Doesn't the milk lose its goodness past one year?
No, the milk remains virtually the same. The changes that take place in the milk are designed to accomodate the child's new dependence on solids, and lesser milk intake. During weaning, the milk changes yet again, turning salty and higher in minerals.
Isn't nursing past two years sexual abuse?
No, sexual abuse occurs when inappropriate touching takes place. Because the breast is not a sexual organ, breastfeeding a baby or child is not sexual abuse. In fact, this is a common misconception because many western societies place a sexual value on the breast. While the breast, male or female, may be used in sexual relations, there is nothing inherantly sexual about the breast. Biologically, it has nerve endings which are sensitive. These nerve endings help enhance the mother-infant bond by ensuring a good latch. The fact that there are other uses for the breast is not really germane to breastfeeding. An apt, if unpleasant, comparison is that most normal men do not derive sexual pleasure from urination, despite the fact that they are using a sexual organ. In fact, you may be surprised to know that statistically, breastfeeding mothers have been shown to sexually abuse their children less often. Experts say that the deepened bond between many mothers and their nurslings makes abuse less likely.
Doesn't nursing a toddler make him or her clingy?
There is evidence that nursing makes a toddler less clingy (although more attached) than his weaned peers. Breastfed toddlers may be more secure, perhaps because they have come to rely on their mothers as a solid source of comfort, and know that mother can be depended on when needed.
I want more children, what about my fertility while breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding will delay fertility, and for some women, decrease their libido. The good news is that fertility will return for most women despite nursing a two or three year old. The fertility reducing affect of breastfeeding varies from woman to woman.
The idea of nursing an older baby makes me uncomfortable. Why do people nurse older babies?
Most women don't begin their nursing relationship with their infant with the idea of nursing for a set number of months. As many women approach what they thought was the "ideal" weaning time, they begin to question why weaning at that age had seemed like such a good idea when they can clearly see the benefits of continuing to nurse. Many women begin to ask, why should I wean when my toddler so clearly benefits? My toddler's anxieties and bumps and bruises are so easily soothed by nursing. Putting him or her to bed is a breeze, and grumpy mornings just don't happen when he or she wakes with a nurse.
I can't imagine breastfeeding an 18 month old in public! Will they be asking to nurse at the grocery store?
This is *so* dependent on the child; however, many toddlers lose their love of nursing round the clock, and are way too busy exploring their world to nurse when in public. Toddlers can also be taught polite ways to ask for nursing. A hand gesture can be a secret way to ask to nurse rather than pulling on a shirt for the preverbal toddler. And toddlers will call nursing whatever you call it - nummies are a discreet word that only another nursing mother might recognize:) Some moms are also comfortable establishing a no nursing in public policy. And of course, some moms find that there is no reason not to nurse an older child in public.
Don't moms who nurse older children want some time to themselves?
Of course they do, they have needs for privacy and needs for social time away from their family just like any mother, independent of whether they are nursing or not. The breast is an amazing organ, and as the months go by, breasts are less and less prone to problems such as engorgement, plugged ducts, or mastitis at time apart from nursing. And for moms who do want more than a few hours, pumping when (or *if* engorged) will generally work just fine.
If I don't set a weaning date, when will my toddler wean?
That depends on your toddler and you. Many will self wean if you direct a weaning strategy of not nursing except upon request. Others may need encouragement if you decide you are ready to wean before they do. Just be sure to let the weaning take place slowly, and expect a few setbacks along the way. Most moms report that it is easier to wean an older child than a younger. And still other moms report that their child weaned before they (the mother) was ready!
I can see the advantages of nursing an older child, but I'm planning on returning to work.
Actually, it's very easy to continue a nursing relationship with a toddler and go back to work. Because the breasts are less prone to engorgement, most mothers can simply nurse in the morning before leaving and as soon as they get home. Moms who go back to work early simply begin dropping pumping sessions as their toddler begins solids and other liquids. Moms who've gone back to work and continued nursing tend to feel better about their work experiences, knowing that they are still providing their baby with the best, despite being separated for part of the day. And mothers who continue to nurse find that they have to take fewer sick days, as their child gets sick less often because of the immune-enhancing effect of breastmilk.
I can see the advantages for my baby. What are the advantages for me?
