How often to feed a newborn with breast milk. When should you stop feeding your baby breast milk?

There is no consensus on the duration of breastfeeding. Some people believe that breastfeeding after a year is inadvisable, others breastfeed until the end of paid maternity leave, and supporters of radical views believe that a baby can receive mother’s milk for as long as he wants. The general opinion is that a child in the first six months of life should receive only breast milk, which contains all the necessary nutrients and water. From six months, breast milk remains beneficial for the baby, but can no longer fully provide all the nutritional needs of the baby, and therefore, from this age, along with mother’s milk, so-called “complementary foods” are introduced into the baby’s diet. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF pay great attention to the continuation of breastfeeding in children over one year old, recommending maintaining this process for up to two years or more. A second year child eats a very varied diet. His diet is almost the same as that of an adult. A mother can breastfeed her baby once or twice a day, most often at night. But this feeding is very important, since at the end of the first and in the second year of life, intensive growth, physical and mental development of the child continues. Therefore, breastfeeding should be done for as long as possible to help the baby develop correctly and harmoniously. Breast milk has a unique property: at each stage of the baby’s development, milk contains exactly those biological substances (hormones, growth factors, etc.) that are not found in any other baby food and that will ensure its proper development at the moment. For example, the milk produced by a woman who has given birth to a premature baby, during the first two weeks of breastfeeding (lactation), is close in composition to colostrum (breast milk “concentrate”), which helps the baby catch up with developmental delays. Or in the last stages of lactation (its second year), milk in terms of the content of specific protective proteins of the immune system - immunoglobulins - resembles colostrum, which prevents the development of infectious diseases in the child.

Benefits of long-term breastfeeding

Nutritional value

Scientific research proves that in the second year of life (and even after two or more years) milk remains a valuable source of proteins, fats, enzymes that break down proteins and fats in the intestines; hormones, vitamins and microelements that are quickly and easily absorbed. The content of vitamins and microelements in human milk may vary depending on the mother’s diet, but with a balanced diet it always meets the child’s needs. For example, when breastfeeding in the second year of life, the baby is protected from a deficiency of vitamin A, which is necessary for the normal formation and functioning of eyes, skin, hair, as well as vitamin K, which prevents bleeding. In addition, human milk contains an optimal amount of iron, which is very well absorbed in the baby’s intestines and prevents the development of iron deficiency anemia. Scientists have calculated that if a one-year-old child receives 500 ml of breast milk per day, then his daily energy needs are met by a third, protein by 40%, and vitamin C almost completely.

Protection against diseases

It is interesting to note that every pathogen that infects the mother stimulates the production of immunoglobulins present in the milk and received by the child. The concentration of these substances in milk increases with the age of the baby and with a reduction in the number of feedings, which allows older children to receive strong immune support. Immunoglobulins coat the intestinal mucosa like "white paint", making it inaccessible to pathogens, and provide unique protection against infections and allergies. In addition, proteins in human milk stimulate the development of the baby's own immune system. Also, human milk contains substances that stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria (bifidobacteria and lactobacilli) in the intestines, which prevent the colonization of it by pathogenic bacteria. Other milk proteins are also important. For example, the iron-binding protein lactoferrin can prevent the growth of a number of iron-binding bacteria.

Reducing the risk of allergic diseases

WHO studies have shown that long-term natural feeding (over 6-12 months) in combination with a hypoallergenic diet for a nursing mother significantly reduces the incidence of food allergies in children. The formation of the bite, facial structure, and speech development in children are also determined by the duration of natural feeding. This is due to the active participation of the muscles of the soft palate in the process of obtaining milk from the breast. Children who are breastfed for a long time are better able to reproduce the tones and frequencies of sounds. Speech disorders are less common in them and, mainly, these are physiological replacements of the sounds “w”, “zh”, “l” with more “simple” sounds, which can be easily corrected.

