Breastfeeding is one of the most natural ways of nourishing a baby in the world.
Breast milk is precisely adapted to the needs of a growing baby. It contains minerals and vitamins. It provides protection against infections, which also improves the baby's health.
Immediately after birth, the baby and the mother get to know each other.
It is best when the newborn is attached to the mother's body after birth, skin to skin. This helps it to overcome adaptation mechanisms. The first physical contact and the first falling in love with the baby takes place between them.
Bonding is the first attachment of a newborn to the breast after birth. Some babies attach to the breast right away, others take time, need patience and more time.
Rooming-in is essential for promoting lactation.
Mother and baby stay together day and night after birth. This helps mothers learn to get to know their baby so that she can respond to his demands.
This promotes the mother-infant bond and enables breastfeeding.
It also teaches the mother to respond to the baby's first hunger signals so that she can feed the baby at any time. It is best to breastfeed without a swaddle so that direct contact between mother and baby is established.
Milk production in the breast does not depend on the size of the breast. Silicone is not a barrier.
Every woman's body is capable of providing enough milk for the baby's needs.
However, for some, milk production starts more slowly and frequent feeding of the newborn is necessary.
Colostrum is the first milk that forms in a woman's breasts during the first few days after birth. It is a yellowish fluid rich in antibodies, proteins and protective substances.
Anterior and posterior milk. A woman's breast produces two types of breast milk during breastfeeding.
When the baby attaches to the breast, it initially releases foremilk, which is thin and provides a supply of fluid.
Then comes the hind milk, which is thicker, richer in nutrients and essential for the baby's growth and health.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, protects against childhood diabetes and leukaemia.
This is the reflex that automatically triggers milk when the baby latches on to the breast.
By latching on, the mother's body produces hormones that stimulate milk production, and milk begins to flow from the nipple. Some mothers do not notice this reflex, while others have milk flow from the breast after latching on and pumping.
Mothers' breasts become accustomed to the feeding regime. At feeding time, they fill up even when the baby is not attached to the breast. This can cause pain and an uncomfortable sensation of engorged breasts.
This feeling disappears after the baby has fed.
If it persists, the breasts should be pumped with a breast pump, by expressing or by applying warm or cold compresses.
It is recommended to breastfeed only for 6 months and to start adding the first feeds after 6 months between breastfeeding.
During breastfeeding, hormones are released from the mother's body filling the mother with a sense of joy.
The production of prolactin creates a calming sensation, increasing the feeling of relaxation and focus during breastfeeding on the baby.
During breastfeeding, the hormone oxytocin is released, which helps the uterus return to normal size more quickly and reduces postpartum bleeding.
Oxytocin also promotes feelings of affection and love for the baby.
Benefits of breastfeeding for the mother:
Breastfeeding delays the onset of menstruation. Provides a natural form of contraception.
Breast milk is free. The only increased cost is the increased dietary intake during breastfeeding, by at least 400-500 calories. Artificial milk must be purchased and is quite expensive.
Breastfeeding at night is faster and easier when breastfeeding. It is always on hand and does not have to be heated, mixed and prepared like artificial milk.
Travelling or longer walks are not a problem for breastfeeding mothers. They do not have to carry all the equipment to prepare the milk.
It is more environmentally friendly. No need to use bottles, pacifiers or wash bottles.
Breastfeeding, as simple as it sounds, is quite a complicated process.
The success of breastfeeding depends on the correct positioning of the baby to the breast and a breastfeeding position that is comfortable and convenient for you.
Breastfeeding should not be painful.
Proper breastfeeding protects against cracked nipples and breast pain.
At the beginning of breastfeeding, it is important to alternate breasts after 15 minutes of breastfeeding to stimulate milk production from both breasts.
With proper suckling, the baby's mouth is wide open, lips pouty, and the nipple is pointing toward the palate transition (hard and soft).
When attached to the breast, sucking movements are quick and short, which stimulates lactation.
As soon as the milk is released and starts to flow, the baby suckles slowly and deeply. During sucking, the baby takes short breaks and continues sucking.
During feeding, you may notice that the baby's lips are moist and you can hear him swallowing. The milk may leak out between the corners of his lips.
