manually.

Myth 6. The breast has stopped filling, which means that the baby does not have enough milk

This situation often occurs after a month or two feedings, when the woman begins to feel that the milk is no longer arriving in the required volume. Experiences further worsen the situation and can lead to the end of lactation. In fact, the absence of hot flashes has nothing to do with the amount of milk in the female breast, since 1-2 months after giving birth, milk begins to be produced exactly as much as is needed for the crumbs, and it arrives in the gland often in the process of sucking the baby's mother's breast.

Myth 7. A nursing mother needs to eat more than usual.

Without a doubt, the nutrition of a mother who is breastfeeding a baby must be of high quality and balanced. However, to do this, you should not significantly increase the portions. The baby will receive all the nutrients with breast milk, even if the mother eats very poorly, but the health of the woman herself will be undermined by the lack of vitamins. So nutrition should be given close attention, but not the volume of dishes, but their usefulness. It should also be remembered that breastfeeding mothers should not go on diets and exercise hard until the baby is 9 months old.

Myth 8. The formula is almost identical to breast milk, so it doesn't matter how you feed your baby.

No matter how much the manufacturers praise their high-quality mixtures and no matter what valuable ingredients they add, no artificial nutrition can compare with milk from a woman's breast. An important difference between these two options for food for a baby is that the composition of human milk changes in accordance with the growth of the baby and the needs of the baby. Let's not forget about the psychological connection between a nursing mother and a baby.

Myth 9. After 6 months, the baby no longer needs milk.

Although complementary foods are already beginning to be introduced to a six-month-old toddler, human milk still remains the staple food for an infant. It does not lose its valuable properties even when the child is one or two years old.

Myth 10

If cracks appear from sucking, then it is better to switch to a mixture. The situation when the baby in the first days of sucking rubs the nipples until they bleed is quite common. The reason for this is incorrect attachment. And having corrected it, it is quite possible to breastfeed the baby. for a long time... The use of special pads also contributes to the rapid healing of cracks.

When is it worth stopping hepatitis B?

According to experts, best time for the termination of breastfeeding is the period of involution. Most often, this stage of lactation occurs at the age of a child from 1.5 to 2.5 years. To complete the GV, it is important to take into account the readiness of both the child and the mother. The gradual curtailment of lactation will not harm either the mental state of the baby or the mother's breast.

There are situations when it is necessary to stop hepatitis B abruptly, for example, in case of an acute illness of the mother. In this case, one should be guided by the advice of a doctor so that the process of parting the baby with the breast, and the mammary glands with milk, is the least painful for everyone.

Read more about stopping lactation in another article.

1. To successfully establish lactation, it is important to take care of the early attachment of the baby to the mother's breast. Ideally, the baby should be laid on the woman's belly and found the breast immediately after delivery. Such contact will trigger the natural mechanisms of lactation regulation.
2. While waiting for the arrival of mature milk, you should not feed the baby with formula. Due to the small amount of colostrum, many women are worried, believing that the baby is starving. However, colostrum contains substances valuable for the baby, and supplementation with a mixture can greatly harm the development of lactation.
3. You should not replace your mother's breast with a pacifier. Let the baby receive breast whenever he wants to suck. Using a nipple will help distract the little one, but it can negatively affect lactation, especially if it has not already been established. In addition, the breast for the newborn is not only a source of food. During sucking, a deep psychological contact is established between the baby and the mother.
4. If you give the breast to the baby on demand, you do not need to add water to the baby. The first part of the milk sucked out is represented by a more liquid part containing a lot of water, therefore it serves as a drink for the baby. If you give the baby water in addition, this can reduce the volume of lactation.
5. You should not express after feeding until it is completely empty. This advice was common at a time when all children were advised to feed by the hour. Babies rarely breastfeed, and due to the lack of stimulation, less milk was produced, so it was necessary to additionally provoke milk production by full expression. Now the breast is offered to the baby on demand, and during sucking, the baby makes a request for the next feeding - how much the baby sucks milk, so much of it will be produced. If you additionally express your breasts when the baby has already eaten, the next time more milk will arrive than the little one needs. And this increases the risk of lactostasis.
6. Do not give your baby a second breast until the baby has emptied the first breast. In the first months, it is recommended to alternate breasts no more often than every 1-2 hours. If you give the baby a second breast, when he has not yet sucked the hind milk from the first, this threatens digestive problems. Both breasts may need to feed a baby over 5 months of age.
7. There is no need to rush to start introducing complementary foods into the children's diet. Exclusively breastfed babies get enough nutrients up to 6 months of age. And even after six months, milk remains the main food for the baby, and with the help of all the new products, the baby first simply learns tastes and consistency that differ from human milk.
8. Find out what feeding positions are, since changing the position during the day will help prevent milk stagnation, because in different positions the baby will suck more actively from different lobes of the breast. The main positions that every nursing mom should master are lying down and feeding in a sitting position from under the arm.
9. Doctors call the minimum period of breastfeeding 1 year, and experts consider the optimal duration of breastfeeding to be 2-3 years. Earlier weaning can be difficult for both the infant's psyche and the woman's breasts.
10. It is not at all necessary to give up breastfeeding for any mother's illness. For example, if a woman has ARVI, you should not interrupt feeding, since the baby will receive antibodies from her mother's milk. Lactation can be prevented only by those diseases that we indicated in the contraindications.