Benefits of children's physical development

Breastfeeding ensures an optimal ratio of fat and muscle tissue in the child's body and an optimal ratio of body length and weight. The physical development of a child corresponds to his biological age, does not advance or lag behind. This was determined by the timing of the formation of various skeletal bones. The emotional aspect of long-term natural feeding plays an important role. The special connection, the psychological attachment that is established between mother and child during feeding, remains for life. The neuropsychic development of such children may be advanced; they adapt better in adulthood. It is the process of breastfeeding that helps in the formation of the soul and personality that is inherent only to humans, self-awareness and knowledge of the world around us. Mothers who breastfeed for a long time show more care for their children, have a more positive attitude towards them, and maintain a feeling of love, which is especially important during the critical age periods of children after one year. No matter how stressed the mother is when she sits down to feed her baby, by the end of feeding both of them relax, and both of them noticeably improve their mood. In addition, women who breastfeed are much less likely to develop malignant neoplasms of the mammary glands and ovarian cancer. The protective role of breastfeeding has been established regarding the incidence of diabetes mellitus and obesity in children and adults. However, the reduction in the risk of diabetes depends on the duration of breastfeeding. The direct mechanism of this effect is associated with the fact that the energy substances of human breast milk, especially proteins and carbohydrates, are optimal in their structure for the child, are easily absorbed by him, without requiring an increase in the level of substances (including insulin) that break down the elements of milk into their component parts . Therefore, the regulation of the hunger and satiety centers in the brain does not change. And failures of such regulation lead to metabolic disorders and the development of endocrine diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Attention: during the entire period of breastfeeding, psychological support from loved ones (husband, parents) is important for a woman in her desire to breastfeed for as long as possible. After all, mothers often stop feeding their children only because of the misunderstanding of others. Don't listen to those who suggest stopping feeding for a year. Continue breastfeeding until age two or beyond. After a year or a year and a half, human milk does not become “empty”; at any stage of breastfeeding, it is the most valuable and healthy product for the baby, which helps him grow healthy, smart and cheerful.

When not to stop breastfeeding

For any disease, the child’s illness, including during diarrhea, since breast milk allows the baby to gain additional protective factors that help cope with the disease. It has been noticed that children who receive breast milk in the second and third years of life recover faster during illness. In summer time, since in summer, due to high temperatures, food spoils faster and the risk of developing intestinal infections is higher. But even if such a disease occurs, then complementary feeding products will have to be temporarily stopped and only mother’s milk will be consumed, which will be not only nutrition, but also a valuable natural medicine. In addition, stopping breastfeeding is always stressful for the body, including the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). In summer, the activity of enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract changes due to the predominance of vegetables and fruits in the diet, rather than meat and dairy products, and the high air temperature does not encourage higher-calorie foods. Thus, the abolition of breastfeeding and a complete transition to adult food creates additional conditions for indigestion. Do not stop breastfeeding immediately before important, significant events in your life and in the life of your baby, since these events are, for example, a change of residence, travel, a mother going to work or study, the child starting to attend a nursery, etc. are a stress factor for a small organism. In general, continue breastfeeding for as long as your maternal intuition tells you. Depending on the baby’s health condition and your inner feelings, she will be the one who will help you make the right decision.

With the birth of a child, every mother faces the question of proper feeding of her baby. Proper feeding implies providing the newborn’s body with all the necessary nutrients for normal physical and neuropsychological development. Therefore, every mother should think about what type of nutrition she chooses for her child.

Why should you breastfeed?

The most useful and ideal nutrition for a newborn is breast milk, which ensures the best development of the baby. Nature has provided the composition of breast milk, which is ideal for newborns; it contains proteins, which include essential amino acids, fats, carbohydrates, microelements, vitamins, contained in the right quantities and easily absorbed by the baby’s body. It also contains immune proteins and leukocytes, with the help of which the body’s resistance to diseases increases, since infants have underdeveloped immunity.

Breast milk has an optimal temperature, is sterile and is ready for consumption at any time, anywhere. Breastfeeding provides emotional contact between mother and child and the development of maternal instinct. When sucking on a breast that is elastic and soft, the child’s bite is formed correctly. For problems that develop during the eruption of baby teeth, breast milk helps relieve symptoms. It is also known that children who were fed breast milk are less predisposed to various diseases at an older age, compared to children who were fed artificially (infant formula). Therefore, in order to achieve the best result in the development of the child, the development of immunity, it is necessary to use breastfeeding for as long as possible, at least one year.

