The A to Z of Breast Feeding
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An Introduction to Breast Feeding
By Andrew Kelly
Breast feeding has considerable advantages for the baby (over using formula). Sadly, there are increasing demands made upon the new mother to return to work early making breast feeding difficult.
Many mothers who have had success in breast feeding their baby happily encourage others to do the same. It is a personal choice, breast milk or formula, but there is one advantage to breast feeding that few mention. You can try breast feeding first, and, if you find the experience unpleasant, painful or simply just too demanding for you, you can easily change to using formula.
It is always a good idea to be prepared and this is true when considering breast feeding. It's a great idea to witness breast feeding, if you have a friend or family member who is currently breast feeding I am sure that they wouldn't mind and you can benefit greatly by discussing your thoughts with them. You can also prepare physically, if you feel that your nipples are not sufficiently prominent you can massage them gently between your finger and thumb every day in the last month of pregnancy. You will also need to buy several, well-supporting, maternity bras (which open at the front) and you should make sure that any nightclothes open at the front to enable easy feeding. Cotton is the best fabric, it's far more comfortable and it absorbs far better than any synthetic material.
You may have concerns that your breasts are not big enough but you need not be worried. During pregnancy the breasts change and become prepared for milk production. The breasts contain glands for milk production and it is their number, rather than the actual size of the breast, that is important. Between two and five days after the birth milk comes into the breast. The 'draught reflex' (letting down of breastmilk) depends on the sucking action of the baby. Milk is secreted into the alveoli (sacs) in the breast glands before the baby is put on the breast, the baby suckles and the alveoli squeeze the milk into the ducts in the breast and into the reservoirs just behind the nipple and then into the baby through the nipple.
It is considered best to bring the newborn baby to the breast at the earliest opportunity, this can be immediately after birth or after some rest. Breast feeding is a chance for mutual comfort and reassurance and is the best start in life, both physical and psychological. The baby automatically turns and sucks the nipple as soon as it touches the baby's cheek (known as the rooting reflex). However most babies require initial guidance, help the baby by holding the nipple between the base of the index and 2nd fingers and guide the whole nipple, including the areola (dark area surrounding the nipple) into the baby's mouth. While breast feeding ensure that the baby's breathing is not restricted by holding the soft breast tissue away from it's nostrils with your index finger.
You may experience difficulties in the first few days, this is common. The breast become so full of milk that the baby can find it difficult to latch onto the nipple easily or the milk may flow too easily and the milk come out too fast causing the baby to choke. Do NOT be afraid to ask for help! The nursing staff are there to help you and are far more experienced than you - take advantage of this. If you are really concerned ask a nurse to remain with you while you breast feed the first few times, although it has been my experience (with our own children) that nurses will do this without the need to be asked.
That should be you on your way to successful breast feeding, it may seem hard work to begin with but it is worth sticking with it. The most important thing to remember is that you must never be afraid to ask for advice or assistance. Enjoy this special time with your baby ;-)
Author Details:
Andrew Kelly, copywriter for various web sites including, The A to Z of Breast Feeding , part of an ambitious project to cover various subjects plus a great many other sites including health sites such as; Microdermabrasion, Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Hair Removal.
NOTE: This article may be reproduced ONLY if the author details and links remain in place.
Related Breast-Feeding Articles:
Breast Feeding Homepage
Breast Feeding - An Introduction to
Avoiding Foods While Breast Feeding
Benefits Of Breast Feeding
Breast Compression
Breast Feeding Adopted Babies
Breast Feeding And Jaundice
Breast Feeding And Positioning
Breast Feeding Complications
Breast Feeding In Public
Breast Feeding Toddlers
Engorged Breasts
Getting Started With Breast Feeding
Health And Diet
How Breast Milk Is Made
How To Choose A Breast Pump
How To Use A Breast Pump
Low Supply Of Breast Milk
Other Foods While Breast Feeding
Poor Milk Supply
Reasons To Breast Feed
Refusal To Breast Feed
Returning To Work
Starting Solid Foods
The First Six Weeks
Weaning From Breast Feeding
Your Nursing Area
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