The saying “breast is best” is not an overstatement and it isn’t false advertising either. Your breast milk is really the perfect food you can give your baby. Just as cow’s milk is perfect for calves, your milk is tailor-made to satisfy all the nutritional requirements of human babies. However, while giving birth and finally meeting your little one may be exciting, it could also be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to breastfeeding. If you want to know all the ins and outs of breastfeeding, our physicians here at Pediatric Associates of Davidson County in Nashville, TN can help. Meanwhile, here are some breastfeeding facts you should know about:
- Breastfeeding offers short and long-term benefits for your little one including:
- Minimized risk of developing all sorts of infections due to improved immunity against bacteria and viruses.
- Reduced risk of SIDS or sudden infant death syndrome.
- Decreased risk of developing diabetes.
- A healthier weight.
- Breastfeeding also offers you the following benefits:
- Better and faster recovery.
- Reduced risk of developing postpartum depression.
- Losing extra weight faster.
- Decreased risk of developing certain cancers and medical conditions.
- Getting the perfect latch and position will take practice and patience, but once you and your little one get the hang of it, it will be smooth sailing from there.
- The taste, smell and color of breast milk changes based on what food you eat. It could be yellow, pink, green, orange, or blue and taste and smell sweet or sour depending on what you ate before breastfeeding.
- Because it can be difficult to tell if your baby is getting enough milk, rather than trying to measure in units, refer to these signs instead:
- Your baby isn’t showing signs of hunger.
- Your little one produces lots of dirty diapers regularly.
- Your baby is growing and gaining sufficient weight.
- Expect your baby’s weight to drop during the first few days of his life. He should then start gaining weight steadily after three days or so. But if you find that his weight continues to drop, you might not be making enough milk to meet his needs or he may have other issues aside from breastfeeding. If you’re concerned about your baby’s weight and feeding, consult our doctors in our Nashville, TN, office to just to be on the safe side.
- Your baby literally eats what you eat so you should load up on nutritious foods and drink lots of fluids to ensure sufficient milk production. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and sugary beverages. If you must imbibe, refrain from breastfeeding for at least two hours.
- Some soreness and pain are common during the first several days of breastfeeding. These should subside after a few days, but if not, visit your doctor as soon as you can to avoid complications like mastitis.
Breastfeeding should be a breeze, and it is really is for some moms. For some, however, it can be hard, uncomfortable, nerve-wracking, and even painful. So don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re having any issues with breastfeeding. Visit us at the Pediatric Associates of Davidson County in Nashville, TN, or schedule an appointment with one of our physicians by calling (615) 329-3595 right now.