How to prepare your breasts and nipples for breastfeeding?

Even during pregnancy, you should pay attention to the shape of the nipples; how the baby will latch onto the breast depends on them. Nipples can be pronounced, flat or inverted. Pronounced nipples are the most comfortable for the baby at the moment of latching on to the breast, and flat and inverted nipples are less comfortable. Let us remind you that the child sucks on the breast, not the nipple, but still, with a comfortable nipple shape, the child takes the breast easier and with pleasure. Women with flat or inverted nipples should not be upset, as only a little preparation of the nipples is necessary before childbirth.

Applying special silicone caps to the area of the areola (nipple circle), which have a hole through which the nipple is pulled out. It is recommended to wear such caps 3-4 weeks before giving birth, and half an hour before each feeding in the first weeks of breastfeeding. If you still haven’t had time to prepare your nipples, it’s okay; using a breast pump after childbirth will solve this problem for you in a couple of weeks. For all breastfeeding mothers, it is recommended to wear special bras; they do not squeeze or press against enlarged breasts filled with milk, and also prevent harmful substances from clothing or the environment from getting on the skin of the breasts and nipples. These bras can be equipped with special pads that collect leaking milk, preventing clothes from getting dirty.

It is also recommended to wear clothes for nursing mothers, they provide easy access to the breast. Before each feeding, be sure to wash your hands with soap. The breasts need to be washed once a day, frequent washing of the breasts a day leads to disruption of the natural microflora of the nipple area, and possible inflammatory processes. The breast is washed with warm water, without using soap (if you take a shower, rinse with clean water), they are harmful to the health of your child.

What is the mechanism of milk formation, the composition of breast milk?

Breast milk is produced by the mammary gland under the influence of oxytocin (the hormone that helps labor contractions occur) and prolactin (a hormone whose concentration increases when a woman gives birth while suckling). Both hormones are produced by the pituitary gland (a gland located on the lower surface of the brain), they affect the process of milk production. When the concentration of prolactin increases, milk production by breast cells is stimulated. Oxytocin promotes its expulsion by contracting the muscles that are located around the cells that form milk, further along the milk canals (ducts), the milk approaches the nipple, the woman feels this process as engorgement of the breast (milk influx). The rate of milk production depends on the degree of emptying of the breast. When the breast is filled with milk, its production decreases, and when it is empty, production increases accordingly. Frequent latching of the baby to the breast also contributes to increased milk production. Increased milk production is observed only in the first 3-4 months of breastfeeding; in subsequent months it decreases.

The composition of milk changes over time. When a child is born, “colostrum” is released for several days; it is thick and sticky, yellow in color, contains large quantities of immune proteins, they ensure the development of immunity to adapt the sterile body of the newborn baby to the environment. Colostrum is secreted in drops, and compared to milk, it is fatty, so even a very small amount is enough to satiate the baby.
“Transitional milk” appears on the 4th day after birth, it becomes more liquid, but its value remains the same as that of colostrum.

Mature milk appears at 3 weeks after birth, when breastfeeding, it is white, liquid in consistency, less fatty than colostrum, but fully meets the requirements of the infant's body. Almost 90% consists of water, so you should not supplement your children with water; this only applies to children who are purely breastfed. The fat content of breast milk is approximately 3-4%, but this figure often changes.

At the beginning of feeding, the so-called foremilk (first portion) is released; there is less of it, so it is less caloric. In hindmilk (subsequent portions), the amount of fat increases, this milk is higher in calories, and the baby becomes full faster. In the first months of breastfeeding, milk is richer in fats compared to subsequent months (starting from 5-6 months). Protein in breast milk is approximately 1%. Proteins contain essential amino acids that are easily absorbed by the baby's body. Among the usual proteins that are necessary for the development of a child, there are also immune proteins that contribute to the development of immunity. Carbohydrates contain approximately 7%, the main representative being lactose. Lactose regulates intestinal microflora and the absorption of calcium by the body. Milk also contains leukocytes (white blood cells), when they enter the child’s intestines with milk, they destroy harmful bacteria. Milk also contains vitamins and various microelements that are involved in the complete satisfaction of the child’s body.