However, it is not possible to know exactly how long breastfeeding should last. No two babies are the same and every baby is different. Some babies suck quickly and get full from one breast during breastfeeding. Others are slower and suck slowly from both breasts.
The breast is soft after breastfeeding and the mother can feel the uterine contractions. After breastfeeding, the baby is happy and relaxed.
Before each breastfeeding, wash the nipple and the areola with clean water.
Attention. Do not put the breast close to the baby.
The correct rotation of the head to the breast and the correct support of the back and neck are very important when breastfeeding.
If you cannot do this, try a different breastfeeding technique.
If the baby cries, first calm him down. When he cries, he presses his tongue against the palate and is unable to latch on properly.
Proper breastfeeding is never painful. If breastfeeding hurts, try to latch the baby on so that the pain goes away. There is always a reason behind the pain.
However, after giving birth and for a few days afterwards, you may feel a slight pain on your nipple, which is perfectly natural. It is something new for your breasts. Your breasts will soon come to terms with it and the pain will pass.
Each baby has its own frequency and length of breastfeeding, each is different. One drinks quickly and the other more slowly.
Factors such as the baby's growth and the frequency of latching on also affect the length of breastfeeding.
The first days of breastfeeding
During the breastfeeding period
Supplement vitamins and minerals in the form of vitamin supplements. In most cases, the diet is not enough to cover them and the baby does not get enough of the necessary substances from the milk.
The baby should spend the same amount of time at each breast.
If your milk stops forming, increase the frequency of breastfeeding.
Start each new breastfeeding at the breast you stopped at. This will evenly distribute milk production to both breasts.
Because most babies spend more time at the first breast than the second, residual milk remains at the second breast. Therefore, to ensure even milk production, you must start with the breast that has not been completely emptied.
Let the baby suck from the first breast until the baby lets go. This takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
After eating, let the baby burp.
Then attach the baby to the second breast and let him burp as well.
Put a diaper over your shoulder and hold the baby upright with his head on your shoulder.
Gently stroke his back and make gentle circles around his shoulder blades.
If he doesn't burp, gently pat his back from his bottom to his shoulder blades.
If neither burping technique works, put the baby to the breast and try feeding him again or gently swaddle him. He should burp after being swaddled and then lifted onto his shoulder blades.
If the baby falls asleep during breastfeeding and has not eaten enough, try tickling him a little on his leg, back or cheek. You can also try waking him up by gently moving him in your arms to get him to return to feeding.
When the baby is fed and continues to sleep, put him in an upright position and always let him burp.
For the first 10 hours after birth, the baby will latch on 1-2 times as part of postpartum adaptation, but still has to cope with the birth.
If the baby is sleepy during the first few hours, the mother should express milk every three hours to stimulate lactation.
After the resting phase, there is a period of activity when the baby is awake.
Some babies are hungry an hour after the last breastfeeding.
Frequent latching is important and essential for breastfeeding.
The baby drinks milk 8-14 times a day.
The size of a newborn's stomach in the first few days is 2-5 ml.
As breastfeeding progresses, the size of the stomach increases, which increases milk production.
Adequate milk production and milk intake by the baby is manifested:
It is most ideal to attach the baby at the first sign.
If the mother does not respond to these signals and does not attach to the feeding, the baby will become restless and start crying. It is always best to soothe a crying baby before breastfeeding so that it eats calmly.
Read also.
The position for breastfeeding should be comfortable.
The mother should put the baby with her tummy against her body so that there is direct contact between them, with her face turned towards the mother.
The baby's mouth should be level with the nipple of the breast.
Every breastfeeding mother has a favourite breastfeeding position that suits her and the baby and is comfortable for her.
| Half-lying position |
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| The lying position |
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| Sitting position, cradle |
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| Crossed cradle |
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| Position from the side of the attached baby |
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| Upright position |
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| Breastfeeding in a scarf |
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| Breastfeeding in public |
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A list of things to help you breastfeed better and more comfortably:
If the breasts are engorged and the amount of milk pumped by the baby is insufficient, manual pumping or pumping with a breast pump is recommended.
You can store the collected expressed milk for future use when you are not with the baby. For example, when the grandparents are looking after the baby.
You can store breast milk by freezing it.
Is your baby restless when feeding?
