Breastfeeding: what to expect, precautions and some tips
We celebrate breastfeeding week with you. We support breastfeeding as food for a sustainable future. We also understand that it is not an easy or transversal process for all families.
In this article, we are going to explore some issues related to breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding 101
When your milk rises
Breast milk arrives in three stages, described below:
Colostrum: At the time of delivery, the milk has not yet come up. The thick, yellowish (though sometimes clear) substance it naturally produces is colostrum, the same fluid that leaked from your breasts during pregnancy. This vital mix of proteins, vitamins and minerals can also help defend against harmful bacteria and viruses and possibly stimulate the baby to produce antibodies. It also coats the inside of the baby's intestine, stimulating the first bowel movement and decreasing the occurrence of allergies and digestive disorders.
Breastfeeding regularly from the start will help stimulate your body to produce the next stage of milk within a few days.
Transition milk: The next item on the tasting menu is transitional milk, which your breasts serve between colostrum and mature milk, usually around the third or fourth day. With a more orange color appears when the milk rises for the first time. It contains lower levels of immunoglobulins and proteins than colostrum, but has more lactose, fat and calories. And don't worry if you don't seem to be making much milk, because by day three your baby's stomach is the size of a walnut.
mature milk: From the tenth day after birth, mature milk is thin and white, and contains all the fat and other nutrients that growing babies need.
Some tips
when you get home
Look for peace and quiet. Until breastfeeding becomes more natural for you, you need to be able to focus on this new role and process. So, settle in an area with few distractions and low noise levels. During this new and magical phase of your life and that of your baby, take the opportunity to bond while you adapt to breastfeeding.
Be comfortable. Settle into a position that is comfortable for you and your baby: on the sofa, in an armchair or on the bed, propped up or lying down. If you are sitting, a pillow on your lap will help raise your baby to a comfortable height. Support your arms too, to avoid their fatigue.
Quench your thirst. Always have a drink of your choice close by - milk, juice or water - to replenish your fluids and eat small snacks or fruit every 2 hours.
Practice, practice, practice. The first attempts can be more intense and get frustrated. Remember that in the first few days, colostrum will be enough to feed your baby while the milk comes in.
While this is all happening, it is common for milk/liquids to be released between feedings. To avoid feeling wet and wetting your clothes, it is ideal to use nursing discs. We suggest the discs Medela Safe Dry Disposable Breast Pad - 60 pieces to make you feel more comfortable and dry.
Tip: For more sensitive breasts and to avoid mastitis
To soothe sore or swollen breasts, use the Philips Avent 2-in-1 Gel Thermal Pads - 2 pcs. If you put them in the fridge or freezer, they will ease the discomfort in the area. Apply with the aid of grants.
These pads can also be used hot to stimulate milk flow before breastfeeding, as the moist heat provides an extra feeling of comfort and helps to stimulate flow. Slightly dampen the pouches, and heat the disk in hot water for 10 minutes.
To help heal sore and cracked nipples faster the brand Medela is a leader with its products focused on breastfeeding, such as:
the purelan cream
Helps replenish the natural level of lipids to correct the skin's moisture balance; Helps reinforce the skin's natural barrier properties; also ideal for chapped lips, dry nose and dry skin in babies; No parabens, additives, preservatives or perfume; hypoallergenic.
Ideal for when you are breastfeeding and have sore or cracked nipples, the pillows aid recovery and offer immediate, soothing relief. They support skin recovery and help keep it in good condition.
Something that helps milk production is how often you breastfeed or even express milk and preserve it. Your baby may already be full and still have milk. Why not keep it?
The milk pumps are ideal for this scenario. We suggest the manual breast pump designed for mothers who breastfeed most of the time, great for taking on the go or as a complement to the usual electric breast pump.
You milk storage bags are a convenient way to store, transport and warm expressed breast milk, breast milk storage bags are easy to use and hygienic.
How to thaw milk?
To avoid losing all the vitamins, minerals and other important ingredients in your breast milk, always thaw your bag in the fridge. This will take about eight hours, so make sure you allow for that time in your preparations. Do not heat a bag in the microwave or place it in a pot of boiling water.
And how should you heat the milk?
Your baby may prefer his expressed milk if it is at his body temperature, as it is more like milk that comes directly from the breast, for this, place the bag in a bowl of warm water, or in a bottle warmer, or place it o under a tap of lukewarm water (between 36°C and 37°C, which is normal body temperature).
Use the Savaii Sweet Almond Oil , an essential product for you, during and after pregnancy as it is well tolerated in stretching the skin fibers during all the months of pregnancy, contributing to the prevention of stretch marks. As a continuation of using this product, you can hydrate your baby's skin with pediatric massages. We recommend that you do the allergy test to rule out any irritation, ideal to do in a small area.
Most importantly, understand that this is a natural process and will vary from situation to situation. Try to remain as relaxed and positive as possible. Your baby thanks you. If you feel that something is not right or need further advice, consult your doctor.