How to determine if a baby has enough milk?

A breastfed baby should be attached to the breast at his request during the day, and at least 3 times at night, on average 10-12 times a day. Feeding on demand means that at the first sign of anxiety the baby needs to be put to the breast. In order for the baby to be satiated, it must be correctly attached to the breast, sucking should be rhythmic for about 5-20 minutes, swallowing movements should be heard during sucking (swallowing milk), a well-fed baby can fall asleep under the breast, after feeding the breast should become soft. Signs of a hungry baby infant: opens his mouth wide, turns his head in different directions (looks for the nipple), whines, sucks his fist.

A child suckles at the breast not only to quench thirst or hunger, but also to calm, console, make it easier to fall asleep, recover, and relieve gas. Newborns are not able to regulate their bowels, so in order to push out gas, they need a new portion of milk. Therefore, the younger the children, the more often they need to be put to the breast. If the child is not capricious, gains weight well, neuropsychic development corresponds to age, this indicates that the body is developing normally, it has enough nutrition and milk, but this only applies to children under 6 months. A breastfed child (up to 6 months), gain weight should be at least 500 g per month, the upper limit of weight gain is individual for each child. But if the process of eruption of baby teeth began earlier, then weight gain is possible and less than 500 g.

How to stimulate milk production?

As mentioned above, milk formation occurs under the influence of two hormones, prolactin and oxytocin, which are produced in response to the suckling of the breast of a woman giving birth. Therefore, in order to stimulate the formation of milk, frequent stimulation of these two hormones is necessary, this means frequent latching of the child to the breast (necessarily night latching), correct latching of the breast.
Elimination of stress, tension, increased mental and physical tension, fatigue, these factors help reduce the production of oxytocin and prolactin, and if they are not enough, the muscle cells will not be able to form and secrete milk, as a result of which the child will not be able to get the amount of milk he needs. Thus, all nursing mothers need: peace, rest, a calm environment, should try to get a good night's sleep (daytime naps are required, next to the baby).
Constant contact with the child (affects the production of hormones).
A warm shower promotes better milk production.
Special lactogonic (better milk removal) teas (sold in pharmacies) for nursing mothers.
Lactogonic drugs, for example: Apilak.
Walnuts with honey also have a lactogenic effect; mothers with children suffering from allergies should use honey with caution.
A nursing mother must follow a diet: eat on time, high-calorie foods and rich in vitamins (it doesn’t matter whether your weight changes or not), drink more liquid, forget about any diets.
Under no circumstances should you smoke or drink alcohol.

If there is insufficient milk production, you should urgently seek help from a lactation consultant.

How to put a baby to the breast?

Proper attachment to the breast helps the baby obtain sufficient milk, gain weight, and prevent nipple pain and cracks.

You can breastfeed while sitting or lying down, whichever is more comfortable for you. The baby should be turned with his whole body and pressed against his mother. The baby's face should be close to the mother's chest. The baby's nose should be at the level of the nipple, tilting his head back a little, for free breathing through the nose; for convenience, the woman can hold her breast by the base. The baby should touch his chin to his chest. The contact of the nipple with his lips will cause a search reflex and opening of the mouth. The mouth should be open wide in order to capture the mother's breast with a full mouth, the lower lip should be turned outward, so the baby should capture almost the entire areola with his mouth. While applying to the breast, he makes rhythmic deep sucking movements, while swallowing milk is heard.

Expressing milk - indications and techniques

Indications for expressing milk:

feeding a premature or sick baby (in the case when the baby cannot suck);
leave milk if the mother needs to separate from the baby;
in case of lactostasis (milk stagnation), to prevent mastitis (inflammation of the mammary gland);
increased milk production (when the baby is already full and the breasts are still full of milk).
When the mother has inverted nipples (temporary pumping).

Expressing breast milk can be done in 3 ways:
Expressed milk can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours, or in the freezer for no more than 3 days.

Cracked nipples, what to do?

