It is a
myth that a mother needs to drink milk to make milk, according to the Los
Angeles Children’s Hospital. Mothers should drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids a
day to produce enough milk and to stay hydrated.
Eating a balanced diet and continuing to take
prenatal vitamins will keep both mother and child healthy during the
breastfeeding process. Mothers should wash fruits and vegetables to remove
possible pesticides. Before taking any medications a mother should consult her
medical professional. Smoking should always be avoided while breastfeeding. The
baby is exposed to nicotine through the breast milk when the mother smokes. Mothers
should never breastfeed while alcohol is still in their system because it can
harm the baby.
Many mothers
worry if they’re babies are getting enough to eat. How often a child needs fed
depends on age and individual needs. The mother should wake the baby to eat if
3 to 4 hours have passed since the last feeding. If the baby doesn’t wake up to
eat on a regular basis, the mother should consult with her pediatrician.
Mothers can continue to breastfed after one year
as long as it is comfortable for the mother and child. “Weaning is an
individual process and a decision between mother and baby,” said Sharon
McDuffie, a lactation specialist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, in
Washington, D.C. "Mothers please don’t take it personal if your baby makes
the decision before you do."
Positioning the
baby is key to breastfeeding success. Debbie Pierce, a registered nurse and
board-certified lactation consultant at Kaiser Permanente in Colorado,
recommends varying breastfeeding positions to prevent plugged milk ducts.
The mother should hold the baby so that the head
is level with the breast, nose to nipple. Then, the baby should be turned so
the mother and baby are tummy-to-tummy. Many experts recommend tickling the
baby's lower lip with the nipple and waiting for the baby's mouth to open wide
before offering the breast. Then, pull the baby in to latch on. Mothers
shouldn’t worry about suffocation. The baby will pull off if unable to
breathe.
If the
infant is not able to breastfeed directly, the pump acts as mom’s
mechanical baby. If an infant is not breastfeeding well, the mother should pump
after a few feedings per day, preferably after feedings when the infant didn’t nurse
as well.
“For instance, if the baby is 6 weeks old the mom
will need to pump more often when away from her infant, versus if the baby is 3
months or older,” said Hurst.
Pumping at
work can create some challenges, but mothers should know their legal
rights.
While most moms
are able to provide their babies with all the milk they need, there are times
when babies don't get enough. Signs that your breastfeeding baby is getting
enough nourishment:
1.
After a feeding, your baby seems relaxed and satisfied.
2.
After gaining back her initial weight loss after birth,
your baby continues to gain weight.
3.
After your milk comes in, though, your baby will wet
six to eight cloth diapers a day.
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