About breastfeeding. How to hold your baby while breastfeeding

Every mother wants her child to be healthy and develop according to his age. But already during pregnancy, a woman begins to have disturbing thoughts that she will not be able to cope with the baby and organize his life so that he does not need anything. The first problems may arise already in the maternity hospital, when you need to put your baby to the breast for the first time.

First breastfeeding of a newborn in the hospital

Typically, a first-time mother experiences a number of difficulties with her first attempt to put her baby to the breast. You need to remember that determination and patience are your allies at this stage. On the first or second day, you release colostrum, which you must feed your baby. Each woman is different, but usually by 3-5 days colostrum is replaced by regular breast milk, at this time the body temperature may rise, the breasts may swell and it will be necessary to relieve its condition by pumping. You do not need to express all the milk, but only until you feel no lumps. This will have to be done for about several days, and sometimes just once, until this system gets its work going. This will happen quite quickly, but the speed depends on the number of times the baby is latched to the breast. Feeding on demand during the day and at night will lead to the fact that there will be no need to pump, and the baby will receive all the necessary dose of nutrients for normal development.

If there is no milk in the first days after birth

The appearance of breast milk 3-5 days after birth is normal and nature made sure that the baby had enough colostrum at this time.

A few tips to help the breastfeeding process:

• Give your baby breastfeed every 1-2 hours. Let him suckle on the small amount of colostrum that you have at the moment.
• Do not panic. During this period, colostrum is enough for a newborn to meet his needs.
• If you are unable to organize your newborn's breastfeeding, ask your midwife to help you, there is nothing wrong with that. All women experience problems for the first time and there is no need to be ashamed of it. If you are financially able, then after arriving home you can call a lactation consultant to your home. Phone numbers can be easily found on the Internet. But usually this is not required.
• Don't despair if your baby can't latch onto the nipple. Sit or lie down comfortably with your baby, grasp the nipple between your fingers at the border of the areola and the breast. Tickle your baby's lips or cheek with it (As shown in the picture - Step 1). When the baby opens her mouth, you can start feeding (Step 2). Make sure that the baby captures with his mouth not only the bulge of the nipple, but also a little of the areola around it (Step 3). It didn't work the first time, try again and again. There are no women who cannot breastfeed (or rather, there are, but there are less than 1% of them and this is due to physiological characteristics), but there are mothers who lack perseverance. Do not join their ranks, try, and you will definitely see the result. You need to stop sucking not by tearing the breast out of the baby’s mouth, but by slightly opening his mouth (Step 4).
• Drink more warm liquids. It is better to give preference to weak tea or mineral water without gases.
• Do not give your baby water, formula, or milk.

How often should I feed my baby and what intervals should I maintain between feedings?

Literally 5 years ago it was recommended to breastfeed a child with a break of at least 3 hours. At the moment, there is probably no pediatrician who would recommend establishing a strict breastfeeding regimen. Perhaps only grandmothers who fed their children using outdated methods insist that if you feed a newborn when he asks, overeating and health problems will arise.

WHO (World Health Organization) standards state that breastfeeding should be done on demand.

At the same time, it is very important that the mother can understand her baby. A child may cry and demand attention not only in case of hunger. There may be other reasons:

• wet diaper,
• the diaper is pressing or the baby is too big,
• intestinal colic,
• the child is hot or cold,
• the need for mother's warmth and communication.

Now let's look at the situation in practice. The newborn is crying and you must determine the reason for the crying. If the baby is in a clean diaper, at the moment he is unlikely to be bothered by any inflammatory processes, then take him in your arms and carry him a little. If the baby wanted your communication and participation in his life, then he has achieved his goal and the crying will stop. A hungry child will not stop demanding food. So it’s worth feeding him now. Do not listen to grandmothers who will confidently repeat that if a newborn asks for breastfeeding every hour, then he does not have enough milk. It happens that babies literally “hang” constantly on their chest. Treat this with understanding and don’t be afraid that you will spoil your baby. If this happens, it means that he now really needs a loved one nearby, and who is even closer than his mother.

Feeding at night

I don’t want to upset you, but newborns also ask to eat at night. The gastrointestinal tract of such young children does not allow them to go without food for a long time without harm to their health. Therefore, you will have to wake up for feeding. Some mothers practice co-sleeping so as not to have to get up to the crib, but to immediately offer the breast as soon as the baby wakes up. Other nursing mothers are afraid of harming their baby while sleeping, so they prefer to sleep separately. There are no right or wrong decisions in this aspect. It all depends on the parents. Don't forget about dad's opinion. If he prefers to spend the night with his wife rather than with his child, then you should meet him. Some fathers are not against co-sleeping. Remember that a favorable atmosphere in the family is very important for the child.