Cracked nipples are formed as a result of improper attachment of the child to the breast, or improper pumping of milk, frequent washing of the breast and the use of soap (when taking a shower, it is recommended to rinse the breast with clean water). If an infection penetrates through a damaged nipple, mastitis (inflammation of the mammary gland) may develop, so if there are cracks, timely treatment is necessary.

In case of small cracks, breastfeeding is continued through special silicone pads; in case of pronounced and painful cracks, it is recommended to stop feeding the affected breast, and the breast must be carefully expressed. For treatment use: rinsing with furatsilin solution, Bepanten ointment, Panthenol spray, 5% Syntomycin ointment, rinsing with 2% Chlorophyllipt solution, celandine juice and others. After each feeding, it is necessary to treat the dry nipple with one of the above products and cover the nipple with a sterile gauze pad.

Diet and hygiene of a nursing mother

A nursing mother must maintain body hygiene (take a shower every day, rinsing her breasts with clean water), wear clean underwear, and wash her hands with soap before each feeding. Before each feeding, you need to express a few drops of milk to remove any germs that may have gotten from your clothes.

A woman who is breastfeeding should not smoke, drink alcohol, drugs, strong tea, coffee, and, if possible, medications.

A nursing mother is recommended to take frequent walks with her baby in the fresh air, frequent rest and naps during the day.
Follow your diet, avoid any diets, and drink plenty of fluids. The diet should include foods rich in vitamins (vegetables and fruits), iron (found in meat, it is better to eat veal), foods rich in calcium (dairy products), rich in phosphorus (fish). Use red vegetables and fruits (tomatoes, strawberries and others) and eggs with caution, as they can cause allergies in a child. Eliminate citrus fruits from your diet, they also cause allergies. Products containing vegetable fiber (peas, beans) should also be excluded, as they lead to bloating in the baby. Garlic, onions, and seasonings can spoil the taste of milk.

Many young mothers are concerned about the question of how to properly feed their newborn with breast milk. How successful breastfeeding will be largely depends on whether it can be established in the first week after birth. For a long time, it was generally accepted that breastfeeding is a natural process, and a woman should know how. However, the reality is that most new mothers have many questions about breastfeeding.

Milk does not appear in a woman’s breast immediately after the baby is born, but after 1-3 days. Before this, the mammary glands produce colostrum - this is a special secretion formed in the last days of pregnancy or immediately after childbirth. Colostrum contains a lot of useful substances - these are easily digestible proteins, antioxidants and vitamins. At the same time, it has a high energy value and a rather low percentage of liquid compared to mature milk, which protects the baby’s kidneys from overload.

The need for feeding occurs in a newborn a few hours after birth. In the first day, the baby’s stomach barely reaches the size of a cherry, and the digestive tract is not yet adapted to digesting milk or formula.

However, a newborn should be put to the breast immediately after his birth. Firstly, drops of colostrum will give the child immunity and stimulate intestinal function. Secondly, when the baby takes the breast, the woman’s body, under the influence of the hormone prolactin, begins to actively produce milk. Thirdly, the psychological aspect is very important: skin-to-skin contact immediately after childbirth helps to establish special closeness between mother and child.

How to properly put a baby to the breast?

How to properly attach a baby when feeding? Following a few rules will protect the baby from colic and excessive regurgitation, and the mother from pain, cracks and lactostasis. A woman should be explained in the maternity hospital how to properly breastfeed a child. At the same time, the doctor checks the sucking reflex of the newborn and the presence of milk in the young mother.

The technique for putting a baby to the breast is as follows:

Before starting feeding, a woman must choose one that is convenient for herself. The most common feeding is on the side, since in this position the mother rests, and stagnation of milk does not form in the breast.
Before you put your baby to your breast, get his attention. Gently touch your baby's cheek with your nipple or fingertip. Under the influence of instinct, the baby turns his head towards the stimulus, opens his mouth and sticks his tongue out slightly. When the baby is ready to feed, you can give him the breast.
How to properly put a baby to the breast? Make sure that the baby grasps not only the nipple, but also the areola. Otherwise, the baby will not receive the normal amount of milk during feeding and will begin to cry and chew the nipple. Because of this, a woman may develop cracks on her breasts. If the baby does not latch onto the breast correctly, you need to interrupt feeding. Some babies are unable to open their mouths wide, causing them to extend their lips with a tube in search of food. You can help your child by lightly pressing your finger on his chin. After this, offer the newborn the breast again and begin proper feeding, which will be comfortable for mother and baby.