Mothers who nurse continue to receive the hormones of letdown, which relax the mother and help her continue to bond with her child, which can be clearly beneficial in the second year with those sometimes hard to love toddlers! Also, stress levels are reduced in mothers who nurse, making coping with small children (or a busy work day for working mothers) even easier. Mothers who nurse 24 months or more over their lifetime have a 25% lowered chance of developing breast cancer than their bottlefeeding peers. Mothers who nurse also have reduced fertility, which many consider an advantage. Mothers who nurse continue to need extra calories, although fewer than in the first year, which is an advantage to all but those who need to gain weight. And of course, many women consider the appearance of their breasts to be better before they have weaned. Mothers who nurse also have an additional parenting weapon in their arsenal, namely the ability to calm and comfort an angry or out of control toddler, that can't always be done in any other way.
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Showing posts with label Nutrition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nutrition. Show all posts
Monday, March 8, 2010
Upping Milk Supply, or, Don't Sniff the Jasmine!
Did you know applying jasmine flowers on your breasts is an ancient way to dry up your milk? Several studies have confirmed the effects. Seems like it's a good idea for nursing mothers to find another favorite fragrance beside jasmine!
Onto milk supply. It's one of the most frequently asked questions of a breastfeeding mom. How can I up my milk supply? Low milk supply is also the number one reason why women wean here in America.
First, a mother must determine that she actually HAS a low milk supply. In the early weeks, a baby not gaining weight quickly with a breastfeeding mom is about just as likely to suffer from an oversupply of milk. When you have an oversupply of milk, baby's diapers may be green instead of yellow, and baby may suffer from extra gas. Sometimes moms will have very strong letdowns and squirt across the room and soak a towel before they can latch baby on. Normally, this condition betters with time, but there are tricks (like not switching breasts as often) to better the situation more rapidly.
For true undersupply, in the early weeks, is your baby wetting 5-6 disposables (or 6-8 cloth)? Can you hear the baby swallowing? Is the baby's weight gain adequate over the past month? Frequency and duration of nursing is not a very good indicator of milk supply. Some older, exclusively breastfed babies nurse as little as 4 times a day, while others nip 20 or more times in a day.
To up your supply,
Nurse, nurse, nurse! Allow baby full access to the breast, and never switch breasts until baby comes off himself (or herself).
Consider night nursing - using a family bed can help stimulate supply. The hormones at night "recharge" your milk supply, so try to get a good night's rest as well!
Drink adequate fluids, and get plenty of rest. Exercise if you can manage it.
Fenugreek and Mother's Milk tea are both measures that have been used with reported success. Here at The Nursing Baby we offer a nursing tea, and three herbal supplements (More Milk Plus, More Milk Two (for pregnant nursing mothers), and Goat's Rue (this one I love!). Milk Increasers
Consult a lactation consultant or your friendly LLL leader if these measures do not help.
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Onto milk supply. It's one of the most frequently asked questions of a breastfeeding mom. How can I up my milk supply? Low milk supply is also the number one reason why women wean here in America.
First, a mother must determine that she actually HAS a low milk supply. In the early weeks, a baby not gaining weight quickly with a breastfeeding mom is about just as likely to suffer from an oversupply of milk. When you have an oversupply of milk, baby's diapers may be green instead of yellow, and baby may suffer from extra gas. Sometimes moms will have very strong letdowns and squirt across the room and soak a towel before they can latch baby on. Normally, this condition betters with time, but there are tricks (like not switching breasts as often) to better the situation more rapidly.
For true undersupply, in the early weeks, is your baby wetting 5-6 disposables (or 6-8 cloth)? Can you hear the baby swallowing? Is the baby's weight gain adequate over the past month? Frequency and duration of nursing is not a very good indicator of milk supply. Some older, exclusively breastfed babies nurse as little as 4 times a day, while others nip 20 or more times in a day.
To up your supply,
Nurse, nurse, nurse! Allow baby full access to the breast, and never switch breasts until baby comes off himself (or herself).
Consider night nursing - using a family bed can help stimulate supply. The hormones at night "recharge" your milk supply, so try to get a good night's rest as well!
Drink adequate fluids, and get plenty of rest. Exercise if you can manage it.
Fenugreek and Mother's Milk tea are both measures that have been used with reported success. Here at The Nursing Baby we offer a nursing tea, and three herbal supplements (More Milk Plus, More Milk Two (for pregnant nursing mothers), and Goat's Rue (this one I love!). Milk Increasers
Consult a lactation consultant or your friendly LLL leader if these measures do not help.
