10 Principles of breastfeeding newborn Babies

10 Principles of breastfeeding newborn Babies- The health benefits of breastfeeding are well recognized and applied to mothers and babies in developed and developing countries. Breast milk is uniquely suited to the human infants’ nutritional needs and is a live substance with unparallel immunological and anti-inflammatory properties against a host of illnesses of disease for both mothers and babies.

The breastfeeding should commence as soon as possible after giving. Babies should be breastfed exclusively for the first six months and continue without weaning until 12 months or more, depending on the situation of the mother and child.

See Also, Importance of Breastfeeding to the mother and child

In order to ensure success in breastfeeding, all hands must be on deck both on the side of the mother and the midwife or health personnel.

10 Principles of breastfeeding newborn Babies

1. All mothers who plan to breastfeed should be helped by the midwives or birth attendants to get their infants to the breast within the first four hours of life, unless medically contraindicated.
2. Tickle infants lips with the nipple, when the mouth opens widely, insert nipple and latch the baby on the breast.
3. Following admission in a post-natal unit, awaken sleepy newborn for breastfeeding if the baby has not fed for 3hours.
4. Breastfeeding should be 8-12 times or more in 24hours and the baby should empty the two breasts on each feeding.
5. Mothers should apply measures to prevent sore nipple and breast, and, how to treat such problems if occurs.
6. If the baby is not feeding well, the mother should be encouraged to begin expressing her breast in conjunction with continued assistance with a midwife.
7. All mothers should be instructed on breastfeeding techniques for positioning and lanching on.
8. Any mother that goes through caesarian section should be assisted to breastfeed as soon as the baby is stable and every attempt should be made to keep the mother and the baby together (ROOMING-IN)
9. Allow the baby for some time before lying him or her down to avoid regurgitation.
10. No pacifiers or artificial nipples to any baby that is breastfeeding because it interferes with the nutritive suckling.

Preparing for Lactation (Breastfeeding)

During pregnancy, nature prepares the breast for lactation whether you will breastfeed or not. The milk ducts and milk-producing cells develop and prepare themselves for breastfeeding. This is why the size of the breast increases during pregnancy. while the body makes its preparation, there are few things you need to prepare for lactation.

• Seek advice from women who have breastfed before.
• There is a need for early booking in antenatal clinics for proper education on breastfeeding.
• Drink plenty of water and eat an adequate diet.
• Do not toughen the nipples for pregnancy hormones will do that.
• Avoid expressing the colostrums for your baby’s, for it will help your baby’s body fight against infections.
• Buy breast pads that will keep you dry when out of the home.
• Provide nursing pillow that is specifically designed to support your baby while
• feeding in order to avoid strains on your shoulders and neck.
• If the nipples are flat or inverted, wear breast shields that have rings in tour bra or apply “Hoffman” technique that is pulling the nipple gently
• Buy a breast pump for adequate feeding incase of poor milk flow or suckling to prevent engorgement of the breast.
• Avoid alcohol and substance abuse.
• Treat any disease that will affect breastfeeding.

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