How often to breastfeed at night? Be sure to feed your baby several times between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. At this time, the process of breastfeeding in the mother’s body is being established. At other times, feed as many times as the newborn asks.

Basic comfortable poses

It doesn’t matter in what position the mother prefers to feed the baby, the main thing is that they both feel comfortable. There are now special pillows for feeding on sale, but you don’t have to buy them. Many mothers do without them and the process of breastfeeding is no less enjoyable.

Lying position

It is most comfortable to feed a newborn in a position lying on its side. You can use the lower breast and the upper one. In the latter case, the baby should be placed on a pillow so that you do not have to sag.

There are several other feeding options, but they are not suitable for newborns. The only position worth mentioning is "Jack". The mother lies on her side, and the child is nearby, but only his legs are extended along the mother’s head. You need to know this position so that when the milk arrives on days 3-4, the baby will help cope with congestion in the upper part of the chest.

Sitting position

You can sit on the bed cross-legged, or you can sit on a chair or rocking chair. In this case, under the child’s head is the forearm on the side of which the baby will be offered the breast. Sometimes the mother can use her hand instead of her forearm (for example, if the baby is weak and the sucking process needs to be corrected). When your baby gets older, he will be able to eat while sitting on your hip.

Ask questions to the medical staff and report any concerns you have so you can go home as informed as possible.

Colostrum and breast milk

Until the mother produces real breast milk, which occurs around day 3 after birth, your baby will rely on colostrum, the yellowish liquid produced by the mammary glands.

Beneficial properties of colostrum. This is a milk concentrate that fully meets your baby's first needs. Having a strong laxative effect, it accelerates the removal of meconium (original feces) from the baby’s body, reducing the risk of infant jaundice. Thanks to its rich content of fat, sugar, salt and protein, it eliminates the risk of hypoglycemia and dehydration.

Colostrum is very valuable for your baby’s health, because it is his first defense against germs and viruses. In fact, it contains a high concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A, which creates the first anti-infective barrier and also stimulates the development of the immune system. Thus, your child will not only be protected from infections, but his own immune defense will also turn on faster.

The benefits of mother's milk. Mother's milk is easily absorbed by the baby's body. It adapts perfectly to the needs of your baby, born at term or prematurely, day after day, week after week, throughout the feeding period.

At the beginning of feeding, the milk is light, watery, rich in lactose; during this period it contains especially a lot of water. Then the milk thickens and becomes “fat”, more nutritious (the amount of fat increases four times). Therefore, it is recommended to give the baby alternately the left and right breast.

The composition of milk is different for all women and changes every day and even throughout the day; Thus, the concentration of milk fats increases from 6 to 10 a.m. and is higher during the day than at night. Breast milk is always the right temperature, sterile, and comes in a variety of flavors depending on what the mother eats.

Start of feeding

A young mother has to listen to various conflicting opinions, which only confuse her! Our helpful tips will help you determine whether your baby is latching correctly and getting enough milk.
The two of you study together. Always keep in mind that breastfeeding involves not only you, but also your baby. Some women prepare carefully for breastfeeding in advance, but from the very beginning things don't work out as they expected. The baby also has a share of responsibility! It may be difficult for him to latch onto the breast, he may be nervous, etc.

First two hours. Ideally, a newborn is first put to the breast within two hours after birth. The mother is very receptive at this moment, all the baby’s senses are awakened, and his reflexes are especially strong. But the first feeding is not always easy; patience and calm are required. Allow your baby to latch onto the breast on his own so that he learns to suckle through instinct. Attempts to help most often only frighten the baby, even leading to him refusing the breast.

Indeed, if a child is forced to the breast, he may scream, and then his tongue is pressed against the roof of the mouth, rather than curling up around the nipple. Then he is physiologically unable to suck.

If your baby doesn't latch correctly right away, don't worry. Give him time to get to know you. You'll soon have plenty of opportunities to teach him how to suck productively! Remember that for this first breastfeeding, the “result” is not as important as physical contact, rapprochement; The moment when you and your child explore each other is very important.

