Breastfeeding

What is meant by breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding refers to feeding an infant with breast milk or infant formula. Breast milk is the most recommended food for newborns and infants because of its health and developmental benefits. Breastfeeding is a natural way of feeding that provides babies with all the nutrients they need to grow and develop, as well as proven disease protection.

Breastfeeding can also be an emotional and beneficial experience for the mother. Breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of diseases for the mother, such as diabetes and breast cancer, and helps reduce the bond between mother and baby.

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How long does the breastfeeding period last?
The period of breastfeeding may vary from woman to woman, but in general, it is recommended that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life. After 6 months, it is recommended to continue breastfeeding while introducing solid foods into the infant’s diet.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding until 2 years of age or older, along with the introduction of complementary foods after 6 months.

However, each mother and baby are unique and the duration of breastfeeding may vary according to individual needs. Some mothers may choose to breastfeed for a shorter period, while others may choose to extend breastfeeding beyond 2 years. It is important that each mother makes an informed decision about breastfeeding and receives the necessary support to achieve her breastfeeding goals.

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What are some things not to do when breastfeeding?
During breastfeeding, it is important to be aware of certain practices that should be avoided or performed with caution to ensure the health and safety of the baby. Here are some things not to do when breastfeeding:

– Avoid alcohol consumption: Alcohol passes into breast milk and can affect the baby’s development. It is recommended to wait at least two hours after consuming an alcoholic beverage before breastfeeding.

– Do not use generic bottles: Introducing generic bottles prior to the introduction of breastfeeding can make it difficult to establish breastfeeding and confuse your baby. If you need or want to use a bottle, use a custom-designed Happymami bottle to prevent your baby’s confusion factor and protect your breastfeeding. In addition, as the bottle is more similar to your breast, you increase your baby’s acceptance rates.

– Avoid tobacco use: Tobacco can decrease milk production and affect milk quality. In addition, smoking near the baby may increase the risk of respiratory diseases and other complications.

– Avoid excessive caffeine consumption: Excessive caffeine consumption can make the baby more restless and irritable. It is recommended to limit the intake of coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages during lactation. Avoid using illicit drugs: Illicit drugs can be dangerous for the baby’s health, as they can pass into breast milk and affect its development.

– Do not take medications without consulting a doctor: Some medications can be harmful to the baby during breastfeeding, so it is important to consult a doctor before taking any medication.

– Do not neglect hygiene: It is important to maintain good hygiene when breastfeeding, washing hands before touching the baby and keeping the breast and the area around the nipple clean.

– Do not limit the frequency or duration of feedings: The baby should suckle on demand, that is, whenever he is hungry, to establish good milk production and ensure proper growth and development. The duration and frequency of feedings should not be limited.

– Do not take extreme measures to solve breastfeeding problems: In case of problems with breastfeeding, it is important to seek help from a health professional, such as a midwife or a lactation consultant.

It is important to remember that, in general, a mother who follows a healthy, balanced diet, stays hydrated and gets enough rest can breastfeed without problems and provide all the necessary nutrients for her baby. If you have doubts or specific questions about breastfeeding, it is best to consult your midwife.

You can find more information in the following post: Breastfeeding