BabyNature Free Breastfeeding Information, Support and Advice for New Mothers

Breastfeeding Help & Information: Free Advice on Natural Remedies & Nursing Tips

Breastfeeding - The Gift of Good Health!

New mothers and mothers-to-be want to give their babies the very best of everything and breast milk can’t be beaten as a perfect first food for your child. Deciding whether to breastfeed your baby is an extremely personal decision. It is also one that must be carefully considered as it will affect your routine once the baby is born and has implications for your child’s future health. Every mother has the ability and potential to make a success of breastfeeding and enjoy it as a wonderful and natural bonding experience.

The advantages of breastfeeding

Modern research has shown that breast milk is the perfect nourishment for babies as it contains all your baby’s nutritional requirements in ideal proportions. Breast milk has just the right amount of sugar (energy), water, fat and protein that your baby needs for normal growth and development. A mother’s milk is also easier for your baby to digest than commercial formula.

Breastmilk provides your newborn with protection from bacteria and viruses and helps to fight infection and disease. This is made possible through antibodies from the mother’s own immune system in her breastmilk. Babies who have been breastfed have been shown to be healthier and have fewer infections, allergies, general medical problems and hospital admissions than those who are bottle (formula) fed.

In terms of convenience, breastfeeding comes out tops again as the best method of feeding your baby. You will save time and money spent on buying, measuring and mixing formula as well as sterilizing bottles and warming milk in the middle of the night!

Because breastfeeding uses up calories, it is also one of the best, natural weight-loss methods for losing those post-pregnancy pounds effortlessly! Nursing is also a wonderful way to bond with and feel close to your new baby.

Getting it right

Nursing your infant does not always come as naturally and easily as one would hope and many women have difficulties with learning the art of breastfeeding. If you are having trouble breastfeeding, firstly know that you are not alone and try not to get too frustrated with yourself. Breastfeeding is a skill to be learnt and doesn’t come naturally to many women at first. However, if nursing does not come easily at first, it is well worth persevering and there are many organizations and support groups that can help you to make a success of breastfeeding.

Problems with latching your baby and technique are extremely common. A lactation consultant will be able to help you with difficulties of technique and positioning as well as provide support, advice and encouragement.

There are a number of ways you can improve your chances of breastfeeding successfully. These include:

Starting as early as possible: nursing soon after delivery takes advantage of your newborn’s strong sucking reflex and provides your baby with a first meal of colostrum and all the immune protection it contains. (Colostrum is the first milk available in the days after birth and before the mature milk comes in.)
Practise “demand feeding” by nursing whenever your baby shows signs of hunger, including increased activity, putting the hands in the mouth or turning the head in search of a nipple. If you are unsure, feeding at least every 2 hours at first is a good estimate and will help to stimulate the production of milk and to help both you and your baby to 'practise' breastfeeding.
Feed your baby breastmilk exclusively. Mother’s milk contains everything your baby needs including the perfect amount of water so avoid feeding any “extra” formula, water or anything else. Because it is not possible to 'measure' how much your baby drinks (as is the case with bottle fed babies) many women worry that their babies are not receiving sufficient milk and then resort to supplementing breast milk with formula. A better idea is to breastfeed more frequently in order to stimulate milk production, rather than supplementing with formula.
Look after your health by eating a wholesome, balanced diet and drinking enough water or other caffeine-free beverages. Your body needs extra fluid and energy to produce enough milk for your child so don’t diet or reduce portion sizes during breastfeeding.
Although it is sometimes difficult in the first stressful weeks and months after your baby is born, sufficient rest and relaxation is important for milk production. Remember not to overdo things and find time to 'put your feet' up every day!

When you don’t have much milk

Many new mothers feel that they don’t have enough milk for their baby’s needs or that their milk is not flowing easily. It is important for new mums to remember that the initial milk produced in the first few days of your baby's life (colostrum) is produced in fairly small amounts, but is high in nutrients and immune-boosting substances. Though it may seem like very little, colostrum contains everything your baby needs for the first few days of life.

If your milk supply seems low, perseverance is also key as the frequent suckling action of your baby nursing will actually stimulate your body to produce more milk.

Once your mature milk comes in after a few days, you can expect 4-6 wet disposable nappies (diapers) (one or two more if you use cloth diapers) and 3 or 4 bowel movements in 24 hours. This will usually show that your baby is getting a perfectly adequate volume of milk. However, remember that babies differ and not all babies follow this pattern!

Things to avoid when breastfeeding

Your diet and lifestyle choices can have a direct impact on your baby when you’re breastfeeding so bear the following guidelines in mind:

Avoid caffeinated drinks and if you do drink coffee, limit yourself to a maximum of 2 cups a day and choose the de-caffeinated variety. More than this will affect your baby’s sleeping patterns as caffeine can be passed on to your baby in the breastmilk.
Don't smoke or use illegal drugs. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription or over the counter medication before using it. Some medications can pass into the milk and be ingested by your baby.
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Avoid heavily spiced foods, which may flavor your milk and upset your baby's tummy.

Breastfeeding and formula feeding together

Some women would love to breastfeed exclusively but for some reason are unable to do this. There are a number of options for mothers who work or are separated from their infants regularly. You may be able to express or “pump” milk and store it in a bottle for later feeding. Otherwise, combination feeding of both breast milk and formula is also a possibility. Although your baby will not receive 100% of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, this method still has great advantages over formula feeding only.

The joy of nursing your little one

Cherish this special time with your child. Nursing your new baby should be a wonderful and precious experience not only of feeding your child, but also of bonding between the two of you - the start of a bond that will last a lifetime!

How can BabyNature help with breastfeeding?

The following products from BabyNature have been formulated to help with breastfeeding.

Nature's Milk contains herbal ingredients formulated to increase breastmilk production and promote healthy milk flow.

Nipple Conditioning Cream contains natural herbs and tissue salts for preventing, soothing and healing cracked nipples.

First Universe CD is especially composed to provide relaxation during pregnancy and nursing and is a wonderful way to create a peaceful and calming ambience while nursing your baby. The music will also help your baby to fall asleep and because it is associated with the comfort and pleasure of nursing, this music may be played outside of nursing times too - to relax your baby and induce sleep.

Don't forget that our free email Ask Us service is always there for help when you need it!