In the first hours after birth. In the first 24 hours after birth, your baby will be tired and sleep a lot... just like you! He must rest, because the birth was a real test for him, on which he spent a lot of effort. However, the breasts need to be stimulated to produce milk. Indeed, milk production throughout breastfeeding depends on how often the baby is put to the breast and how effectively it is stimulated in the first days. To help your baby want to latch on, use the following tips.

Hold him in your arms: your smell, contact with your body can awaken his desire to suck.

Watch him and you will notice the first signs that he is ready to feed. Rapid eye movements indicate that he is dozing (feeding in deep sleep is doomed to failure!); Moving your lips and tongue, bringing your hands to your mouth, smacking your lips and restless body movements will indicate that your baby is ready to feed. And only as a last resort, when he is truly hungry, will he start screaming! In this case, you will have to calm him down first so that he can latch on properly.

At each feeding, give the baby alternately the left and the right breast, then place him on your shoulder in a vertical position so that he burps if necessary, stroke his legs, face, check if he is hot, change his diaper.

The benefits of breastfeeding

• Breastfeeding is very beneficial for both the baby and the mother.
• Breast milk gives the baby antibodies to many infections and in a short time significantly reduces the risk of gastrointestinal (diarrhea) and respiratory (asthma) diseases, as well as otitis media and nasopharyngitis.
• Breastfeeding can prevent postpartum bleeding in the mother: contractions (so-called postpartum cramps), which are caused by the hormone oxytocin, also involved in lactation, contribute to the reduction of the uterus.
• Breastfeeding also has long-term benefits: it reduces the baby's risk of allergies, obesity and diabetes.

Attaching to the breast

It is important to be able to properly attach your baby to the breast, since cracked nipples and other unpleasant consequences occur due to incorrect feeding posture. You should sit comfortably (see p. 351) and relax. Place pillows under your elbow and under your baby so that he is lying under your chest, and also under your back so that you do not have to lean towards him. Hold your baby close. His ear, shoulder and hip should be in line, meaning he shouldn't bend to reach your chest. His nose and chin touch your chest, his stomach touches yours (if you were both naked, your belly buttons would be touching).

To help your baby, you can give him the breast by holding it in your hand and bending it into a "C" shape, that is, placing your thumb on the breast and the other four fingers under it, away from the areola. Your baby should now open his mouth wide as if he is yawning. Tell him: “Open your mouth!” (and very soon you will notice that he understands you) by stroking his lower lip with your nipple or gently lowering his chin with your fingers. At this point, quickly bring the baby to your breast with the same hand with which you are holding him. He should capture the nipple and as much of the areola as possible with his mouth; your nipple should touch the depths of his palate.

Increased sensitivity. In the first days when breastfeeding, you may be concerned about increased breast sensitivity. The strength of the baby's sucking movements is great; Don't be surprised if you feel some pain at first.

Bottles, nipples, breast pumps. Avoid using bottles and nipples that interfere with proper latching; Also avoid silicone breast shields (or breast pumps), which can cause blockage of the milk ducts, leading to breast and nipple pain; they also accustom the baby to an incorrect position at the breast, which is then difficult to correct.

I have very small breasts. Will I still have enough milk to feed my baby?

Feeding and breast size

You should never rely on the appearance of your breasts when making predictions about a mother's ability to breastfeed. The size of a woman's breasts depends on the amount of fatty tissue contained in it, which does not affect the production of breast milk and does not determine its quality.

Breast enlargement during pregnancy is a sign of good breast function. Contrary to popular belief, almost all women are capable of breastfeeding if they are educated enough.
Milk production depends more on hormones and on the correct attachment of the baby to the breast than on its volume!

Proper breastfeeding

To determine if your baby is sucking properly, check to see if his lips are drawn toward the outside of his chest. His tongue should be out and curled under your breast (covering his bottom gum). His temple moves in rhythm with the sucking movements, and when he swallows, you can see movement from below behind the ear (about two sucking movements for one swallow). At the same time, he should neither make clicking sounds nor retract his cheeks. You should not feel pain, except for the first days when breast sensitivity is increased. Your baby is calm during feeding and looks full at the end.

If you or your baby seem to be positioned awkwardly, start over and try as many times as necessary. Attention: do not tear the baby off the breast, do not pull him back: he sucks with such force that it can hurt you! It’s better to put your little finger in the corner of his mouth; then he will instinctively open it and you can try again.

Appearance of milk

On the second or third day after birth, the mother produces milk under the influence of the hormone prolactin. By this time, milk production becomes necessary to meet the growing needs of the child: the volume of his stomach, which at birth contained from 5 to 7 ml, after 3 days increases 5 times!

