Myths about breastfeeding
- it’s painful and hard to learn
- breastfeeding babies cry a lot
- your baby won’t get enough milk
- you can’t work and breastfeed your baby
- breastfeeding ties you down
Benefits of breastfeeding
- special bonding
- convenient
- better mouth development
- costs less
- ecological benefits
- decreases incidence of premenopausal cancer
- natural wt loss
Benefits of breastfeeding (continued)
- perfect food for baby
- no constipation or overeating
- healthier baby
- antibodies protect baby
How many calories should baby be getting?
110-120 cal/kg/day
Pituitary role in breastfeeding?
Releases prolactin and oxytocin
Prolactin
Stimulates milk production
Oxytocin
Stimulates muscle contraction of uterus
Ways to increase milk supply?
- make certain baby is alert
- 10 min each side minimum
- avoid pacifiers and bottles with formula
- avoid birth control pills (estrogen), medicines, etoh, smoking
- drink water or juice at feeding
- take afternoon break
Colostrum
- 1st week
- thick yellow secretion
- high protein (keeps baby from going into hypoglycemia), fat soluble vitamins, minerals, IgA
- low calories, fat, lactose
Transitional Milk
- 7-10 days
- fat, calories, lactose increase
Mature milk
- bluish in color
- 20 cal/oz and nutrients sufficient for changing infants needs
inverted nipples
- do pinch test
- wear breast shells third trimester
- wear a few hours/day slowly increase
- air holes in shells allow air flow
Positioning for breastfeeding
- lying on side
- lying on back
- “football hold” or “clutch hold”
- “cradle” or “cuddle” “madonne” position
Frequency of feedings
- q2hr not longer than 5 hrs
- leave on 1st breast at least 10-15 min
Suggested daily food intake while breastfeeding
- balanced diet
- continue with prenatal vitamins
- increased calories (500-700 more)
(avoid foods that make baby gassy - cabbage, beans, etc)
Help and encouragement for breastfeeding mothers
- mother support groups
- breastfeeding support groups
- HCP
- childbirth/breastfeeding educator
- WIC, breastfeeding, or lactation counselor
Differences between bottle feeding and breastfeeding?
- size of nipple
- softness of nipple
- hole in nipple
- smell of nipple
Rationale for formula feeding
- personal preference
- influence from family
- lack of familiarity
- contraindications
- damage
- may supplement breastfeeding if mothers milk supply is inadequate
Formula feeding rules
- no propping
- no microwave
- no forcing to finish
- no saving
Do NOT give cow’s milk to a baby under 1 yr old!
- too much protein
- the fat is too hard to digest
- high sodium
- forms a hard “curd” in baby’s stomach
Readiness for feeding
- hands in mouth
- clinch up and screaming
Feeding patterns
Bottle: q4hr
Breast: q2-3hr
Feeding techniques
- finger under chin
- sit up
Types of commercial formulas
- cows milk-based formulas
- soy-based formulas
- casein- or whey-hydrolysate formula
- amino acid formulas (PKU baby)
- PKU: cant break down protein