Properly established breastfeeding will help prevent cracks and abrasions of the nipple area. In addition, if the baby is uncomfortable during feeding, or he does not receive enough milk, he may soon refuse to breastfeed altogether.

There are several signs that allow a young mother to understand that the baby has correctly grasped the nipple:

When feeding a newborn, a woman after childbirth should experience cramping sensations in the lower abdomen, possibly increasing the discharge of lochia. This is caused by the active production of the hormone oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract.
The baby does not make sounds with his lips and breathes through his nose. Correct latching of the breast creates a vacuum in the baby's cavity, necessary for the outflow of milk.
A woman should not feel pain. If the mother experiences discomfort during feeding, and then finds severe redness on the mammary glands, it means that the baby was not suckling properly.
If you attach the baby to the breast correctly, then in his mouth he will have not only the nipple, but also the entire areola.

Compliance with these rules will relieve both mother and baby from any discomfort during feeding. To understand how to establish breastfeeding, it will be enough to practice several times.

Feeding positions

According to current recommendations of the World Health Organization, infant feeding should occur on demand. However, immediately after giving birth, a young mother is faced with the fact that the baby can suck constantly, even while sleeping. To prevent these hours of feeding from becoming torture for a woman, you need to know how to feed a newborn with breast milk in a comfortable position. Having found a comfortable position for herself, the mother will be able not only to admire the baby, but also to have fun or relax. There are several most common feeding positions:

“Cradle”: the mother sits on a chair or armchair, holding the baby’s head in the crook of her elbow. When a woman remains in this position for a long time, her muscles become very tense. Today, there are special pillows for feeding that allow you to remove most of the load from the mother’s back and arms.
“Relaxation” is a comfortable position. This position allows the baby to be properly attached during feeding and allows the mother to rest during breastfeeding. In this case, the woman lies on her side, her head is on the pillow and her shoulders are lower.
Feeding in a sling is especially loved by many mothers, as it allows them to breastfeed their baby and do household chores at the same time.

A young mother should pay attention to the fact that during feeding, only the part of the mammary gland towards which the baby’s chin is directed during feeding is emptied. Therefore, to prevent milk stagnation, it is worth changing positions throughout the day.

How often should you feed your baby?

Many young mothers wonder: by the clock or according to the child’s wishes? In the first months after birth, children need the breast not only because of hunger, but also to quench thirst, calm down, and feel close to their mother. Therefore, modern experts recommend feeding the baby when he himself shows a desire to suck.

Correct attachment to the breast involves the mother's reaction to the signals that the baby gives. A hungry baby begins to groan, show restlessness, fiddle with his fingers in the air, smack his lips or cry.

The baby may eat hastily and greedily or, conversely, suck slowly, interrupting periodically. It depends on the child’s character and his activity. If the baby swam in the bathtub, crawled and walked with his mother, then he would become much hungrier than the baby who woke up at night.

On average, proper attachment of a baby to the breast takes at least 20-25 minutes. During this period, the baby manages to receive both foremilk, which is watery, and hindmilk, which is thicker and rich in nutrients.

In the first weeks after the baby is born, feedings can last several hours. This is explained by the need of a newborn child to constantly maintain contact with the mother. The older the baby is, the less time it will take to feed him.

Hiccups and regurgitation after feeding

Regurgitation accompanies almost every breastfeeding of a newborn. In some babies, after sucking, milk comes out of the mouth and nose in a strong stream. Normally, the volume of regurgitation is 10-15 ml.

Belching in a baby occurs due to air entering the stomach during sucking. Therefore, you need to ensure that the baby takes into his mouth not only the nipple, but also the skin of the areola. This will prevent him from swallowing excess air. In addition, you need to follow a simple rule: after feeding, so as not to provoke, hold the baby upright or let him lie quietly on his side for at least 15-20 minutes.