For successful breastfeeding, the World Health Organization recommends:

• Attach the baby to the mother's breast for the first time in the first hour after birth.
• Give the baby a breast at the request of the baby.
• Nutrition

The Madonna and Child is an eternal theme in art, evoking delight and emotion. But in life, breastfeeding is associated not only with the joy of motherhood, but also with various difficulties and myths. Every nursing mother should be aware of all the nuances of lactation so that the baby grows healthy and the new responsibility is a joy.

The axiom about the benefits of natural food for infants today is accepted by many without controversy. But for the sake of preserving the figure, a certain percentage of women in labor are trying to quickly transfer the baby to adapted formulas.

Scientists have long proven that breastfeeding is the best food for babies. And it's not just the special biochemical composition of breast milk - excellent building material for rapidly growing baby tissues and the formation of the circulatory system. Much more valuable is the presence of immune bodies, amino acids and other complex molecules that create the immune and central nervous system newborns.

Babies up to 6 months old, with HB (breastfeeding), receive all the necessary nutrients and biologically active substances from the mother's milk. Breastfeeding babies grow up healthier than artificial babies. It has been proven that when breastfeeding, in the future, children are less likely to have metabolic disorders and gastrointestinal disorders. Mother's milk also has a mild hypnotic effect, so babies, when full, fall asleep better than when feeding with adapted formulas.

A young mother should not only know everything about breastfeeding, but also understand that this process is the only way to maintain non-verbal contact and emotional connection with her baby. But you should not teach your baby to literally grow in his arms. This harms his character, often such children, growing up, insist on taking them in their arms as often as possible. Breastfeeding "overgrown" is also not worth it. How older child, the more painful the separation from infant feeding.

If we talk about the benefits of feeding for the mother, then here, too, natural factors only benefit health. Although some women refuse this process "for the sake of a figure," weight gain is temporary. This is due to the accumulation of water, protein and fat by the body - the building material for the baby. After the completion of the lactation process, the body itself stops stocking up on all this, and the weight returns to normal if you lead an active lifestyle.

But this is not the main thing. When maternal functions take their course, it prevents female cancer. Breastfeeding after 40 years leads to a healthier and rejuvenated body at the hormonal level. During hepatitis B, there is no period: the likelihood of pregnancy is negligible. When feeding, the uterus shrinks faster and falls into place.

How to properly hold your baby while breastfeeding

A nursing mother not only needs to know everything about lactation and breastfeeding, but also understand how important a calm and comfortable environment is. In peace and quiet with soft lighting, the baby absorbs food better, and the mother produces milk. Therefore, at all times, people subconsciously left a nursing woman with a child alone, giving them the opportunity to feed the baby without being distracted by external stimuli.

The classic posture is sitting breastfeeding, the child should eat with his head raised, the mother slightly presses him to her. It is important to sit down as comfortably as possible, while not forgetting to apply the baby to the right and left breast for 15-20 minutes (and longer if you feed the twins).

Signs that mom is sitting incorrectly:

• pulling back pain;
• severe discomfort;
• unmotivated irritation;
• numbness in the limbs or individual muscles;
• fatigue before breastfeeding is complete.

Many mothers, even before giving birth, are interested in how to properly hold a baby while breastfeeding? Can I feed while lying down and standing? Should I use a pad and a baby bandage for HB? All these are pressing questions, the answers to which will be provided by practical experience.

