Breastfeeding is easy and simple.  For new moms, it could be difficult at first but it will soon feel very natural when you get used to it.  Here are some breastfeeding basics that can teach you how to breastfeed your baby.

Breastfeeding Positions

The cradle position is the most popular position used by most moms.  This is done by positioning your baby in your forearm with his head on the crook of your arm and supporting his bottom with your other arm.  Pull your baby close to you with his belly touching yours.

Another breastfeeding position is called the football position.  This is done less often but is useful to moms who had a cesarean section.  Place your baby on a pillow that is tucked closely to your side.  Then using your arm that is resting on the pillow, bring your baby’s mouth to your breast with your hand supporting his head.

If you want to rest while nursing, you can do the side-lying position.  Lie down on your side and rest your head comfortably on a pillow.  Bring your baby close to you with your arm supporting his bottom.  Use your other hand to bring your breast to your baby’s mouth.

Latching

Many lactation experts advise that latching is the key to effective breastfeeding.  This is how you do it.

• Place your thumb and forefinger around your areola.  This is the dark shade around your nipples.
• Tilt your baby’s head up slightly and tickle his mouth with your breast until it opens wide enough to take a good portion.
• When his mouth is wide enough, help him scoop your breast into his mouth by putting on the lower jaw first then placing the upper jaw closer to your breast.
• Make sure that he takes the whole nipple and a good portion of the areola.

Observe if your baby had a good latching.  You will see him sucking and swallowing.  If you didn’t get a good latch the first time, remove your baby from your breast and try again.  This is important to avoid sore nipples.

How often should you breastfeed?

Newborns need to nurse for about eight (8) to twelve (12) times a day.  You need to nurse a breast-fed baby more often than formula-fed babies because breast milk is more easily digested.

At one to two months, this frequency decreases to seven (7) to nine (9) feedings or less.  This further lessens as your baby grows older.

Finishing a Feeding
 
Breastfeeding sessions usually last for 20 to 45 minutes.  Continue feeding until baby lets go of your breast, stops suckling, unfolds his/her fists, or when baby appears relaxed and about to sleep.  

To break the suction, slip a finger in the corner of his mouth gently.  This is done to avoid pain.

Nursing by alternating between one breast and the other is recommended. 

Freelance Contributor: Hazel Zanoria

Health experts around the world promote the advantages of breastfeeding.  It is likely you have heard about the adage that says “Breast Milk is Best for Baby” in infomercials and other types of media. This is to remind new and modern moms that although infant milk formulas that promise good health for your child are becoming more and more popular, they do not surpass the advantages of breastfeeding and the health benefits it can bring you and your child.

Advantages of Breastfeeding for Baby

Breast milk is easily digested, best tolerated and this is basically all your baby needs to grow for the first six months of life.  With its perfect balance of nutrients, you are assured of your baby’s health.

Research has shown that breast-fed babies enjoy a healthier life than bottle-fed babies.  This is because breast milk contains natural antibodies that protect your baby from infections, illnesses, and allergies while enhancing his/her cognitive and social development.  

By breastfeeding, you reduce your child’s risk of many illnesses such as childhood diabetes, respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, urinary infections, ear infections, eczema, asthma, obesity, leukemia and many others.  It has also been found to help reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).  

It generally enhances your child’s immune system to help his/her young body fight diseases.  This immunity foundation allows your baby to enjoy a healthy life not only in his childhood but also later in life.

Advantages of Breastfeeding for Mom

Breastfeeding is not only beneficial to your baby but also for you.  It helps reduce the risk of breast cancer, uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and osteoporosis.  It also promotes emotional health after one month postpartum, decreases the insulin requirement in diabetic women, and helps moms significantly lose weight after a pregnancy.

The best thing about breastfeeding is the special bond you create with your child and the sense of achievement to see your child grow and enjoy a healthy life because of something only you can provide.

The longer you breastfeed, the greater the health benefits will be for you and your baby.  The World Health Organization recommends that you exclusively breastfeed your baby for the first six months then gradually introduce solid foods and may continue breastfeeding until twelve months of age.

Freelance Contributor: Hazel Zanoria