Breastmilk remains the best source of nutrition for infants, as proven by studies of the World Health Organization and published in many peer-reviewed journals. But while breastfeeding appears to be natural for some moms, many mothers struggle to keep up for different reasons. If you are to embark on your breastfeeding journey or are in the middle of milk supply woes, keep reading, mama.
1.Make an intent.
It begins with the mother’s intent to breastfeed, so she must have access to all information about breastfeeding benefits.
“Breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, followed by exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond, offers a powerful line of defense against all forms of child malnutrition, including wasting and obesity. Breastfeeding also acts as babies’ first vaccine, protecting them against many common childhood illnesses,” the World Health Organization said.
“Breastfeeding also acts as babies’ first vaccine, protecting them against many common childhood illnesses. It also reduces women’s future risk of diabetes, obesity and some forms of cancer,” it added.
2.Ensure direct and proper latch.
Within the first hour of life, the baby must be placed on the top of the mom’s chest and eventually latch on the nipple for that first connection. This not only bonds mother and child – it brings a rush of oxytocin, a hormone that induces the secretion of milk-producing prolactin.
This is crucial in the breastfeeding journey, and helps the mother’s body produce colostrum or the “first milk,” a yellow and thick liquid packed with antibodies. It is important to note that mom’s postpartum body doesn’t come with flowing milk. In the first few days of a baby's life, little ones only need very small amounts of milk from mama.
Breastfeeding is also highly supply and demand, so “the more often your baby breastfeeds in the early days, the quicker your body will start to make more milk,” the WHO noted. It is important that the baby empties the breasts with proper latching, which continues the stable milk production.
When your breasts are leaking and the baby is not latched, don’t let that precious milk go to waste with the Mamajoo Breast shells - no wires or pumps needed.
When you’re outside and have to nurse your child, worry no more about getting exposed. Wear a comfortable maternity bra and a nursing top so you can feed even while on the go.
3.Unclog those ducts.
Trust that the supply is there. But when your milk ducts are clogged, you have to help your body release that milk.
Hot compress relieves your tired momma muscles and it also unclogs the ducts. This doughnut-shaped Breast Comfort warmer by Little Tots eases the pain of engorged breasts and helps increase milk yield. Put it on your back and your sides for better results.
You may also try the Crane lactation massager, which provides gentle pressure and vibration to your breasts.
4.More skin to skin contact.
Mothers and infants must also remain together 24 hours a day and that there should be no artificial teats or pacifiers (also called dummies or soothers) to breastfeeding infants, said WHO in its manual titled ‘The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.’
It is also best to co-sleep with your newborn for easy breastfeeding, while keeping in mind safe sleep practices. Co-sleeping helps regulate “heart rates, brain waves, sleep states, oxygen levels, temperature, and breathing” of mom and baby, according to an article by Berkeley University.
Achieve those benefits with co-sleeper cribs like Juju Nursery’s bedside crib or Lily and Tucker’s 4-in-1 crib.
5.Keep the cycle: drink up and eat up.
Hydration helps a lot, so drinking at least 4 liters of water is the ideal. Postpartum nutrition is also essential - let mommas eat as much soup and protein and carbs as they can, at least for the duration of the round-the-clock feeding. A breastfeeding momma burns up to 500 calories per feeding!
Have a refreshing glass of M2 Malunggay tea, a mom-approved concentrated drink that helped many Pinoy moms stabilize their breastmilk supply.
In between childcare and sleepless nights, you may also find time for coffee with the Purest Lactation decaf hazelnut coffee or relax with a cup of tea with the Secrets of Tea Healthy Lemongrass.
6.Back to work? Maintain the supply by saving and pumping milk.
If your at least 100-day maternity leave is over, you can continue the breastfeeding journey by pumping round the clock. Mothers on an 8-hour shift are entitled to a 40-minute lactation break on top of their lunch break, according to Republic Act 10028. Pumping on schedule helps your body recognize the demand for milk, hence it will keep producing liquid gold.
To ensure pumping with ease, invest in a portable and easy-to-use electric breast pump like the Spectra 9 Plus, which has different modes that would fit your liking. It is rechargeable so this can be used even while you’re stuck in traffic! It also has a closed system that stops milk from going into the pump motor.
Store liquid gold in sterile bags like Sunmum’s storage bags or Snuggies breast milk bags. If you’re looking for a reusable option for milk storage, try the spill-proof Avent storage cups, which can be turned into snack cups when your baby has weaned.
No ref at the office? Fret no more with Vcool reusable ice brick cooler and insulated cooler, both of which keeps liquid gold cold for up to 12 hours!
7.Avoid nipple confusion.
To ensure stability of breastmilk supply, mamas should also make sure the transition from bottle to breastfeeding is seamless. Hundreds of mothers swear by Pigeon’s Peristaltic Plus teats and wideneck bottle for day feeding and continuing unlimited latch at night when mommy comes home from work.
Happy breastfeeding, mama!
