Motherhood can be quite overwhelming for the new mom. It can be tasking as it brings about a sudden hectic changes including coping up with the race against time and the endless daily chores, lack of sleep and rest, health issues of the new born, the frequent diaper changes, breast feedings and much more. Mothers usually are worried about so many things, one such common concern is breastfeeding.
How much feeding is enough?
Even before answering this question; a new mom needs to take care of herself as much as her little one’s health is on her top priority. Mothers should be well hydrated and fed. Initially, a newborn baby should be fed every 1.5 to 3 hours. Once the baby starts to gain weight, the feeding interval can change to once in every 3 to 4 hours. You need to keep in mind that the little ones should be woken up for nursing. The newborns usually stay up at night and sleep during daytime; hence, the feeding times could change. As a rule, during the initial few weeks breast feeding should be 8 to 12 times in a day.
Patience is the key
It has been observed that close to 25 percent women may take longer than 3 days to produce breast milk. You need to have patience, remember that production of breastmilk is gradual process and is usually dependent on hormones. However, also understand that the more you breastfeed – the more breastmilk is produced.Breastfeeding is good for your child as well as you Breast milk contains antibodies which protect your little ones from diarrhoea, colds and sinus and ear infections and other allergies. Long term breastfeeding helps stay away from breast and ovarian cancers; where as a short term benefit is that this physical contact can help you bond with your baby. Breastfeeding releases hormones also known as “mothering hormones". The prolactin hormone helps in keeping the baby blues at bay; whereas the oxytocin hormone helps the uterus to contract and yes it helps you to burn calories too!
Relax… breastfeeding does not come naturally!!!
It takes patience and a little bit of perseverance to understand and develop the skill of breastfeeding. How much breast milk is produced has nothing to do with the breast size. Our body has been designed to prepare for the milk production during early pregnancy. With the baby’s birth the hormonal changes carry on an immediate task of breast milk production.
Seek professional help when required
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. During this phase, one should be calm and ask for help be it from a friend who is an experienced mom or even from your family physician. Don’t be scared to seek for immediate medical help. Remember - The earlier any problem is identified, the easier it gets to fit in a timely solution.Motherhood is the most beautiful experience. Do not get hassled if things don’t work out as you have planned. Accept the new change and confront your own physical and emotional limits only then you can enjoy this phase to its fullest!! (The author is preventive healthcare specialist at Indus Health Plus)