In a half-nap, when feeding occurs at night, you want to take a nap, lying on your side or half-sitting. This is convenient when feeding in a chair or on a couch with pillows under your head and behind your back. The newborn, while small and light, can be supported with a pillow to form the most comfortable position for his spine.

It is wonderful when both breastfeeding participants are comfortable: the baby picks up the sounds of the heartbeat, hears the smell of the mother. But feeding half asleep contains a great danger: a mother tired of daily worries about a child may not notice how the nose of a falling asleep baby is blocked by her breast. There are many tragic cases in history when a mother or a nurse “slept on the baby”. This happened even in royal families. Therefore, it is important to sit while feeding the baby so as not to fall asleep. The free breast should not be compressed: ensure a natural flow of milk.

Some mothers use special bags and bandages to move their babies around the city - an idea borrowed from the indigenous peoples of Asia and Africa. At the same time, the hands are not busy, the child can be fed on the go, and some were also noticed smoking while the baby is trying to eat. All this is unacceptable!

Any doctor will confirm that these devices cannot be used immediately after childbirth, but only after 3-5 months, when the baby's spine gets stronger. You can feed in a bandage, but not on the go, not standing in the subway, but sitting on a comfortable city bench, in nook a park where it is quiet and uncrowded. This is possible in exceptional cases, sporadically, and not daily on walks, in order to save time by combining important components in the daily schedule.

In a seated position, it is also convenient to put a small bench under your foot, as classical guitarists do. She will support the baby in a comfortable position at the breast that is involved in feeding. The mother, leaning on the handrails of the chair or the side of the sofa, holds the head of the child with her hand so that he does not throw it back.

When you have to feed two newborns at once (twins, twins, the second foster baby), they are laid on the sides, leaning slightly forward. If one baby is asleep and the second is awake, then they are fed alternately, but each from one breast, leaving the matured milk to the second twin.

If we talk about the position of the child's face, then there are also some nuances here. He should lie as close to the nipple as possible, while eye contact with the mother is important, and the chin should be in contact with the chest. The kid will not immediately learn to grab the areola by opening his mouth wide and pulling his lip down. Correct grip does not lead to pain and injury to the tissues of the mother's breast.

What breast should you start feeding your baby with?

There is an opinion that with the next feeding, the baby should be applied only to one breast. It has long been popularly said that there is "front" and "back" milk. In this case, "hind" milk is formed in the breast that was not given (enriched with fat and protein). "Front" milk is less saturated, it contains more liquid and lactose. But in practice, it does not always work out that the baby is fed from one breast, therefore he is "fed" from the other. Then, with the next feeding, you should start from the breast on which you finished.

If this advice is correct, you can adjust the "menu" of the baby. Some babies tend to be overweight, and it is advisable to "dilute" the front milk with more fatty mother's milk in one feeding, and express the residual milk. Other mothers have a genetically less satisfying "natural product", so it is better for babies to withstand the "back" milk.

Keep in mind that real "mature" milk is formed only 2-3 weeks after giving birth. When milk is too fat, the baby is given boiled water in the nipple between feedings: he is thirsty and naughty, pushing out the breast. But it is advisable to discuss this issue with a doctor if it seems that the baby needs to be "diluted".

At the end of the breastfeeding process, it is recommended to raise the newborn for a short time, holding it vertically. This is necessary so that the air that babies swallow with milk comes out. It provokes intestinal colic. But over time, babies get used to the correct nipple latch, swallowing less and less air. Belching is audible, but sometimes a small amount of milk is regurgitated - this is normal. After that, it is advisable to rinse the breast and let it dry.

Feeding on schedule or on demand?

Most pediatricians, when discussing breastfeeding problems, advise a nursing mother that breastfeeding implies a certain order. They are inclined to believe that it is desirable to accustom the child to a certain feeding regimen - at regular intervals. But with one caveat - no fanaticism! Any doctor will tell you that if the baby is hungry, he needs to be fed.

On the other hand, the correct process stimulates the production of breast milk. It arrives at the next feeding in sufficient quantity. Some children eat more often, waking up "on schedule" during the day and at night. Other babies sleep most of the night without waking up for food. Most babies eat 8 to 12 times a day, especially after the hospital.

