There are many benefits of breastfeeding to both the infant and the mother. Not only is it an ideal source of nutrition for the growing infant, breastfeeding also protects the infant against ear infections, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal diseases, eczema, allergies, asthma, obesity and sudden infant death syndrome. Advantages to the mother include the convenience of breastfeeding, cost savings compared with formula feeding, a unique bonding experience and more rapid recovery from childbirth. Postpartum weight loss may also be easier for the breastfeeding mother, as 400 to 500 calories per day are needed to produce breast milk.
Breastfeeding A Baby
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HCA Virginia answeredSee All 3 AnswersMany restrictions that existed during pregnancy still exist, to some degree, when breastfeeding. Cigarette smoking is universally unhealthy for both mothers and infants, and should be avoided. Babies who are exposed to cigarette smoke have higher incidences of respiratory distress, ear infections, eye irritation, croup, colic and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
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HCA Virginia answered
Although most breastfeeding-related problems can be corrected with changing how you're actually doing it, a small number of women experience primary lactation failure (PLF), a condition when the mother’s body fails to produce enough milk to supply her infant’s nutritional needs.
PLF can be due to various factors, notably previous thoracic or breast surgery severing vital nerves or ducts, hormonal imbalances and insufficient glandular tissue (IGT), which can also be referred to as hypoplasia or tubular breast syndrome. Many options exist for proper infant nutrition outside of breast milk, including many different types of formula. Your pediatrician can best guide you on which type of formula will work best for your infant, and can help you adjust if you experience issues transitioning.
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HCA Virginia answeredSee All 2 Answers
Many restrictions that existed during pregnancy still exist, to some degree, when breastfeeding. A good rule of thumb about alcohol consumption when breastfeeding is that if you’re sober enough to drive, then you can breastfeed. Alcohol affects infants in a magnified way because of their underdeveloped liver function, so consumption should always be monitored with care. Caffeine intake is another common concern, although most mothers can have it in moderation. Some infants are more sensitive than others to a mother’s caffeine intake, particularly if the mother avoided caffeine entirely during pregnancy.
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Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answeredSee All 3 AnswersMedical and nutrition experts recommend breastfeeding for your baby's optimal growth and development, but are you aware of the benefits to mom? Besides knowing your baby is well-nourished, you as a nursing mother obtain benefits from breastfeeding as well:
- Breast milk doesn't need preparation: no measuring, mixing or warming.
- Breastfeeding may help regain your pre-baby figure. Some studies have shown that breastfeeding women experience greater weight loss than those who did not breastfeed.
- Nursing your baby provides you with an opportunity to sit down and relax every few hours.
- Women who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing pre-menopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
While breastfeeding isn't always possible for every mother and baby, the potential benefits make it worth discussing with your physician and a registered dietitian.
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See All 2 AnswersBreastfeeding protects against childhood overweight and obesity. However, in the United States, while 75% of mothers start out breastfeeding, only 13% of babies are exclusively breastfed at the end of six months. The success rate among mothers who want to breastfeed can be improved through active support from their families, friends, communities, clinicians, health care leaders, employers and policymakers.
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Brigham and Women's Hospital answeredSee All 2 AnswersCaffeine is passed to babies through breast milk, so you should limit the amount of caffeine you ingest to one or two eight-ounce servings daily. The caffeine in your breast milk will reach its highest level one hour after you drink it, so try to time your baby’s feedings before you drink a caffeinated beverage.
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Sigma Nursing answered
As your baby grows, he'll need more nutrition and your body will automatically produce more and richer milk to satisfy him. If you notice that he still seems hungry after a feeding, or the time between feedings is not stretching out, you may not be producing as much milk as you could or he wants. The best remedies for this are sleep and plenty of fluids. If you can't catch enough z's, at least try to relax and put your feet up as much as possible—now is not the time to start training for a marathon or even doing your usual amount of running around. Make sure you are getting enough healthy foods in your diet; don't pressure yourself to lose the baby weight quickly. Also, avoid antihistamines, diuretics, and other medications that dehydrate you. Fenugreek, an herb available as tea, is said to help increase milk production.
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Sigma Nursing answeredSee All 2 Answers
All infants and children, including those who are exclusively breastfed and those who are fed formula, should have at least 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin D per day, starting during the first few days of life, to help them build strong bones. Research suggests that mothers should be getting at least 600 IU of vitamin D per day to ensure plenty of vitamin D in her milk and for her own health. You can buy vitamin D supplements for infants at a drug store or grocery store. Sunlight can be a major source of vitamin D, but it is hard to measure how much sunlight your baby gets. Ask your doctor and your baby's doctor about vitamin D as well as sun exposure.
This answer is based on source information from The Federal Government Source for Women's Health Information.
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Intermountain Healthcare answeredSee All 2 AnswersWhat you eat and drink is very important when you’re breastfeeding, especially during the first two to three weeks when your milk supply is becoming established. Don’t diet during this critical time. Follow an eating plan that includes a generous intake (1,800 to 2,200 calories each day) of nutrients from all food groups. Also, be sure to make smart choices from each food group, now and all through your life:
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Dark green, orange and yellow vegetables are especially healthy choices.
- Make most of the grains you eat whole grains. Examples include whole-wheat bread, brown rice and oatmeal. These have lots of healthy fiber and nutrients.
- Choose heart-healthy proteins. Examples include beans, eggs, low-fat cheese, nut butters, skinless poultry and lean red meats. Fish is another good protein source, but to limit your intake of mercury (common in many sea fish), eat no more than 12 ounces a week of halibut, sea bass, swordfish, mackerel, grouper, red snapper and orange roughy.
- Select low-fat dairy products. Go for nonfat or low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. If you’re breastfeeding, you need at least four servings of dairy each day.
- Choose unsaturated fats and oils—and stay away from trans fat. Read food labels to see what’s inside.
- Limit salt and sweets. Most Americans get far too much sodium (salt) in their diet and eat too many sweets. So keep salty and sweet snacks to a minimum—save your appetite for foods with the nutrients you need right now.
What about foods to avoid? Contrary to popular belief, there are no “forbidden foods” for breastfeeding women. Unless you have a food allergy in the family, you should be able to eat everything in moderation—including spicy foods, nuts, dairy, broccoli and chocolate. Your baby’s occasional fussiness is probably not related to your diet. However, if you’re concerned, you can try eliminating a particular food for a time to see if things improve, or talk to your baby’s doctor.
You should drink plenty of fluids. Try to drink at least 8 cups of fluid each day. However, forcing fluids beyond your thirst will not increase your milk supply.