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Breastfeeding – The Best Nutrition For Baby

Some mothers have described breastfeeding as one of the best experiences in life as they feel the bond between themselves and their babies is the strongest when they breastfeed. In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week 2011, we would just like to share more information about this wonderful form of nutrition.

The Best Nutrition for Baby

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Every mother knows that breast milk is the best food for babies. Breast milk is highly nutritious as it provides all the nutrients a baby needs to grow well for the first six months of life. The key nutrients in breast milk support the optimal growth and development of the baby and all organs and systems.
Breast milk contain:

Fat, protein, carbohydrate, which are easily digested and absorbed.
DHA and AA, which are building blocks of brain & eye development
Taurine and choline to support overall mental development and functioning.
Calcium and vitamin D for bone development.
Many protective factors that protect the infant from infections.

It is very important for breastfeeding mothers to consume a well-balanced diet as the nutritional status of lactating mothers has an impact on the quality of breast milk. The US DRIs (Dietary Reference Intakes) specifically lists that breastfeeding mothers require more of certain key nutrients including Folate, Zinc, Choline, Vitamins A, C and E and Fibre.

Answering the Call – How to Know when Baby is Hungry

Crying can be a telltale sign of hunger, but there are others. When your baby makes sucking movements or puts his fingers to his mouth – even if he's sleeping – he may be telling you he's ready to eat. It's best to feed him when he's fully awake. You can help wake him by playing with him, changing his diaper, or talking to him before he eats.

Latching on – how to position your baby for success

Your newborn may latch on as soon as you hold him to your breast. If not, don't be disappointed. To latch on correctly, position your baby's mouth over the pockets of milk located 1 to 1-1/2 inches behind the nipple. This way, he will get the most milk and you will be less likely to have sore nipples.

How to know if your baby is getting enough

In the beginning, you will know your newborn is getting enough milk if he stops passing meconium (thick black or dark-green stools) after about four days, and begins to pass yellow, seedy, runny stools three or more times a day.

During the first month he will wet six to eight diapers and have two bowel movements a day. Once your milk supply is established, he should gain about 2/3 ounce a day during his first 3 months. Between 3 and 6 months, weight gain tapers off to about 1/2 ounce a day.

Signs of healthy feedings

For you, it is easy. Full breasts before. Soft breasts after. Here are some signs that your baby is feeding healthy, too.

If your baby is eating healthy he or she will:

Sleep for a couple of hours after feeding
Breastfeed every 2 to 3 hours, at least eight times in a 24-hour period
Breastfeed for 10 or more minutes and no longer than an hour (but let your baby, not the clock, decide how long feeding lasts)
Produce an audible rhythm of suck/pause/suck during feedings
Feeds from both breasts
Appears settled and no longer hungry after feedings

For more breastfeeding tips, visit: http://smartmums.com.sg/nutrition/breastfeeding

Happy World Breastfeeding Week to all breastfeeding mummies and wishing you many more enjoyable moments bonding with baby!