Breastfeeding: advice, position, duration, weaning
Milk quality, duration, weaning, position and breastfeeding mixed or on demand... Testimonials from mothers and expert advice to help you get breastfeeding off to a good start and overcome difficulties.
[Updated December 7, 2021]. Contrary to popular belief, breastfeeding your baby is not always a long calm river. Breastfeeding should first and foremost be a personal choice and it should remain so. This is the key to successful breastfeeding! If you breastfeed your baby because you feel coerced into doing so, it won't work. Breastfeeding is indeed a big part of psychology! During breastfeeding, do you feel that your motivation decreases? Maybe it's time to wean baby and switch to infant formula? Again, it's your personal decision. If you choose to give the breast, find all our advice to get off to a good start and overcome any difficulties (cracks, pain, and milk surges, etc.). How to do it ? Which nursing bra to choose? We guide you!
BREASTFEEDING NEWS
All our advice on breastfeeding
Breastfeeding on demand: how to do it?
Breastfeeding on demand consists of responding the needs of a newborn as soon as he asks for it and not according to defined times. Thus, breastfeeding on demand provides that it is the mother who adapts to the rhythms of her baby. If this practice can be restrictive, because some infants demand the breast every hour, it nevertheless promotes the mother's lactation. Breastfeeding on demand means breastfeeding your child without limitation, whether in terms of the number of feedings per day or the intervals between each feeding. In other words, there's no need to put time constraints on yourself to breastfeed: it's your baby who chooses when he wants to drink. At least during the first three weeks, an essential break-in period! Also, don't try to control how much milk your baby drinks or try to get him to drink more than he wants: he's in control. Some babies have small appetites, and some have very large ones.
What is the role of colostrum?
Colostrum is the milk produced by the mother between the 1st and 5th day after birth. It is produced in small quantities, but sufficient to feed it and cover all its nutritional needs. Finally, he prepares the arrival of the final milk. The transition milk corresponding to the "rise of milk": a sensation of heat and congestion in the breasts appears then ends after about 24 hours. It is caused by a rush of blood and fluid into the breasts. Breast milk is produced between the 3rd and 15th day. It is particularly rich in lipids and carbohydrates, and more fluid. Breast milk matures after the 2nd week. It is made from the 15th day. It contains all the nutrients necessary for the proper development of the baby, including vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, mineral salts, lipids, essential fatty acids, iron, etc. In addition, the composition of milk varies during the same feed: it contains more water and is more liquid and lighter at the start of the feed, then it thickens and contains more lipids at this time, thus satiating the baby. The breast fills before each feed and empties afterwards. The breasts adapt to the production necessary for each feed.
What are the benefits of breast milk for the baby?
Adapted to the needs of infants, breast milk is easily digested and contains antibodies to protect baby from ENT infections (such as ear infections or nasopharyngitis) and intestinal while waiting for it to produce its own antibodies. Breastfeeding baby also reduces the risk of allergies and eczema. Breast milk also has the advantage of always being immediately available in sufficient quality, at the ideal temperature. It makes it possible to avoid the number of episodes of diarrhea (about 5 times less) and represents a preventive effect against obesity. Finally, it is economical because it avoids the purchase of substitute infant milks. In addition, breastfeeding is a unique moment of intimacy between mother and baby.
What are the benefits of breast milk for the mother?
Breastfeeding makes it easier to lose the pounds of pregnancy by drawing on the fat accumulated over the last few months: breastfeeding increases energy needs. If the mother eats normally, she loses the pounds accumulated during pregnancy. In addition, breastfeeding would lead to a reduction in the risk of breast cancer, and cancer of the cervix and ovary, as well as a reduction in the risk of osteoporosis. Giving the breast, even for a period of 15 days, would also soothe the mother and her baby, by secreting oxytocin, a hormone which has a relaxing effect and makes the mother more relaxed. It is preferable that the baby be put to the breast at birth, after delivery, even if he was born by cesarean section. This promotes the flow of milk, a very favorable situation for the smooth running of childbirth.
| Warning: nicotine, alcohol and certain medications pass into the mother's milk and can be absorbed by the baby. Infection with the HIV virus is a contraindication to breastfeeding if another mode of feeding is possible. Hepatitis B or C virus infection requires medical advice. |
In which position to breastfeed your baby?
The position in which the mother and the baby are installed is important. The baby should be able to open his mouth easily without straining, so that he can grasp and suck the breast easily. This will prevent him from pulling too much on the breast or turning his head to look for it. A good position is more pleasant for the comfort of the baby, and to help him suckle well. Breastfeeding in a good position also helps prevent cracks from appearing. Some mums prefer to be seated and others lying down: the most important condition for breastfeeding to go well is to be comfortable.
Breastfeed in a seated or lying position?
The back must be braced if the seated position is chosen. You can use nursing pillows to feel more comfortable. The movements of the muscles of his face must be regular and harmonious. If the baby does not feel comfortable, it is better to interrupt for a few moments and resume later. If you choose the lying position to breastfeed her, her head should be well placed.
Breastfeeding difficult: how to avoid failures?
Breastfeeding is not easy: crying, fatigue and exhaustion push a large percentage of mothers to give up breastfeeding. Breastfeeding complications (pain, abscesses, cracks, etc.) can also frighten young mothers who sometimes lack information or support. Also, if you don't feel ready or force yourself to breastfeed your baby, you are more likely to give up. Stress, fatigue, anxiety also affect the quality of breastfeeding and reduce the secretion of oxytocin, this hormone involved in milk production. Do not hesitate to ask your midwife or a lactation consultant for advice if you are having difficulty giving the breast.
Breastfeeding and returning to work: our advice for weaning baby
Weaning is an important change for the baby and its mother. It must be done gently, when you return to work for example, or quite simply when you feel too tired, or that you no longer want to. Weaning should be done gradually to allow the breasts to adapt and not become engorged. If you are stressed about giving him his first bottle, do not hesitate to call on the dad and ask your pediatrician for advice before choosing the infant milk that will suit him best. If you return to work after the end of your maternity leave, you can consider weaning at the beginning of the last month of leave to gradually accustom your baby to the bottle. You will gradually begin to eliminate certain feedings (the least abundant first, then those in the evening and in the morning...). Our advice for weaning your little one well before going back to work:
Mixed breastfeeding
Mixed breastfeeding corresponds to a mode of breastfeeding that combines breastfeeding and powdered milk bottles. This practice is generally used by mothers who are breastfeeding but who must return to work at the end of their maternity leave. Thus, they can continue breastfeeding in the morning and evening. Maintaining quality lactation requires a sufficient number of daily feedings. It is advisable to opt for bottles that roughly reproduce the flow of the mother's breast so that the baby adapts to this mode of mixed breastfeeding.
Bra, pillow... Breastfeed baby comfortably
For successful breastfeeding, it is important to be relaxed. Do not hesitate to rest as much as possible. Also take care of your breasts, which are the first to be used during breastfeeding. If you are not careful, cracks and engorgements can compromise the rest of your breastfeeding. The solutions: choose a good nursing bra, use a breast pump if necessary to avoid engorgement, and let your nipples air dry.
Breastfeeding: advice, position, duration, weaning...NewsAdviceBreastfeeding on demandBreast milk and colostrumBenefits for the babyBenefits for the motherPositionsBreastfeeding difficultiesWeaningMixed breastfeedingTaking care of your breasts...
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