Nursing for body & soul
It’s the most natural thing in the world, but that doesn’t mean breastfeeding comes naturally. Getting it right takes a bit of practice...
Breastfeeding is known as the gold standard to feed a baby, but it is about so much more than nutrition. It represents the common language of mothering; it is about intimacy and a relationship with your baby.
Breast milk is perfectly designed, with all the nutrients your baby requires for growth and physical development (especially his brain), and nourishes both body and soul. The best thing about breastfeeding is that your body naturally produces milk from before birth, and the process is continued as your baby is born to breastfeed. You just need to be available to your baby. Most babies know exactly what they need to do, so be guided by your baby, and have confidence in your body’s ability to nourish your baby.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t also get clued up on how to go about the art of breastfeeding. Empower yourself with good knowledge that instils confidence, and surround yourself with people who will support you, from your partner and family members to healthcare professionals. Ask for help if and when you need it. Have a breastfeeding plan, and make a commitment to face the challenges you may face along the way.
THE GOLDEN HOUR
The first hour after the birth of your baby is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – a sacred moment when a family is formed and your baby’s first impression of life outside the womb is made.
The best way to start is heart to heart! As soon as your baby is born, place him on your chest, in skin-to-skin contact. Your body will naturally increase in temperature to warm your baby – even better than an incubator. Your baby should only be separated from you if there is a good medical reason. Routine procedures and observations can be conducted either while your baby is on your chest, or at a later time. This moment should be uninterrupted. Skin-to-skin contact not only promotes bonding but is also a multi-sensory experience for your baby. Besides the powerful sense of touch and human contact, which confirms your baby’s out of womb habitat on your breast area, the sense of smell is well developed and very strong. Each mother and baby has a unique scent, and once your baby recognises yours, it provides security and comfort. Your baby’s sense of sight is also very important, although underdeveloped. You will have a natural desire to look at your baby. As he makes eye contact with you, and stares back, the love hormone oxytocin floods your brain, starting the art of breastfeeding. Your baby’s suck reflex is at its most intense during the first hour after birth. Allow your baby his own time, and be guided by him.
Research has now identified nine observable newborn stages that are instinctive for a baby who is placed in skinto-skin contact with his mother, after birth:
STAGE 1: THE BIRTH CRY
A distinct cry as baby’s lungs fill with air.
STAGE 2: RELAXATION
Baby is skin-to-skin with his mom and relaxed.
STAGE 3: AWAKENING
Around three minutes after birth, small wave-like movements in the baby’s head and shoulders are noticed. Baby’s eyes are usually open.
STAGE 4: ACTIVITY
The newborn baby starts to make sucking movements as the rooting becomes more obvious. Baby looks at the breast and at Mom. He will also make “cooing” sounds to capture the mother’s full attention.
STAGE 5: REST
He may rest at intervals and continue to make sucking movements in his own time.
STAGE 6: CRAWLING
About 35 minutes after birth, the baby starts to leap, crawl, slide and push himself towards the breast to reach the nipple.
STAGE 7: FAMILIARISATION
Baby licks the nipple and touches and massages the breast. This is usually about 45 minutes after birth and can continue for a further 20 minutes.
STAGE 8:
The suckling baby takes the nipple into his mouth and attaches well onto the breast and suckles.
STAGE 9: SLEEP
Baby (and often Mom too) fall into a restful sleep, about 90 minutes to two hours after birth.
COLOSTRUM – BABY’S FIRST MILK
The milk that your breasts will make for the first few days is called colostrum and is especially designed for your newborn baby. It is often known as a superfood. (A superfood is nutrient dense and has superior health benefits.) Colostrum is rich in calories and protein, and is a sweet, golden milk that’s packed with antibodies to help protect your baby from infections, giving his immature immune system a boost.
It changes and adjusts according to your baby’s age and requirements. Breast milk constituents change throughout the day, every week, and in the months after birth, to suit your baby – it’s almost tailor made for your baby.
WHEN THE MILK COMES IN
In the first week after birth, usually around day three or four, your breasts will begin to feel fuller and heavier. The hormone prolactin naturally rises to produce copious amounts of milk, necessary for your baby.
It is important to feed your baby frequently and effectively to maintain good drainage of your breasts and manage the filling.
Warm baths or showers, gentle massage and the application of cold cabbage leaves help relieve swelling.
This lasts for around 24 to 48 hours, after which it settles to meet your baby’s demand.
GET A GOOD LATCH
Breastfeeding is a skill that needs to be practised by both Mom and Baby in the early days after birth, and the correct latch is key to preventing soreness and any nipple discomfort.
In the first few weeks, cup and support your breast in your hand to latch on and throughout the feeds, to help it go more smoothly. Be sure your fingers are well behind the areola (the darker skin around your nipple). Your thumb and index finger should form a C or U.
Get comfortable. Good positioning and support with pillows, to keep Baby at the right height, will ensure the correct latch and prevent nipple soreness or pain. Remember that it is a natural response and an instinctive rooting reflex by your baby to open his mouth wide as you tickle his top lip with your nipple. When he does this, lift him gently but firmly towards you to take a good mouthful of breast tissue – your baby needs to take in your nipple and areola. Give yourself time to practise, gain confidence and master this new task.
SIGNS OF A GOOD LATCH
Your baby is facing you “tummy-to mummy”, so that he doesn’t need to turn his head to reach your nipple.
Your baby has taken a deep mouthful of breast into his mouth, chin first, well over the areola area.
Your baby is pulled in close to you, and kept close with the support of your arms on pillows. Your baby is actively swallowing, with intervals of a suck, swallow and breathe rhythm.
Your baby is comfortable, and you feel a deep (not painful) pull as he suckles.