The mother's breasts can be very tight, swollen and therefore often painful. However, do not put nursing cups in your bra: they can only worsen the situation by stimulating milk production. The painful sensations will soon stop: feeding will regulate milk production. To prevent stains on your clothes due to its “leakage,” you can use special feeding inserts (made of cotton, but not plastic, to avoid smudging). If you have too much milk, ask the maternity hospital staff if you can donate it to a breast milk donor center located in your city or department.

Feeding rhythm

Breastfeeding a baby is a special moment that you do not have to share with others! You should be relaxed, but the presence of other people can make you feel uncomfortable. Your baby will also need rest, especially at the beginning.

Request privacy. In the maternity hospital, ask to be left alone with your baby when you need to feed him. Ask the baby's father to talk to your visitors and politely let them know that you need peace. In the future, everything will work out naturally, depending on your characters, as well as how the feeding goes. It is important that you are relaxed when feeding and feel that your baby is calm.

Duration of feeding. To understand your baby and his needs, forget about the clock and watch him. There is no “hourly rate” for breastfeeding. One feeding can last from 10 minutes (two times for 5 minutes) to 40 minutes (two times for 20 minutes) and even more. It all depends on how much milk the baby swallows while sucking, as well as on the mother’s milk flow. You should notice when he sucks productively: the first movements will be fast, then more measured.

At the end of feeding, the breaks between sucking movements should become increasingly longer. At the same time, you may begin to feel sleepy or thirsty. Therefore, prepare a large glass of water for each feeding.

Feeding frequency. The rhythm of feedings is established over time: at first the baby may fall asleep without being completely satiated, and then after a short break he will ask to eat again. Gradually the situation stabilizes, and, as a rule, some time after returning home, 8 to 12 feedings per day occur. Remember to feed from both the left and right breast at each feeding, even if you think your baby is a little tired and dozed off. The more your baby nurses, the more milk she will produce.

If you're downhearted

It happens that a mother, knowing about the benefits of breastfeeding, prepares several weeks before giving birth and starts it quite confidently; but even then there are moments of despondency. This is all par for the course: the circumstances under which you start feeding your baby are not simple. Fatigue after childbirth, residual pain after episiotomy, baby's refusal to breastfeed, postpartum depression, confusion. As a result, due to all these unpleasant factors, your determination to feed may be shaken.

Be sure to share your doubts with someone: with someone from the clinic staff, with the child’s father, with a friend - it doesn’t matter. The most important thing is not to be ashamed if something doesn’t work out for you. Don't feel guilty if you can only talk about it through tears! Have the nurse check that you are in the correct feeding position; Ask her any questions you have. Things will gradually get better if you talk about your problems and ask for help.

It is important for young mothers to know how to properly feed a newborn with breast milk, what the regimen should be, the necessary standards, and acceptable positions when breastfeeding. The health of the woman and child depends on this process. Incorrect attachment is one of the causes of lactation disorders. To avoid problems, you need to remember the basic rules, which will be discussed.

The rules for breastfeeding children in the 21st century have changed greatly compared to the previous century. Many strict recommendations have been refuted or become soft.

No need to wash your breasts before every feeding: The fat layer will be washed off from the skin. This protective film protects nipples from cracks and scratches. Frequent use of soap will dry out your skin and nipples. It is enough to take a shower at the beginning and end of the day.

In most cases, babies under 6 months of age do not need to be given water. Supplementation is allowed in case of constipation, but during breastfeeding this rarely happens

There is no need to offer your baby water until he is 6 months old if he is breastfed. Mother's milk replaces food and drink. He will find all the useful substances in milk and will not feel thirsty.

A nursing woman is recommended to drink a glass of liquid - clean water, rosehip decoction, tea with milk 15-20 minutes before the start of the process. This will enhance lactation and give you strength.

Chest grab

Mother's milk is the most suitable food for newborns. This is important for the full development of the child. In order for the first attempts to be successful, you need to know some of the subtleties of the process.

First time

The newborn's first feeding should occur within the first hour after birth.. This stimulates the woman’s nipples and activates the lactation system, which makes uterine contractions better during the postpartum period. The baby begins to feel hungry, and colostrum starts the process of forming the correct microflora.

The benefits of the first portions of milk (colostrum) are determined by its composition. The table describes its main components.