Young mothers still do not know how to distinguish the whims of the baby from his "hungry cry". But their maternal instinct works in an amazing way - milk arrives more actively under the cry of the baby.

The main signs that a child is hungry are:

• smack his lips;
• makes sucking movements;
• turns his head (in search of mom's breasts);
• crying or acting up more persistently;
• waving her arms in search of mom.

When there is not enough milk, mothers try to feed the baby less often, switching to complementary foods with adapted mixtures. This practice is considered normal before weaning, but not at the beginning of the lactation period.

Sometimes the child does not want to suckle on his own, preferring the nipple. And mom has to pump to get such a valuable "natural product". Frequent feedings are beneficial for stimulating milk production. It is especially important to establish this process in primiparous women experiencing difficulties with hepatitis B.

When a nursing mother and her baby get used to a certain regimen, a kind of balance is formed:

• saturation of milk with fats, proteins and lactose (the percentage of each mother is individual);
• the intervals between feedings are approximately 2.5-3.5 hours;
• number of attachments to the breast: 6-12 times;
• duration of feeding to saturation: 10-20 minutes;
• the need for night feeds or their absence.

The sleep and wake schedule also varies: some children "walk" at night and sleep during daytime walks. All this affects the rest time of a nursing mother, and some are very exhausting the "all-night vigil" of a small person. They say that "indigo grows", "academician" or "owl", and these biorhythms are very difficult to change. Other babies shower very early, even in winter, but mom has to reckon with such a schedule.

Important ingredients in breastfeeding techniques

Breastfeeding is beneficial for the health of the mother and baby. But there are many difficulties that periodically darken happy motherhood. A newborn has a lot to learn, he only has a swallowing and sucking reflex, and he distinguishes his mother by the smell and beating of the heart.

When enough milk is produced in the breast, it is not difficult to feed the baby, but hepatitis B consists of different components:

1. Feeding frequency (fluctuates throughout the lactation period). Babies over 6 months old can be weaned by switching to complementary foods and adapted formulas.
2. The duration of a baby's meal depends on the composition and amount of milk, the child's activity and his desire to work on sucking the desired product.
3. The way of capturing the breast, which is partly reflex, partly from experience. The mother should help the frail creature to properly grip the nipple so that feeding is convenient for both. It is important to ensure that the breast tissue does not overlap the baby's nose.
4. Choosing a source of feeding. It is necessary to start with the right or left breast, give alternately or feed from one, then after sleep, start with the other. Every decision has its own reasons.
5. Feeding posture (using pillows, benches, armrests, bandages), which was discussed in detail in one of the sections.

Some babies suck sluggishly and quickly fall asleep at the mother's breast, so you have to stroke him on the head or pat him on the cheek. After that, he begins to eat more actively. In all this, a young mother needs to be knowledgeable enough to make it easier to solve problems.

There are not so many difficulties with hepatitis B:

• nipple pathology (concave);
• refusal of the baby from breastfeeding;
• painful cracks in the nipples;
• lactostasis and mastopathy (milk stagnation and inflammation in the breast).

Feeding during the mother's illness can be carried out only after consulting a doctor, especially when there are painful cracks around the nipples (this must be treated immediately). For viral infections, it is better to postpone feeding. Sometimes the baby bites on the nipple, so patience and wisdom should be shown, not irritation.

It is advisable to start feeding from the first day after childbirth. You can feed up to six months without complementary foods and water, if the milk is suitable in all respects. It is important to adhere to the regimen, but it is advisable to feed at the first request of the baby.

When shouldn't breast milk be fed?

Contraindications to hepatitis B - some diseases of a nursing mother:

For seasonal respiratory diseases, they use a gauze bandage, be careful, wash their hands more often. As a rule, the crib is transferred to another room, but the feeding is not canceled. The list of seasonal diseases includes: angina and flu, mild forms of inflammation of the respiratory tract.

It is better to entrust the closest relatives or family members to the based care of the baby during the "viral quarantine". It is advisable to minimize contact with the baby - take him in your arms only during breastfeeding.

When an infant has severe genetic abnormalities associated with impaired absorption of protein and lactose, it should not be fed either. Only a specialist can select specialized imported mixtures for this problem. With severe prematurity, when the child's organs and tissues are underdeveloped, only the doctor should allow feeding.