Hiccups in a baby usually worry parents more than the baby itself. The child has not yet established a stable connection between the brain and the diaphragm, which is why such rhythmic muscle spasms may periodically occur. If hiccups do not cause your baby much concern, then there is nothing terrible about them. Breastfeed your newborn, pat him on the back and cover him warmly. After some time, the diaphragm muscles will relax and the hiccups will go away.

Problems with breastfeeding

The longer the nursing period continues, the better. Experts recommend maintaining breastfeeding for at least the first year of a child’s life.

However, how to breastfeed correctly if the baby does not want to suck? A baby may refuse milk if it is bitter or has an unpleasant aftertaste. In this case, the problem can be solved by following a diet. A young mother should eliminate spicy and smoked foods from her diet and add more fruits and high-protein foods to the menu.

In addition, if the baby has difficulty sucking the required amount of milk, he may cry from hunger, have trouble gaining weight and, in the end, refuse to latch on at all. This can be corrected by placing the baby for feeding so that the breast hangs over him. This position will increase the flow of milk, and it will be easier for the baby to suck.

Lack of milk

If a baby is attached to the breast and sucks greedily, but after a few minutes drops the nipple and starts crying, then the mother probably does not have enough milk. When lactation is reduced, the baby may not eat enough, constantly reach for the breast, chew on the nipple and cry often. What to do to increase your milk supply?

In order not to provoke hypolactation, a young mother should protect herself from unnecessary stress and anxiety. Milk is secreted from the alveoli of the mammary glands under the influence of oxytocin. When a woman is nervous, hormone production decreases.

Proper attachment during breastfeeding is of great importance. Breast milk contains a lot of useful substances, gives the baby a strong immune system and the basis for healthy development. Properly organized breastfeeding serves as the key to a strong emotional connection between mother and baby and gives the child strong immunity.

A woman, while still pregnant, must make a clear decision to breastfeed. This forms a dominant in the brain for the formation and development of lactation. Proper breastfeeding is impossible without internal installation. The support of family and friends in this matter is important.

Second rule: the first feeding of an infant

Ideally, the first application of a newborn occurs in the delivery room. Early contact promotes the development of lactation and the colonization of the skin and intestines of the newborn with bifidum flora. The medical staff will show you how to properly position a newborn for feeding. If the condition of the child or mother does not allow this, the first breastfeeding is postponed. If the woman’s condition is satisfactory, the medical staff teaches her to express herself independently. This skill will prevent the extinction of milk production and the development of lactostasis. If there are no contraindications, the child can be fed expressed milk during a separate stay.

Third rule: proper attachment of the baby to the breast

The problem of how to properly put a baby to the breast, especially for the first time, is very important. It is still unknown to a newborn how to latch on to the breast. And mom needs to remember or learn that how to breastfeed your baby correctly:

immediately before feeding, the mother needs to wash her hands and pour warm water over her breasts;
decide on the position for feeding. This is usually sitting (reclining) or standing (after an episiotomy);
the child is placed on the crook of the elbow, the other hand brings the nipple as close as possible to the baby’s mouth;
obeying reflexes, the baby will grab the nipple and begin to suck;
The breast should be given so that the baby captures the nipple and almost the entire areola with his mouth. At the same time, his lower lip will be slightly turned out, his chin and nose will touch his chest.

The child's nose should not sink. How to properly position your baby for feeding is also important for the health of the mother. If you breastfeed your newborn incorrectly, you can develop several breast problems. First of all, these are maceration and cracked nipples.

Breastfeeding a newborn, especially the first few days, should be no more than 20 minutes each. This will allow the delicate skin of the nipples to harden and get used to the new impact.

Often this does not work out. The child may be restless or overweight and constantly demand to eat. In such cases, a nursing mother needs to take air baths more often and lubricate the nipples with healing ointments, such as Bepanten.

one feeding - one breast. If the child has eaten everything from it and is not full, offer a second one. Start the next feeding with the last one. This way the baby will receive not only foremilk, but also hindmilk.

