August 1-7: is breastfeeding week

Do you want your baby to have a healthy start in life and be provided with the best source of nutrients?

If ever there was a perfect food-form created, it is breast milk.  It is the most complete food that exists.  Not only does it contain all the right ingredients, but it is also in the perfect proportions, and can solely nourish your baby for the first six months, at least.

Many mothers often agonise about how to provide their baby with the best possible nutrients and ensure they receive adequate nourishment. Breastfeeding is so much more than just food!

If you are certain that you are not HIV positive, as breastfeeding transmits the virus from mother to child, breastfeeding can be easier, more cost effective and relatively hassle-free.  Breast milk is also, in most cases, more nourishing.  Those chubby, ‘cute looking' babies on cow's milk are, in fact, malnourished.

Breastfeeding furthermore provides significant advantages for both mother and child.  Breast milk contains natural immunisation and children receiving this form of sustenance often demonstrate a greater resistance to disease and illness than babies who are bottle-fed.

Where there is a history of allergies in a family, particularly asthma, sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, breastfeeding can also prove beneficial.  Breastfeeding, where these conditions exist within a family, should be continued for six to nine months.

Tips to assist mothers who feel they will never master the ‘art' of breastfeeding include:

• A glass of milk, juice or water, just before or during breastfeeding, will provide the mother with the additional fluids needed for the production of breast milk.
• Do not be too concerned about your baby receiving sufficient nourishment as your milk supply is tailored to meet the needs of your baby.
• Don't force your nipple into your baby's mouth. Given the chance, and correct, calm guidance, your baby will take the initiative and latch naturally.
• Ensure that your baby has a hold on both the aureola as well as the nipple.
• Nurse often when your milk becomes available. Empty at least one breast during each feed.
• Ensure that your baby can breathe easily whilst feeding, i.e. don't let your breast get in the way of the baby's nose.
• A steady rhythmic motion is a good sign that suckling is in progress. Listen for the sound of swallowing to ensure your baby is feeding successfully.
• At first, restrict feeding to five minutes per side. Gradually extend this time to ten minutes on the first breast, exceeding this slightly on the second if possible.
• Care for your breasts, particularly during breastfeeding.  Pat them dry after each feed and expose them to air for ten or fifteen minutes whenever possible.  Use special creams to prevent painful cracking.

Not all mothers, however, find breastfeeding simple or natural.  So, whether one chooses to breastfeed or not, the most important thing to remember is that feeding time is special and an opportunity to bond with your baby.