Component	Description
Polypeptides	Stimulate cell growth and reproduction, tissue repair
Vitamin B	Participates in the formation and development of the nervous system, stimulates hematopoiesis
Subtype A antibodies	Protect the mucous membranes of the digestive system and nasopharynx from infection
Endorphins	Increases the body's resistance to adverse external conditions and stress
Amino acids	Promotes the development of the brain, heart, muscle tissue
Prebiotics	Fills the intestines with beneficial bacteria
Antioxidants	Stimulates the formation of the body's defenses.

The first attachment begins the feeding process. This is a natural process, important and necessary for the child to grow and develop safely.

5 Stages of Breast Latching

In how to properly feed a newborn with breast milk, the most important thing is the latch on the breast (read whether it is necessary). First you need to wash your hands thoroughly. You can squeeze a few drops of milk from the nipple to lubricate the nipple. It will become softer, and it will be easier for the baby to grasp it with his mouth.

Stages of latching onto the breast with the baby's mouth:
1
Place pillows or bolsters under the child so that his back is straight. Mom clasps her breasts with her fingers without touching the areola. He brings the baby to his face. He will smell the milk and open his mouth. If this does not happen, you need to squeeze drops of milk onto his lips and put the nipple on his mouth.
2
The chin touches the mother's chest, and the nose is turned to the nipple. The mouth should open wide. The nipple and part of the areola should enter the mouth.

The mouth should cover the areola, not just the nipple

3
The baby will begin to suck. Babies are different - some suck actively right away, others do it slowly. If milk leaks a little from the corner of the mouth, the baby's head should be raised and the index finger placed under the lower lip. The baby will press his lips tighter.
4
When the baby is full and begins to fall asleep, place your index finger between the chest and the corner of the mouth. This will help you pull out the nipple without effort.
5
There is no need to get dressed right away; it is advisable to let the milk dry on the nipple. The child must be held in an upright position so that he burps air. After the characteristic sound, put him in the crib.

With the correct technique, the baby will develop high-quality sucking. This will prevent nipple injuries in the future. It will be easier for the mother to cope with the baby when he grows up and gains weight. If your mother has it, you need to find out the reasons, because this is fraught with serious diseases.

The following video shows how to properly feed a newborn with breast milk.

Application in different poses

The choice of position for feeding a newborn remains with the mother. The process should take place in a relaxed state. It is important to take the load off a woman's back.

Sitting position

Mom folds her hands into a “cradle.” There should be support under your back

This position is convenient for feeding throughout the day. It is imperative to provide back support to give rest to the spine.

A suitable position is when the mother folds her arms in the form of a cradle. One hand supports the head, and the other the rest of the body. The baby's body is turned towards the mother, and it is convenient for the mouth to reach the nipple.

For weak and premature babies, it is better to place a pillow under the body. It will be convenient for the mother to control the baby's head with both hands.

Lying position

The mother puts the baby on her side, and she herself lies on the side. Baby's head on mother's hand

If the mother had a caesarean section or has stitches in the perineum, then it is better to lie down during the entire process. How to properly feed a newborn with breast milk while lying down is shown in the maternity hospital.

There are several provisions:

• Mom is lying on her hand. She puts the child on his side and lies down next to him on the side. In order for the baby to eat from the upper breast, he is placed on a pillow. For the bottom pillow is removed. The head lies on the mother's hand.
• Baby on mom. In this way, a baby is fed in case of severe colic, as well as a large flow of milk from the mother, so that the newborn does not choke. The mother lies on her back and places the newborn on her stomach so that he can reach the nipple. You can place a pillow under your mother's head and shoulders.
• From under the hand. The nursing woman sits half-sitting, leaning on her thigh and forearm, the baby lies on a pillow between the mother and the supporting arm. She holds the child's head from below and gives him the breast from above.

Throughout the day, the positions change depending on the woman's preference and circumstances.

Negative consequences due to incorrect application

Proper attachment of a newborn during breastfeeding will help avoid many troubles. The baby may damage the nipple. He sucks hard, but poor latching prevents him from getting milk. This will cause pain to the woman; some refuse to try breastfeeding again for this reason.

It also causes ineffective milk suction. Because of this the gland will become rough, swell, inflamed. We advise you to read the tips on how to prevent it.

It is worth purchasing clothes for nursing mothers in advance - blouses and T-shirts with slits

Nursing mothers sometimes have to feed their babies in public places. If you are planning a long walk, then you need to take into account that the child will get hungry, so you need to prepare. Take with you a large scarf or diaper, a set of wet and dry wipes, and a small snack.

