Choosing the best baby-feeding method can be confusing for new parents. Questions arise: Should we breastfeed? What are the benefits? How do we begin a breastfeeding regimen? What really is best for this little human in baby bloomers?
Moms-and-dads-to-be can take the guesswork out of this important decision by learning the tips and benefits of breastfeeding from medical experts during National Breastfeeding Awareness Month this August. In those personalized baby gifts, maybe you got a breast pump.
While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding an infant for a full year, statistics show that only 64 percent of U.S. women breastfeed in the early postpartum period, and only 29 percent of them continue to breastfeed six months after birth.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies that are breastfed experience fewer allergies, long term protection against Crohns disease, enhanced brain growth and eye development, and protection against colds and ear infections. In addition, mothers that choose to breastfeed reap the benefits of stronger bones, a reduced risk of ovarian cancer and premenopausal breast cancer and an increased ability to lose weight, as breastfeeding burns 200 to 500 caloriesa day.
Breastfeeding Basics:
1.Consume 2,200 to 2,700 calories a day to maintain a sufficient, nutritional milk supply.
2.Adjust daily nutritional servings to accommodate breastfeeding needs by consuming healthy, well-balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy.
3.Keep water or fruit juice close by during feedings to counter the natural increase in thirst.
4.Begin breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth.
5.Allow newborns to nurse whenever they show signs of hunger.
6.Breastfeed exclusively for the first six months.
7.Practice latching-on and positioning to ensure the most comfortable, productive feedings for both mother and baby.
8.Pick up embroidered baby gifts like blankets to cover baby during public feedings.
9.Let baby determine when the feeding is over.
10.After six months of exclusive breastfeeding, begin introducing solids into their diet.
11.Begin weaning baby from breastfeeding by substituting feedings with infant formula or additional solid food, as appropriate.
12.Utilize breast pumps to help reduce engorgement, or breasts that are overly full and painful.
13.Store expressed breast milk in baby bottles for later use when apart from baby.
14.Refrigerate or freeze all breast milk as soon as it is expressed.
15.Thaw or warm expressed breast milk under warm water or in a bottle warmer, then shake to mix. NEVER microwave expressed breastmilk. It just is not good for the baby.
Kyle Newton is a writer for Babyosodotcom and wants you to check out their Baby Gifts and Lunchboxes areas.