Properties of breast milk

Breast milk is a product of the mammary gland. It is produced under the influence of the hormones oxytocin and prolactin, which appear after childbirth. The intensity of production depends to some extent on the activity of the baby (emptying of the breast). The characteristics of the most active milk production are noted up to 4-5 months - the peak of breastfeeding of the newborn, then the intensity decreases.

The biochemical composition of breast milk changes over time:

• Colostrum (thick, sticky mass yellow color with a large number of immune bodies) - concentrated, fatty, produced in small quantities.
• Transitional milk appears 4-5 days after childbirth, it is more liquid, the color is whiter, there is already more of it.
• Mature milk is formed at 3 weeks. It is of a classic (white) color, liquid, sweet, not as fat as colostrum, but in terms of composition it meets the needs of a rapidly growing organism as much as possible.

Mature milk consists of 88-90% water, so it is not worth "feeding" the baby without the need. Fat content varies depending on the mother's diet and genetic predisposition to be overweight. If a woman almost does not produce subcutaneous fatty tissue, then regardless of the diet, in breast milk it will also be much less than the standard minimum - 3-4%.

Front milk, produced at the beginning of a feed, is less rich in proteins and fats, but it is high in lactose. "Back" is formed in the intervals between lactation, high-calorie enough, the baby is saturated quite quickly.

Lactose, which is up to 7-8% in breast milk, makes the taste of the "baby product" more pleasant. And if you breastfeed a child for a long time, then a craving for sweet food is laid in his subconscious. Lactose is very beneficial for the intestinal microflora and the digestive tract.

Milk contains microscopic doses of various vitamins and biologically active substances that cannot be synthesized artificially. It is them that the baby lacks in adapted mixtures that are balanced in percentage terms in all parameters.

Karina is a permanent expert of the PupsFull portal. She writes articles on play, pregnancy, parenting and education, childcare, and mom and child health.

Articles written

The appearance of a child is always a joyful and exciting event in the family. Immediately, a caring mother has many questions, the answers to which have to be found out from doctors, nannies, grandmothers. How to care for a baby, whether to give him a pacifier, whether to pump, why does the baby eat poorly? How to properly breastfeed your baby is the most important question. Indeed, the health, development and mental balance of the baby depend on mother's milk.

The very first attachment of a newborn

Even in the delivery room, as soon as the midwife cuts the umbilical cord, the baby is laid on the mother's stomach. The tiny face is turned towards the nipple, helping to capture it. It doesn't matter how many drops of colostrum the newborn sucks. The main thing is that it will be the first thing that gets into his stomach. Colostrum contains immunoglobulins that can protect the body from negative influences.

Another important point is the psychological aspect. Skin-to-skin contact, proximity and heartbeat of the baby contribute to the early rejection of the placenta in the woman in labor. The newborn, being at the breast, feels safe and relieves of birth stress. An invisible close bond is established between mother and baby. To prevent hypothermia, the baby is briefly left at the breast. After that, doctors wash the baby from amniotic fluid and swaddle. A full-fledged first attachment to the breast occurs after the doctor has examined the woman in labor and a little rest.

For women who have undergone a caesarean section, the newborn is still brought to the breast. This is done even when she is under general anesthesia. If the birth took place under local anesthesia, mom herself can observe the first attachment.

Basic rules for proper feeding

The key to the success of breastfeeding is the correct gripping of the nipple. So the baby will suck effectively, fully saturate, without damaging the mother's breast. Obstetricians and doctors always tell and show you how to breastfeed properly. They follow the first feedings and explain all the nuances.

General rules for latching a baby to the breast:

1. Mom should get comfortable so that she can spend at least 10 minutes in this position. You can feed while lying, sitting, standing, the main thing is to provide the baby with free access to the breast and comfort for oneself - 15 different poses for GV.
2. The child is placed in a position with the stomach towards the mother, the face towards the mammary gland. The head cannot be rigidly fixed so that the baby can regulate the nipple clamped by his tongue and lips, cough if he chokes, or tell his mother that feeding is over.
3. When offering the breast, you need to make sure that the baby is lying correctly, and he does not have to pull the nipple down. If this happens, then it is too low.
4. It is necessary to monitor the access of oxygen to the child. If the mammary gland presses on the face, the baby will not be able to breathe normally. Be extremely careful here owners of full breasts.
5. Do not push the nipple into the baby's mouth. The child must take it on his own, otherwise the wrong grip cannot be avoided.
6. If the crumb does not cover the entire areola with its mouth, you must immediately free yourself by lightly pressing the chin with your fingertip or touching the corner of your mouth. An incorrectly taken breast threatens a nursing mother with trauma to the glands and painful cracks. Sucking in this way will be inadequate, air will enter the stomach cavity of the crumbs, which provokes gases and painful colic.