Fourth rule: signs of milk production and flow into the breast

Symptoms of lactation are:

tingling or tightness in the chest;
secretion of milk when the baby cries;
For every suckling of the baby there is a sip of milk;
leakage of milk from the free breast during feeding.

These signs indicate that an active oxytocin reflex has formed. Lactation is established.

Fifth rule: feeding on demand

A newborn baby needs to be fed frequently. In Soviet times, there were rules according to which breastfeeding was carried out once every three hours and no more than twenty minutes. Nowadays, it is recommended to feed the baby on demand. Give breasts literally at the first squeak. Especially capricious and demanding children almost every hour. This allows you to feed the baby and give him a feeling of warmth and care.

Frequent feeding eliminates the need for mandatory pumping and serves as a prevention of lactostasis. And night feedings will serve as an excellent stimulation of the main lactation hormone - prolactin.

How long to breastfeed is ideally determined by the baby himself. If you turn away or fall asleep, it means you are full. Over time, the baby will eat less often.

Rule six: sufficiency of feeding

In the process of its evolution, human milk goes through certain stages: colostrum, transitional, mature milk. Their quantity and quality composition ideally meets the needs of a newborn. They also secrete early and late milk. The first is produced at the very beginning of feeding, rich in water and proteins. The second comes from the posterior parts of the mammary gland and contains more fat. It is important for the baby to get both.

There are times when a mother feels like she has no milk and the baby isn’t getting enough. To determine the adequacy of feeding, there are certain criteria:

restoration of body weight at birth by the 10th day of life with an initial loss of 10%;
6 - 18 wet diapers per day;
the child poops 6 - 10 times a day;
positive oxytocin reflex;
audible swallowing of the baby during sucking.

Seventh rule: accounting possible problems with feeding

flat or inverted nipples. In some cases, by the time of birth this difficulty resolves itself. Others need to remember that when sucking, the baby must grasp both the nipple and most of the areola. Before feeding, try to pull out the nipple yourself. Find an acceptable feeding position. For many mothers, a comfortable position is “under the arm.” Use silicone pads. If your breasts are tight and your newborn has a hard time sucking from them, express. The breasts will become softer in 1 - 2 weeks. And the child will not be deprived of mother's milk.

There is no need to try to “stretch” the nipples before giving birth. Excessive stimulation will lead to increased uterine tone. Over time, an actively sucking baby will normalize everything.

cracked nipples. The basis of prevention is proper breastfeeding. If cracks appear, use silicone pads. Make applications with lanolin ointment and Bepanten as often as possible. If the cracks are deep and feeding is painful, use a breast pump;
leakage of milk. Easily solved by using special inserts. They are disposable and reusable;
there is too much milk and the baby is choking on it. Express some foremilk. When feeding, it will flow out under less pressure;
engorgement of the mammary glands. Occurs when milk overflows. The breasts are painful, swollen, hot to the touch and very dense. Milk does not flow out of it. If this problem occurs, it is necessary to quickly remove milk from the breast. Latch your baby or express your baby more often. Take a warm shower before feeding. Give a light massage of the mammary glands. This will improve churn. To reduce swelling after feeding, apply a cold compress;
lactostasis and mastitis. Occurs when the milk ducts are blocked. The body temperature rises, the chest hurts, the place of stagnation turns to stone. Pumping is painful. A warm shower, gentle breast massage and frequent feeding of the baby come to the rescue. When an infection occurs, antibiotics are required.

Infectious mastitis is a serious complication that requires medical intervention. Failure to treat is fraught with surgical intervention and even loss of the breast.

lactation crises. They develop at 3–6 weeks, 3–4 and 7–8 months of a child’s life. During these periods, the most important thing is to apply more often and be sure to feed the baby at night. Drink teas with lemon balm, fennel and cumin. Rest and eat well.

Feeding a baby with breast milk is a labor-intensive, but delightfully natural process. Remember this, and everything will work out.

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.
Don't hesitate to ask 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 without food for a long time. Therefore, you will have to get up at night to feed your child. Some sleep 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 you 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.