You can wear special clothes for nursing women - blouses, T-shirts with slits for the chest, sewn-in bras. When it’s time to eat, it’s better to be proactive: don’t wait for a demanding cry, feed the baby before his request.

You should find a secluded place where there will be fewer people. If this is not the case, then simply sit down, turning away, so as to attract less attention. Throw a scarf or diaper over your shoulders to protect your baby from prying eyes. Feed him and carry him vertically (read this article), since the newborn should be kept in this position after feeding to burp air.

Eating in the fresh air stimulates a good appetite and gives sound sleep. It allows mom to take a break from the everyday work of caring for the baby. If feeding outside the home is not possible, you can take a bottle of expressed milk with you. How to use a breast pump in this case and which one is better to choose is a topic.

Basic Rules

Breastfeeding must be done correctly. When attaching, various difficulties arise that affect feeding.

How to alternate breasts

The milk in the gland is not homogeneous. First, the baby sucks the so-called “foremilk.” It is more liquid and contains less fat and nutrients. Then comes the “back”, more saturated portion. This combination allows the baby to have a balanced diet. When feeding you need to give one breast, and the next time - the other.

If at one time the baby sucked first from one gland, then a little from the other, then he received two not very nutritious portions, and no longer wants to finish the saturated leftovers. It is wise to alternate breasts only when establishing a feeding regimen, and not on ordinary days.

Regime or requirement - which is better?

Modern pediatricians are inclined to believe that it is better to feed newborn babies on demand, rather than by the hour. After all, the baby calls his mother not only during hunger. When sucking, it is easier for him to calm down. With his mother he is not so scared, cold or worried. Lactation when feeding on demand will be stable.

Feeding at night should not be ignored, although this entails inconvenience for the mother

Feeding a newborn baby by the hour is convenient because it is predictable. When feeding on demand, the mother becomes “attached” to the baby. This is especially unusual for young women with their first child.

Be sure to feed at night. The hormone prolactin, responsible for lactation, is produced precisely at night. The most effective meals are considered to be between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m.

The mother is not able to get enough sleep with this mode of feeding the newborn, but she needs to use the baby’s daytime sleep hours for her rest. In the future, the child will grow up and stop eating at night.

How much should a newborn suck?

Each baby is individual. Already from birth he has his own character. One sucks briskly and actively for 15 minutes, the other - slowly, with pleasure, for almost 40 minutes. With prolonged feeding, cracks may appear on the nipples. But if you take the breast early, the fattest and most healthy portion will not go to the baby.

There is a norm for feeding a breastfed newborn- from 10 to 40 minutes. Next, you need to monitor the child to see if he eats enough during this time.

Several signs that your baby is full

If your baby is gaining weight and feels good, it means he is getting enough to eat.

Many breastfeeding women worry whether their baby is getting enough to eat at the normal feeding rate for a newborn. There are several signs by which you can understand that the baby is full:

• the newborn is gaining weight normally and feels well (in this publication you will learn about the months);
• urine is excreted approximately 10 times a day;
• stools look like porridge, up to 8 times a day;
• the skin is clean and pink;
• The baby's development is progressing according to schedule.

Cranky behavior between meals cannot be a symptom of a lack of milk. He may suffer from colic or uncomfortable posture. How much a newborn should eat at one feeding can be determined with a pediatrician. It depends on birth weight and age.

7 times when you shouldn't breastfeed

There are situations when the use of mother's milk is contraindicated, as it can transfer drug residues or bacteria from the mother to the baby.

Diseases and conditions of women that exclude breastfeeding:

• oncology;
• open form of tuberculosis;
• deadly infections - plague, cholera;
• mental disorders - schizophrenia;
• taking medications for nervous disorders - antidepressants, lithium salts:
• hepatitis.

For some diseases (chickenpox, measles), you need to express milk, sterilize it and then give it to the baby.

Conclusion

Breast milk is necessary for the growth and development of the baby's immunity. But for this process to be beneficial, you need to remember the basic rules of latching and latching onto the breast. You need to understand that some diseases impose restrictions on breastfeeding and even prohibit it. Therefore, in a timely manner, ask for information about the rules of artificial feeding, as well as for a newborn.

With the birth of your baby, many questions arise and, probably, the very first of them is nutrition. After all, restful sleep, normal stool and rest for the mother herself depend on properly organized feeding. How to properly organize the process itself, and how often to feed a newborn?

