Babies need breast milk to fight off diseases
Ten things you may not know about exclusive breastfeeding
THE KZN Department of Health is encouraging mothers of all ages to give babies under the age of six months breast milk to build a strong immune system and fight off diseases.
Ten things you may not know about exclusive breastfeeding:
1 Not all breastfeeding is equal. The differences are important to understand. Exclusive breastfeeding means only breast milk and nothing else in the first 6 months of life. Mixed feeding means adding anything else such as juice, water, tea, formula, cereals, baby foods or other foods in the first 6 months.
2 The healthiest babies are the ones who are exclusively breastfed.
3 While breastfeeding, adding formula, water, tea, other drinks, cereals and other foods in the first 6 months increases the baby’s risk of getting diarrhea, pneumonia, malnutrition and food allergies.
4 The more the baby suckles at the breast, the more milk will be made. If the baby is given a dummy or drinks from a bottle, he/she will not suckle often enough from the breast, so the mother will produce less milk. The baby may also become confused about how to suckle well, and may refuse the breast.
5 Breast milk only with nothing else added contains all the nourishment and water a baby needs.
6 Colostrum, produced in the first few days following birth, cleans the stomach out, and is rich in immune boosting factors. No medicines or drinks should be used to clean out the stomach.
7 Fore milk comes before the richer hind milk. It quenches the baby’s thirst and contains important nutrients.
8 Hind milk is made after fore milk and is rich with extra fat and nutrients to help the baby grow and feel full. Let the baby drink until satisfied on one breast before offering the other breast.
9 Constipation and diarrhea are rare in exclusively breastfed babies. In the first few weeks babies commonly pass stools with every feed. Older babies, however, sometimes only pass one soft stool a week and this is fine.
10 Working mothers can continue exclusive breastfeeding by expressing breast milk by hand. This can be done at home and at work.
Common questions mothers ask
1 In the first few days, if I do not have enough milk, can I give water or other milk as well?
The colostrum is all the baby needs. Just feed your baby often, you will produce lots of milk that way. Ask your midwife to give you your baby immediately after birth so that you can put your baby to the breast. The baby will learn to how to suckle and this helps you to produce more milk.
2 I am giving breastmilk, but he baby is not satisfied. Do I need to give formula as well?
No, you can produce more milk by feeding the baby more often. Allow the baby time to drink until satisfied on one breast to make sure that the baby gets the hind milk, before offering the second breast, which the baby may or may not want.
3 My baby wants to feed so often, maybe I don’t have enough milk?
Your baby may be growing quickly at the moment. This is called a growth spurt and the baby needs more milk. By feeding often, you can produce enough milk for his/her needs. The milk will not run out! Allow extra time for the baby to suckle and don’t pull the baby off the breast. If your baby has more than 6 wet nappies per day, is being fed often (at least 8-12 times per day) and is gaining at least 500 g every month, then you are making enough milk.
4 If my baby cries often, what do I do?
Comfort your baby by putting him to the breast more often. Babies need to be close to their mothers. If your baby is hungry, thirsty, upset, suckling at your breast will satisfy him.
5 Doesn’t the baby need water when it is hot?
No. The fore milk has lots of water and quenches the baby’s thirst. Feed your baby more often during hot weather.
6 When should I add other foods?
After 6 months, continue breastfeeding as before and add other foods as well.
7 What if I am HIV infected?
It is important to discuss your feeding choice during your pregnancy with a trained healthcare worker. Research has shown that the baby has very little chance of getting HIV from breast milk if the mother exclusively breastfeeds and even less if they adhere to their anti-retroviral treatment. It is important to avoid a new infection during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always use a condom during sexual intercourse. If you have any problems such as painful nipples or breasts, be sure to go to the clinic early for help.
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