What is breastfeeding?

The birth of a baby is the advent of hope. They are clean, simple and cute, not as complicated as the adult world. They are also magical. They can suck breast milk by themselves as soon as they are born, just like an instinct. So today let's talk about breast milk. What is the important role of breast milk for babies? So what is the way to breastfeed? How to feed better for babies?

Breastfeeding is the feeding of a baby with the mother's milk. In the past, due to urbanization in Western countries, mothers returned to work soon after giving birth, resulting in babies lacking breast milk. Studies have shown that babies who are breastfed develop healthier. As a result, women in Western countries have begun to return to breastfeeding in the past decade.

Breast milk is the most suitable nutrition for infants: it contains appropriate protein, carbohydrates (sugars), minerals (inorganic salts) and various vitamins to nourish growing and developing infants. Don't be discouraged if your breast milk is blue or watery, or worry that it might not be good enough. In fact, your breast milk is rich in all the baby nutrients necessary for your baby's development.

Breast milk (especially colostrum) contains a large amount of immune substances that resist viral and bacterial infections, which can enhance the baby's ability to resist disease. Children who are breastfed generally have strong disease resistance and rarely get sick, which is something that cannot be achieved by any other milk alternative.

Breast milk contains high-quality protein, essential fatty acids and lactic acid that promote rapid brain development. In addition, the content of taurine, which plays an important role in the development of brain tissue, is also high. Therefore, breast milk is the material guarantee for the rapid development of the baby's brain.

Side-lying (football) hold: Lay your baby on your side with your forearm supporting his or her back and his or her neck and head resting on your hand. This is a good position if you are recovering from a cesarean section as it puts little pressure on the wound.

Side-lying holding method: You can lie on your side in bed with your baby's face facing you, and rest your baby's head on your arm so that his mouth is level with your nipple. Support your back with pillows.

Cradle hold: Support your baby's head with the inside of your elbow, keeping his or her belly pressed against your body, and use your other hand to support your breast. Because only a small portion of the breast is exposed, breastfeeding will be more effective if you lift it out.

Newborns should start breastfeeding after birth and should be fed at irregular intervals as needed. Frequent breastfeeding is most necessary during the first 4-8 days after birth to increase the amount of breast milk rapidly. For sleepy or quiet babies, frequent feedings should be given during the day to provide the nutritional needs for their growth and development.

During the breastfeeding period, the mother should adopt the correct breastfeeding method and feed the baby alternately from the two breasts. When the baby has only eaten one breast, the mother should use a breast pump to empty the other breast to keep the size of the two breasts symmetrical. At the same time, do not let the baby pull on the nipple when feeding. During breastfeeding, mastitis should be avoided.

There is such a magical connection between a baby and his mother. The baby is closely connected to the mother during the ten months of pregnancy. After they are born, they know how to suck breast milk to relieve hunger without being taught. I think this reason is a phenomenon that many experts cannot explain. The arrival of a baby is not easy, and it is not easy for pregnant women to be pregnant for ten months. What we should do is to treat and care for them well.