Do you feel that there is not enough milk after feeding from both breasts?
These milk crises are normal during breastfeeding.
Your baby has probably increased his daily milk intake and your breasts need to start with increased production, which is perfectly physiological.
Reach for teas to promote lactation.
| Herbs to support breastfeeding |
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| Stop breastfeeding |
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During the first few weeks of breastfeeding, nipples can become sore and sensitive. This is usually due to poor technique of attaching the baby to the breast and poor latching.
Try to find the right breastfeeding technique or ask a lactation nurse for help, but never stop breastfeeding.
If breastfeeding is very painful, pump or squirt breast milk from the breast into a bottle. Feed the baby from a bottle, cup or spoon.
If you are planning to overcome a sore nipple crisis and continue breastfeeding, do not bottle feed your baby. Use a cup or spoon. Once your baby gets used to a bottle that is not as demanding to suck from as sucking from the breast, he or she will begin to reject your breasts.
The inability of the baby to suck properly due to a too short bridle placed under the tongue. This affects the mobility and function of the tongue.
Approximately 5% of newborns have a shortened bridle under the tongue. This causes complications when breastfeeding.
If you have a problem with breastfeeding, inform your paediatrician. He or she will check the size of the baby's bridle and, if necessary, perform a small surgical procedure under partial anaesthesia to cut the bridle under sterile conditions.
Soor, powdery mildew, frog or also candida is the name for a yeast infection in a child's mouth.
It manifests itself as a white coating in the mouth on the tongue, inside of the cheeks and lips. This fungal disease causes pain and hence improper breastfeeding.
The treatment consists in smearing the mouth with an antifungal solution prescribed by the pediatrician.
Cracks in the nipple often appear when incorrectly attaching the baby. After each breastfeeding, you can try squirting a little milk, which you spread over the nipple and let it dry. Do not cover the nipples.
You can also try rubbing your nipples with petroleum jelly or lanolin.
Read also the article: Itching and nipple pain: what are all the possible causes?
A sharp and stabbing pain in the breast when the baby starts sucking is one of the common pains from the beginning of breastfeeding.
To relieve the pain, try expressing a few drops of milk before each breastfeeding and the pain will ease after sucking. These uncomfortable pains often disappear after a few weeks as your breasts get used to breastfeeding.
Read also.
Lumps in the breasts or armpits may be caused by blocked milk glands or milk ducts. Apply a warm compress to your breasts or massage them gently.
Also read our article:
Before attaching the baby to the breast, express some milk to relieve the pressure in the breast.
Engorged and full breasts can cause uncomfortable pressure to breast pain. To relieve this uncomfortable feeling, give the baby a drink to relieve the pressure. If the baby is fed and not hungry, express milk to relieve the pressure.
During breastfeeding, especially in the first few months, the mother needs to be a little careful about what she eats.
All the ingredients from the mother's diet pass into the breast milk. They can cause colic, diarrhoea or allergies in the baby, most often in the form of a skin rash or seeding.
Fluid intake during breastfeeding is very important for adequate milk production.
Drink plenty of fluids during the day, at least 2 to 3 litres a day. Water or herbal teas are recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
Avoid overly sweetened drinks, caffeinated drinks and alcohol.
A varied diet and an increased intake of at least 300 to 500 calories is important when breastfeeding. Breastfeeding increases the mother's calorie intake.
The diet should be balanced and varied to ensure nutrient intake.
Include:
Everything you eat is absorbed into breast milk.
Avoid spices in food. If you have a favourite type of spice, try it in small doses first and watch to see if your baby is sensitive to it. Hypersensitivity to food or spices can manifest itself in increased crying, tummy cramps and restlessness.
Avoid foods that bloat at the start of breastfeeding to prevent colic in babies.
Limit your consumption of sugar and sugary foods.
Give preference to vegetable fats over animal fats.
Avoid foods that are too spicy and spicy.
At first, also avoid legumes, which can cause abdominal cramps in the newborn.
Avoid nicotine, alcohol and caffeine.
There is a direct link between sudden infant death syndrome and smoking while breastfeeding.
If you feel like caffeinated coffee, reasonable doses are acceptable, but drink it after breastfeeding.
Exclude alcohol completely when breastfeeding. Alcohol passes into the milk and thus into your baby.