When properly gripped, most of the areola is in the infant's mouth, the lips are clearly turned outward, and the chin is pressed tightly against the mammary gland. The sucking process is accompanied by swallowing sounds and puffing, and the mother does not feel discomfort.

After making sure that the baby is breastfeeding correctly, you can relax and feed calmly.

Scheme - How to breastfeed a baby on GV

How during latching it is necessary to put the breast in the baby's mouth (to enlarge the picture, click on it)

Pressing issues

Not everyone in pregnancy has the opportunity to go to breastfeeding courses, and not in all kinds of homes, doctors are ready to talk about how to breastfeed a newborn correctly and without complications. Therefore, many mothers, obeying the advice of grandmothers, make many mistakes. As a result, the milk burns out, deep cracks form on the nipples, the baby refuses to breastfeed, and it is almost impossible to return natural feeding.

Controversial issues that arise for every nursing woman:

1. Wash or not wash your breasts before applying? Morning and evening showers are sufficient to ensure cleanliness. Rubbing the nipples with soap every few hours vigorously removes the natural protective layer, opening the way for pathogenic bacteria.
2. Should the breast be supported for the comfort of the baby? Supporting the breast during feeding causes milk stagnation in the ducts that come into contact with the hand. This must be avoided.
3. Should I give the baby some water? Drinking water or weak tea for a child is unacceptable. Mother's milk is drink and food for the baby. The exception is the days when you need to give medicine or when the room is very stuffy and hot. Some mothers have milk that is too fat. Then doctors advise giving the baby water to avoid tummy problems. You need to give liquid to a newborn not from a bottle, but from a spoon or syringe -.
4. Should I stop feeding if the mother or child is sick with ARVI? It is not necessary to refuse feeding if the mother is sick with the flu. The child receives antibodies along with milk, which becomes a healing elixir for him. He cannot get infected from a nursing mother, but he can infect her if he himself is sick. In such cases, it is best to wear a gauze bandage.
5. Cracked nipples - can I feed? There is no need to rush to switch to artificial feeding if cracks appear. First you need a doctor's consultation. He will advise on ointments, creams, or silicone breast caps. As long as the wounds heal, breastfeeding will not be affected.

This is not the whole list of pressing questions for inexperienced mothers. In each case, the problems are individual. It is necessary to consult with specialists, and not with girlfriends and neighbors.

Do I need an attachment mode

Many are worried about the breastfeeding regime. At first, until lactation is established and does not enter the phase of maturity, it is too early to think about the schedule. The older generation is firmly convinced that the regimen is necessary for the baby from the first days. Modern HB specialists recommend applying a newborn to the breast 10-15 times a day, only on demand (when he asks).

As the child develops, the regimen will gradually be established. With enough milk, it will take 7-8 feedings with a break of 3-3.5 hours. The baby will get used to the chosen regime, and it will be easier for mom to plan her day.

Many mothers are worried about whether milk will have time to digest if the baby is offered breast too often. There is no reason to worry. The infant does not need to expend energy to digest breast milk. As soon as the milk enters the intestines, it begins to be digested and soon the baby will be hungry again.

Is the baby full

Mother's milk is the best food for babies. But how to understand if the crumb is eating up? Here everything is determined in an elementary way:

• the baby released the nipple himself;
• after latching on, he is calm, not capricious, in a good mood;
• the child is sound asleep;
• his skin is velvety to the touch;
• he pees 6-8 times a day;
• there is a noticeable revival in contact with mom;
• gains weight well, according to accepted norms.

When a baby suckles for a long time, cries during feeding and between meals, and shows anxiety, then it can be assumed that he does not have enough milk. This can be precisely confirmed by weighing. If there is a problem, your pediatrician or hepatitis B specialist will advise you on what you can do to increase lactation. If all else fails, the child will have to inject the mixture.

