The Act Of Breastfeeding.
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During pregnancy, the mammary gland (breast) is naturally prepared for the feeding of the baby when it’s born. The natural cause of the breast milk is the action of the hormone known as Prolactin which stimulates the mammary glands for milk secretion.
This process starts within 24 – 48 hours after delivery.
Breast-feeding gas many benefits and is preferable to bottle feeding, below are some of its benefits.
• Breast-feeding is the best for the newborn child.
• Breast milk is clean and sterile.
• Breast milk is of the proper temperature.
• Breast milk has all the proper elements for the baby's best growth and development.
• The immune substances contained in the mother’s milk, helps to protect the child against diseases.
• Breast-feeding plays an important role in the psychological development of the child.
• Breastfeeding also promotes mother – child communications and relationship.
During breast-feeding, the mother must be careful with the hygiene of her nipples, By ;
• Washing her nipples before and after each breastfeeding.
• She should wears a comfortable, and well-fitting uplift brassiere.
• She should encourage her child to suck even if no secretion, since sucking increases stimulation and consequently, milk production.
Once lactation ( period of producing milk from the breast to feed a baby) has been regulated, the child must be fed for 10 to 15 minutes every 3 hours, alternating the breasts.
The mother at this period is required to eat a full, balanced diet, being sure to include plenty of fluids, milk, egg, meat, fruits, vegetables and cereals.
She may avoid gassy foods such as cabbages, garlic etc.
She should also take vitamins and calcium for healthy and strong bone for the baby, but she should be aware of the drugs she takes, I.e she should consults her doctor before taking drugs as some drugs taken by mother’s do affects the baby.
In addition to the above, she should take the following precautions:
• Get plenty of rest.
• Get plenty of relaxation.
• Avoid tension and anxiety
• Avoid excessive smoking.
• Avoid excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages.
For healthy growth of the child, he should be breastfeed for at least two years.
However, if a mother is ill or has a chronic debilitating disease, she should not breastfeed the child.