From this article you will learn:

On the first or second day, a woman who has given birth to a child begins to produce colostrum, which she needs to start feeding her baby. Around days 3-6 it will be replaced by breast milk. And so that all processes are set up and working correctly, and your baby receives adequate nutrition, you should often put the baby to the breast, at his request.

Here are some tips to help organize the feeding process:

• Try to breastfeed your baby every two hours. Let him suckle even a small amount of colostrum.
• Don't panic. This is quite enough for the child. Your nervous state is transmitted to the baby and he begins to be capricious, but this does not mean that he wants to eat.
• Do not hesitate to contact the medical staff for help. If you don’t know how to put your baby to your breast and how often to feed your baby, ask your midwife, she will show you everything and help you.
• Choose a comfortable position for you and your baby. Learn to breastfeed him correctly, it won't work the first time, but with a little practice and everything will be fine.
• Drink plenty of fluids: tea or water.
• Do not give your child extra water or formula.

How often to feed a newborn baby

To decide how many times a day to feed your newborn baby, observe his behavior. Most often, the baby is put to the breast once every 3 or 4 hours. However, you should feed your baby on demand - he will never eat more than necessary, so you will not overfeed him.

The frequency of milk intake depends on the duration of the sucking process. After all, it happens that a child falls asleep without having time to get enough, then he will wake up from hunger and the interval between meals will be shorter.

Observe the baby's behavior

If the mother manages to notice the baby’s signals that he is ready to suck, then he will not need to cry or draw attention to himself. As a result, you have a calm baby, and you are happy parents!

To understand how often to feed a newborn, you need to learn to distinguish what the baby wants. In the first weeks of life, breastfeeding can satisfy all the baby's needs: nutrition, communication, protection and reassurance. However, there are some signs by which you can determine that your baby is hungry.

Signs of hunger in newborns:

• noticeable movement of the eyes under the eyelids;
• muscle tension is observed;
• the baby begins to spin and twirl;
• makes various sounds;
• puts hands in mouth;
• tries to suck his hand or an object nearby.

How to feed a newborn correctly

There are several rules to follow when feeding your baby.

• Wash your hands with soap;
• wipe the nipple with a small amount of your milk;
• feed your baby the breast correctly;
• make sure that the child grasps the areola, and not just the nipple itself;
• after the baby has had enough and released the breast, hold him upright;
• put the baby on his side.

Feeding at night

The digestive system of young children does not allow them to go for a long time without food. Therefore, you will have to get up at night to feed your child. Some people sleep together with the child, the so-called co-sleeping, so that they can feed the awakened baby without getting up. Others are afraid to lie on a child in a dream and therefore sleep separately. There are no right solutions here. How to arrange your sleep, and how it will be more convenient, is up to your family to decide.

It is important, when feeding at night, to attach the baby to the breast several times between 3 and 9 o'clock. This promotes the milk production process. The rest of the time you can feed him on demand.

Comfortable feeding positions

It doesn’t matter what position you feed your baby in; the main thing is comfort for you and the baby. Today you can see special pillows for feeding on sale. You can use them, but you can do without such a pillow.

Sitting position

Some mothers find it convenient to feed their baby while sitting on a chair, armchair or bed. In this position, there is a hand under the baby's head, on the side of which he will receive the breast. When he grows up, he will be able to eat while sitting on your leg.

Lying position

It is more convenient to feed the baby lying on his side. It is worth placing the baby on a pillow so that you do not have to bend over and strain your back muscles.

How often to feed a newborn with formula

What to do if your baby is bottle-fed. How often should I feed the newborn in this case? Doctors are unanimous in their position on this issue - you need to adhere to the feeding regimen no more than every 3 hours. This allows the baby to have regular bowel movements.

There is also a formula by which the formula nutrition rate is calculated: the number of days of a child’s life is multiplied by 80 (if the baby was born weighing more than 3.2 kg) and by 70 (if his weight was less than 3.2 kg). For example, if a child is 6 days old and was born weighing 3 kg, then his daily ration should be 420 ml (6x70). You need to divide this volume by the number of feedings and get the amount of mixture for one time. Most often, a month-old baby drinks 30-60 ml of formula at a time.

Should I give my newborn water?

But on this issue there is no consensus of opinion. It all depends on the climate of the room in which the baby is located. If it is too hot and stuffy, then you should give your child boiled water, but you should not abuse it, because after drinking water, he will eat less milk.

