The arrival of a new baby is cause for much joy and celebration. As parents, we strive our best to ensure a happy and healthy baby. Breastfeeding, from the first few minutes after birth, is one of the most precious gifts we can give our newborn.
Breast milk has incredible advantages; no substitute comes close to matching its benefits. For mom, it helps with postpartum weight loss, significantly decreases risk of breast cancer, decreases hemorrhaging after birth, and facilitates a close natural bond. It is also free, convenient, sterile, always the perfect temperature, easy for baby to digest, and contains the exact high nutrition content that your baby requires for proper nourishment and development.
Breast milk fosters the proper development of the immune and digestive systems. As a result, babies who breastfeed have a reduced number of ear infections, decreased bouts of diarrhea, decreased risk of developing asthma, food intolerances, or diabetes, and an increased chance of having straight healthy teeth when feeding directly from the breast. In addition, people who were breastfed tend to have an IQ that is 7 points higher on average!
Breastfeeding can be challenging for all mothers, not just first time moms. Each baby has their own personality and may become “fussy” for their own reasons, but there are things that can be done to reduce these challenges. It is essential to become knowledgeable of how to achieve a proper latch for your baby. Without proper latching numerous problems can arise such as sore breasts/nipples, difficult and prolonged feeding sessions, and most of all, an unhappy baby. These problems produce stress for mom and usually lead to resorting to the less health promoting option of using formula.
Part of achieving a good latch is to be able to breastfeed in a quiet, relaxed environment and to have patience, as each baby has the instincts but may need time to learn and perfect their latch. You should not worry or rush during feeding, as this will be counter-productive. Also, don’t expect it to happen right away: you need to be persistent. It takes practice for both mom and baby.
An excellent resource is Dr. Jack Newman’s (M.D.) book, “Guide to Breastfeeding”. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to observe him and learn from his breastfeeding clinic located within the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto. He has been practicing pediatrics for over 30 years and I have incorporated his understanding, research and knowledge into my clinical practice with my patients. Other resources for proper breastfeeding techniques and tips include health care practitioners (doulas, midwives, etc) or organized lactation groups such as La Leche League Canada (www.lllc.ca), who meet all over right here in Calgary.
Another important challenge is having a natural drugless childbirth. This allows your baby to be awake, alert and able to feed from the breast immediately, an important first step. The more time that elapses between birth and breastfeeding, the “fussier” the baby can become once the breast is eventually presented, making mom’s job much harder. The perception that the baby will never take to the breast is completely false. If this were true, we would not have survived as a species. Patience, practice and a good experienced person helping you with your technique are the keys to successful breastfeeding.
Keep in mind as long as baby is wetting diapers, pooping and gaining weight (no matter how fast), breastfeeding is more than sufficient. Bottles should never be introduced before 6 weeks, as it causes confusion, nor should they ever completely replace the breast. Breastfeeding ideally should continue for the first 12 months and may continue up to 3-4 years of age. In the case of cracked or sore nipples, use breast milk on the nipples after feeding sessions.
Dr. Derek Cook, BSC.H., ND
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