Our grandmothers recommended drinking beer for milk production, but this is a myth. Drinking beer will not increase milk production and the baby may refuse to breastfeed because of the altered taste of the milk.
If you do drink alcohol in large quantities, pump and pour the milk out first. Don't give it to the baby!
If the baby develops colic, winds, diarrhea, rash, general crankiness, it may be an allergic reaction or intolerance to a food ingredient. If you notice this, cut out the ingredient for 2 weeks and see if the baby gets better.
Bloating and colic are most often caused by foods such as:
Foods that can increase a child's allergic reaction and food sensitivities are:
| Of dairy products |
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| Meat products |
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| Types of vegetables |
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| Types of fruit |
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| From desserts |
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During breastfeeding, dieting is not recommended so that the milk does not lose value and cause the baby to lose weight.
The transmission of covid-19 into breast milk has not yet been established.
If the mother is positive for covid-19, there is no reason to stop breastfeeding.
However, she should follow strict hygiene habits.
When breastfeeding, use a respirator so that she does not breathe directly on the baby, disinfect her hands thoroughly before touching the baby, and wash her nipples with water before and after breastfeeding.
It is also important to regularly disinfect surfaces that the mother has touched.
A breastfeeding mother can be vaccinated with a vaccine that does not contain live virus that can pass into breast milk.
Vaccinated mothers pass on antibodies against the disease to their baby through breast milk.
During breastfeeding, every mother should be warned about the risks of passing certain medicines into breast milk.
However, some medicines do not pass into the milk or pass only in small, negligible amounts.
Each medicine has a precise label indicating whether it can be taken during breastfeeding. Some medicines are completely contraindicated because of the entry of the medicine into breast milk and the risk of endangering the baby.
What about for fever and pain during breastfeeding?
For fever and pain during breastfeeding, the mother can take the drugs paracetamol or ibuprofen, which pass into the milk only in minimal amounts. However, a medicine in the form of a suppository is also recommended.
In any case, do not take medicines such as Modafen, Nurofen STOPGRIP, Coldrex, Theraflu, Paralen Grip and other combination preparations because of the content of other medicines passing into breast milk (combination preparations contain more active substances).
What cough medicines?
It is not recommended to take codeine to suppress an irritating cough. It passes into breast milk and causes respiratory depression in the baby.
A safe substitute for codeine is taking butamirate (Stoptussin), which does not pass into the milk.
For expectoration, it is advisable to take ambroxol (Ambrobene), bromhexine and acetylcysteine (ACC long).
Other medicines and herbal teas
Alternating teas is advisable.
During full breastfeeding, menstruation may be delayed for several months after delivery, even a year.
This is caused by the hormone prolactin, which promotes milk production and suppresses ovulation, i.e. menstruation.
It all depends on how often you breastfeed your baby, on your body's reaction to the hormones.
As soon as you start to shorten your breastfeeding time, because the baby is breastfed and no longer requires so much breastfeeding, after a few weeks menstruation will come again.
Sometimes only in the form of spotting and other times it will start right away with the onset of normal bleeding.
However, if you continue breastfeeding and milk production continues, the menstrual cycle may not occur regularly.
If you become pregnant for the second time while breastfeeding, this is not a reason to wean the baby from the breast.
Exclusive breastfeeding (full breastfeeding) of the baby is recommended until 6 months of age. After that, it is recommended to start with feeds.
If you are pregnant while breastfeeding and your baby has reached 4 months of age, it is recommended to add the baby's first feeds while breastfeeding.
The only thing you need to make sure is that the breastfed baby does not lose weight. Pregnancy itself reduces milk production, but this is not a reason to wean.
Although uterine contractions occur during breastfeeding, these contractions are not a reason for miscarriage and do not pose any danger to your unborn baby.
Women can breastfeed their baby throughout pregnancy and continue breastfeeding after the birth. This is called tandem breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding alone makes it less likely to get pregnant.
Contraceptive options for breastfeeding mothers vary.
Contraception can be in the form of birth control pills for breastfeeding mothers containing only gestagen, the IUD, the shoulder contraceptive implant.
The non-hormonal method is the use of a condom, the use of a barrier method, but also a non-hormonal IUD.
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