Mothers who first encounter with breastfeeding are often confused and frightened. Here are most common questions and answers about breastfeeding that new moms need to know.

Is there good and bad milk?

Breast milk is the best possible food for your baby! Every mother "creates" great milk, whose composition and quantity are adjusted to the age of the baby.  After childbirth, under the influence of hormones, begins production of milk in the breast. Initially, the amount of the first milk, called colostrum, is small. But, this amount is quite sufficient for the baby to learn to suck, and to meet the taste of food.

After several days, the amount of milk increases, and its composition is changed. This milk is called transitional milk. After two weeks, begins to secrete so-called mature milk, whose composition during the feeding is variable. Breast milk is extremely important and good for optimal growth and development of babies. It is recommended that the baby first empty one breast, and then to supplement the meal - if necessary, with the other breast. In any case, there is no bad breast milk!

 

How mothers can know whether they have enough milk, and whether the baby is getting enough milk?

Most mothers (95 percent) have enough milk for her baby.

In the first days after birth, uncertainty and awkwardness for breast-feeding are almost a "normal situation". The mother needs to learn how to breast-feed her baby, and the baby to learn how to properly suck. When both have learned this skill, soon overcomes the dilemma of whether the baby is eating enough. It is estimated based on the child's behavior.

If the mother has a dilemma whether the baby is getting enough milk sucked - should, first of all, to watch the baby how and how much time spend nursing,  and then to controls whether gets wet diaper at least six times a day.

In the first few days, the baby needs to breastfeed often - day and night. It should offer her breast whenever requested, not limited to time intervals. Day by day, the amount of milk that your baby drinks is growing, the baby is strengthens, and meals will be at a longer period of time. In fact, mom and baby establish their own rhythm.

Before you make a hasty decision on the possible introduction of additional food - in the form of AD milk, you should consult with a pediatrician.

What food mothers can eat and drink while breastfeeding, and what is forbidden?

It is certain that the mother does not need to eat twice as much food, but to eat healthy. Unfortunately, many nursing mothers are subject to the influence of the environment around the "recommendation" what to eat, drink, work ... A mother who is breastfeeding, need to have a balanced, varied diet, with a higher intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, eggs and quality meat - divided into five meals (three main and two snacks). There is no reason to avoid some types of food. It is good to drink water and fresh juices.

It should be moderate with spices and exotic meals, particularly those foods that can change the smell of breast milk. Observe your baby, so you will see her reactions on what bothers her, dislikes - because babies have a very developed sense of smell.

It is allowed to drink one to two cups of coffee a day and avoid soda drinks, artificial drinks and alcohol. What is certain PROHIBITED is smoking during pregnancy and lactation, because nicotine through the blood passes into breast milk very fast.

Does the baby need to wake up when it's been several hours since the last breast-feeding?

Each baby is different, unique in every way. It has its own rhythm and should allow it to develop their own relationship with his mother. Baby should not have a time limit in feeding, especially because breastfeeding is not just feeding. Breast milk is the best food, but the act of breastfeeding also develops and deepens intimacy between mother and baby encourages optimal psychological development of the child, developing safety and confidence.

Each breastfeed begins with different breast, or breast are offered alternately. From the first breast should let your baby suck for 10-15 minutes. After completion of feeding from that breast, should offer the other. If the baby is not sucking, means that she is not hungry anymore.

In the first days after leaving the hospital, the number of feedings is between 10-12 times in 24 hours. By the end of the first month, should the mother and baby establish their rhythm, and the number of feedings decreases to about eight times. As the child grows, the number of feedings decreases, and at the end of the sixth month the baby should have about six feedings.

Does the mother can prevent uncontrolled leakage of milk?

Although it sounds incredible, some mothers have problems secretion of milk, and other mothers have uncontrolled leaking of milk from the breasts. This happens especially in the first days after childbirth. It often happens that, while the mother breastfeeds the baby on one breast, from the other breast milk only dripping. The only solution are inserts for nursing mothers, which should be placed in a bra. They are very practical because prevent wetting of clothing and avoid unpleasant situation. The problem usually stops after the first month of breastfeeding.