Sometimes young mothers are faced with the opposite problem: there is more milk than the baby needs. With hyperlactation, there is a risk of overeating, as babies do not control their food needs.

Signs of overeating:

• he spits up profusely;
• he is tormented by colic and gas. The baby is constantly crying from pain in the tummy and draws his legs.
• the child is gaining weight over normal.

In such cases, you will need to control the time of each attachment and take away the nipple from the baby until he has sucked out the excess milk. Trying to cut back on lactation with pills, herbs, and a strict diet is dangerous. Proper attachment of the baby to the breast over time will help stabilize lactation volumes and milk will begin to flow in accordance with the baby's needs.

Taking the breast after feeding

Having received a lot of valuable advice on how to attach a baby to the breast, a young mother should learn how to remove the nipple correctly. So that the manipulation does not cause pain and cracks do not appear, the chest should be removed when the baby releases it.

To do this, gently press on the chin with a finger or press against the corner of the mouth with the little finger. This will force the baby to open her mouth and release the nipple.

Breast alternation

If the newborn is applied correctly, milk will be produced at his request. Often, one breast is enough for one feeding. First, the front milk, which is more liquid, will quench your thirst, and the back milk, which is fatter and thicker, will satisfy the child. If the baby is offered one breast and then the other, it is unlikely that the food will be balanced. This will harm both the baby and the mother, whose breasts will be overflowing.

When feeding, the breast is replaced when the baby is not full, having completely sucked out the first mammary gland. But before that, you should make sure that he really is not full, in order to avoid overfeeding.

How to feed twins

Many are sure that with the simultaneous appearance of twins, the newly-made mom will have to switch to artificial feeding immediately after leaving the hospital. After all, it is not easy to establish natural feeding with one child. But there are women who have fed twins and even triplets with their milk.

Of course, mom will need more effort, patience and diligence, tuning in to the regime. It is good if relatives help her to take care of the babies. Much more milk will be required. And its development depends on rest, proper nutrition and a well-established life. In the maternity hospital, a woman in labor will be sure to be told how to feed twins and apply babies to her breasts.

Having gone through the difficult moment of establishing lactation and entering her own regimen, mommy will feel all the benefits of breastfeeding:

• children will be physically stronger due to the strengthening of the immune system;
• the family will be able to save on expensive bottles, nipples, sterilizers, adapted mixtures;
• Mom will quickly return to her previous forms, as it takes twice as many calories to feed two children.

There are two ways to feed twins:

1. Simultaneous.
2. Alternate.

The simultaneous method is often used, as it significantly saves valuable time. Here you have to adapt. It’s much easier than feeding one baby and applying a loan to another. At the same time, a hungry baby, waiting for his turn, will cry piercingly, demanding food. It will prevent a brother or sister from eating and sleeping.

With simultaneous feeding, you should:

• Get into a comfortable position. Finding him is much more difficult than with one baby. Here they save various devices for example a silicone double feeding cushion.
• Before applying the gland, you need to massage in order to increase the flow of milk. You can drink tea, take a shower, directing the jets to the mammary glands.
• If one of the babies weighs less, then he will need to offer the breast more often.
• You cannot always offer a particular breast to a baby. Babies suck differently. By systematically alternating the glands during feeding, mommy will ensure the best milk flow and release of the lobes.

If little milk is produced, you should consult a pediatrician. He will help you to choose an adapted formula for supplementary feeding. Bottle feeding is best done for dad or grandmother so that mom does not associate the baby with formula and nipple. So you can continue breastfeeding.

What can wrong attachment turn into

In conditions of improper attachment, the baby hurts the mother by diligently pulling and pulling the nipple. Prolonged sucking in this way damages the delicate skin. It is rubbed, cracked, and the nipple is deformed. At the same time, the baby ineffectively releases the overcrowded breast, remains hungry and dissatisfied.

Cracks, damaged nipples, and unproductive suckling cause milk stagnation in the breast (lactostasis). The mammary glands instantly react to weak sucking, and milk will stop arriving at the right amount... Constant irritation and a lack of milk can cause the baby to refuse to suckle at all. The weight gain on the check weighing will not correspond to the norms.

Signs of improper attachment:

• the baby smacks often and loudly, trying to suck;
• the areoles are not captured, and the lips tuck inward when sucking;
• Mom feels overcrowded after feeding is complete.

Detailed video about latching and feeding