Breasfeeding Tips
An Old Post from http://www.seanlinus.com
The nutrient balance in a mother’s milk is just right for her infant as he/she grows.
There are at least 12 anti-inflammatory agents in breastmilk which promote healthy immune system.
Immunoglobulin-A in breastmilk protects the baby against Coxsakie B virus, Staph and E coli bacteria by painting the intestinal tract and blocking the pathogen’s adherence to the mucous membrane.
Lactoferrin prevents the growth of pathogenic organisms such as E coli, Salmonella and Candida Albican by blocking iron utilization necessary for their survival.
Breastfeeding decreases the risk of childhood cancers, asthma, bacterial infections, diarrhea, allergies, diabetes and SIDS.
Breastfeeding keeps babies’ teeth clean and helps develop better speech.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer in mothers.
Breastfeeding mothers return to their pre-pregnancy weight sooner than their bottlefeeding counterparts.
Nutrition While Breastfeeding:
Eat a well-balanced, varied diet
Breastfeeding mothers burn 500+ calories daily
Check with your doctor about taking a multivitamin with iron
Drink eight glasses of fluid (eight ounces each) daily
Avoid or limit caffeinated drinks to one to two cups daily
Avoid alcohol or limit to one serving (six ounces of wine or 12 ounces of beer) on a special occasion
Prenatal and Breastfeeding Nutrition Guide:
The minimum recommended servings are based on a 2,200 calorie meal plan:
Bread, cereal, rice, pasta - nine to 11 servings
Vegetables - four to five servings
Fruits - three to four servings
Milk, yogurt, cheese - three to four servings of calcium-rich foods or a calcium supplement
Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dry beans, nuts - three servings
Saturated and trans fats, oils and sweets - use in small amounts
Pregnant teenagers need four to five servings of dairy products and four servings from the meat group to support their growth as well as their baby’s growth
How to Increase Your Milk Supply:
Increase frequency and duration of feedings
Encourage baby to take several feedings early in the day when milk quantity is greater
Apply warm, wet cloths to breasts
Massage breasts before a feeding
Rest! - when you nap, prolactin levels increase
How to Decrease Milk Supply:
Suggest that mother continue to drink eight glasses of fluid (eight ounces each) daily
Limit intake of salt
Wear a supportive, non-binding bra
Pump to comfort
Drink plenty of fluids, but don’t force fluids
Avoid nipple or breast stimulation
If you become engorged, use cold compresses or ice packs
Medications and Breastfeeding:
When medications are necessary, mother needs to inform her healthcare provider that she is breastfeeding
Always check with your physicians before taking over-the-counter medications
