What is Breast Feeding?

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What is breast feeding?

Feeding the baby with naturally produced milk, from the mother’s breasts is called breast feeding. This milk is produced from the ducts located in the females’ breasts. This process of feeding the baby is also called lactation. This process can continue for more than six months. Some babies are too dependent on lactation. Their mothers are able to produce natural milk for several months. The span of production of breast milk depends quite on the demands of the baby and its quantity of milk intake.

• Breast feeding is the most nutritious form of food for human babies. Baby’s first feeding should be started with breast milk.

• However, in case, if the mother is on some harmful drugs, medications, T- Lymphotropic or if she is HIV positive, then she should avoid breast feeding.

• Breast milk upgrades the health and immunity system of the baby for its entire life.

Benefits of breast feeding for the baby

 It upgrades the immune system of the baby

 It makes the baby bonny, yet restricts obesity

 Backs up the intelligence of the baby

 The baby becomes less prone to allergies

 It provides all the important nutrition to the baby in correct proportions

 It reduces the chances of necrotizing enterocolitis

Benefits of breast feeding for the mother

 The hormones released during breast feeding, oxytocin and prolactin, relieves the mother from the post pregnancy physical problems. Oxytocin helps in the faster contraction of the uterus.

 It helps to reduce weight. The fat acquired during pregnancy is actually used to produce the nutritious breast milk.

 It acts as a natural contraceptive, as lactating women has irregular ovulation. This reduces the possibilities of back to back pregnancies

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...ering each of your breasts to each baby. You will definitely need a pillow for this, as you will have to use each hand for each baby. Try to feed them alternatively.

Breast feeding problems:

Common problems faced by many mothers during breast feeding are

1. Blocked ducts and mastitis: Blocked ducts are recovered on its own. Mastitis is a bacterial infection that happens to lactating mothers.

2. Colic in the breast fed baby: The baby may get fussy or colicky due to low fat in the breast milk, or milk protein intolerance

3. Sore nipples: This happens due to poor positioning of the baby while nursing him, and improper hygiene.

Treatments of Breast feeding problems:

 Cabbage leaves ointment can recover nipple sores

 Milk supply can be increased by eating or using herbs like Fengugreek and Blessed Tristle

 Consult the doctors and get proper medications

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