If you practice swimming in cool water, then you also need to give your child water. However, it is worth saying that breastfeeding can provide the baby with all the substances it needs, so in most cases there is no need to supplement the baby.

There is no universal answer to the question of how many times to feed a baby. The number of feedings depends on the age of the child and his individual needs. Breastfeeding is the best choice for a baby, but if problems with lactation arise, there is a wide range of adapted milk formulas that you will find in the Daughters-Sons online store.

How often should you feed your baby?

The composition of mother's milk is ideal for the baby. The longer a woman feeds her baby, the more stable his immunity will be. If a child is breastfed all year, he has practically no problems with digestion, he gets sick much less often, falls asleep peacefully and does not suffer from food allergies. Mothers often wonder how long to feed their baby? It’s difficult to answer exactly, it depends on the baby’s needs, but WHO recommends breastfeeding up to 1.5-2 years.

Most mothers would be happy to follow the advice of this respected organization, but, unfortunately, many complain about problems with lactation. Sometimes there is a catastrophic shortage of breast milk already at 5-6 months. One of the reasons for decreased lactation is improper feeding.

What to pay attention to when feeding your baby:

• choosing a comfortable position (lying or sitting) so as not to get tired;
• position of the child (the baby’s tummy should be in contact with the mother’s body, the face should be turned towards the nipple);
• the baby’s breathing (the baby’s nose should not press tightly against the chest);
• nipple capture (you do not need to put the nipple in the child’s mouth, he must take it on his own);
• feeding schedule (how to feed a baby, by the hour or on demand).

How long does it take to feed a baby?

Several decades ago, medicine recommended adhering to a strict schedule; nowadays, pediatricians advise feeding the baby on demand. How many times the baby needs to be fed is decided by the mother, who carefully watches her baby. 3-4 weeks after birth, the baby will develop its own individual feeding schedule. In the first few months, intervals between feedings can be from 2.5 to 6 hours. Should you feed your baby at night? Of course, feed. Young children often wake up demanding food. As they grow older, the frequency of night feedings decreases and then stops altogether.

Important!

It is impossible to definitively answer the question of how many times a day you should feed your baby. The most effective method of breastfeeding is at the request of the child. The more the baby suckles, the more successful lactation will be and there will be no painful stagnation of milk in the breast, which leads to mastitis.

How long should you feed your baby?

Breastfeeding is not an exact science and there are no specific, hard-and-fast recommendations. The baby, who was born a few days ago, adapts to this world by sucking at the breast. There is no need to disturb him or sharply pull out the nipple when the child has fallen asleep. It is inhumane to limit the time spent at the mother's breast for children aged 1-2 months. Mom needs to think not about how long to feed the baby, but about where it is more comfortable for him to fall asleep. When breastfeeding, you should not talk on the phone, communicate with family members, or watch TV. Give these minutes to your baby.

The composition of the milk received by the child in the first 5-10 minutes and later is slightly different. First, the baby sucks liquid low-calorie milk. Then, after about 5-15 minutes of active eating, high-fat, high-calorie milk enters the breast. To get to this nutritious product, infants in the first two months of life may need from 10 to 20 minutes. An active baby eats delicious full-fat milk in an average of 10 minutes. Weak children need more time.

During the first month of life, the baby learns and adapts. In the second month, an unclear feeding schedule is already developed. Only after 3-4 months can the mother tell how long one feeding takes. The baby is stronger and eats with pleasure. Sometimes at this age you have to supplement with a second breast, although one breast is usually given at one feeding.

Important!

A child has several periods that are characterized by an active stage of growth. At this time, the baby's appetite increases significantly. Typically, intensive growth is observed in the interval from the 7th to the 10th day, from the 4th to the 6th week, and also for some time in the 12th week and in the 6th month. After the end of active growth, the child’s appetite decreases.

conclusions

Proper breastfeeding requires maximum attention from the mother to the baby. Breastfeeding should not be done according to a specific schedule, but at the baby’s request. This solution allows the baby to more easily adapt to life and survive the rupture of the umbilical cord. This method ensures a constantly high level of lactation.

It is impossible to clearly say how long to feed a baby. When a child is hungry, he becomes restless, sucks and licks his hands, and makes smacking sounds. You need to give the breast in such a way that the baby latches on to the nipple. Feeding time averages 15-30 minutes. Depends on the age of the child and his individual characteristics.