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Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Cow's milk: When and how to introduce it-3
Should I buy organic or hormone-free milk for my child?
While there's no conclusive evidence that these kinds of milk are better for children, if you have access to organic or hormone-free milk, you may want to consider the option. Some parents are willing to pay the significantly higher price for milk that's as pure as possible. Read up on growth hormones in milk and organic foods to help you make a decision.
Could my child have a milk allergy?
True allergies to cow's milk are relatively uncommon — only 2 to 3 percent of children are allergic to milk, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and 95 percent of them outgrow it by age 3. (Learn the difference between a milk allergy and lactose intolerance.)
If your child drank cow's-milk-based formula as a baby without any problems, you can rest easy that he'll have no problems tolerating regular cow's milk. Even babies who were exclusively breastfed for the first year can usually handle regular cow's milk because they've been exposed to cow's milk protein in their mother's milk (unless their mothers avoided all dairy).
If your child drank soy formula because your doctor recommended it, though, check with your doctor before starting him on cow's milk. She may recommend that you start with a soy beverage that's been fortified with vitamin D and calcium. See what our experts say about giving soy milk or rice milk to a child who won't drink cow's milk.
A follow-up formula, made for toddlers, can also be a good choice. Rice milk, on the other hand, is not a good choice for toddlers because it's usually low in protein, calcium, and B vitamins.
Still, it never hurts to arm yourself with information. The main symptoms of milk allergy are blood in the stool, diarrhea, and vomiting. If your child also develops eczema, hives, a rash around the mouth and chin, chronic nasal stuffiness, a runny nose, cough, wheezing, or breathing difficulties, it could be a sign that the respiratory system is being affected by a milk allergy. If your toddler develops any of these symptoms, talk with his doctor.
If it turns out that your toddler is allergic to cow's milk, you'll want to be careful to avoid foods such as cottage cheese, condensed and evaporated milks, ice cream, yogurt, margarine that contains milk, butter, milk chocolate, and powdered milk. And read labels for sources of cow's milk protein, like casein and whey
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While there's no conclusive evidence that these kinds of milk are better for children, if you have access to organic or hormone-free milk, you may want to consider the option. Some parents are willing to pay the significantly higher price for milk that's as pure as possible. Read up on growth hormones in milk and organic foods to help you make a decision.
Could my child have a milk allergy?
True allergies to cow's milk are relatively uncommon — only 2 to 3 percent of children are allergic to milk, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and 95 percent of them outgrow it by age 3. (Learn the difference between a milk allergy and lactose intolerance.)
If your child drank cow's-milk-based formula as a baby without any problems, you can rest easy that he'll have no problems tolerating regular cow's milk. Even babies who were exclusively breastfed for the first year can usually handle regular cow's milk because they've been exposed to cow's milk protein in their mother's milk (unless their mothers avoided all dairy).
If your child drank soy formula because your doctor recommended it, though, check with your doctor before starting him on cow's milk. She may recommend that you start with a soy beverage that's been fortified with vitamin D and calcium. See what our experts say about giving soy milk or rice milk to a child who won't drink cow's milk.
A follow-up formula, made for toddlers, can also be a good choice. Rice milk, on the other hand, is not a good choice for toddlers because it's usually low in protein, calcium, and B vitamins.
Still, it never hurts to arm yourself with information. The main symptoms of milk allergy are blood in the stool, diarrhea, and vomiting. If your child also develops eczema, hives, a rash around the mouth and chin, chronic nasal stuffiness, a runny nose, cough, wheezing, or breathing difficulties, it could be a sign that the respiratory system is being affected by a milk allergy. If your toddler develops any of these symptoms, talk with his doctor.
If it turns out that your toddler is allergic to cow's milk, you'll want to be careful to avoid foods such as cottage cheese, condensed and evaporated milks, ice cream, yogurt, margarine that contains milk, butter, milk chocolate, and powdered milk. And read labels for sources of cow's milk protein, like casein and whey
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Cow's milk: When and how to introduce it -2
How much milk should my toddler drink?
Your 1- to 2-year-old child should drink 16 to 24 ounces of whole milk a day. While you'll most likely have to work to make sure he meets the requirement, keep in mind that it is possible for him to drink too much milk.
If your child drinks more than two to three glasses of milk during the day, he may not have room at dinner for the other foods that he needs to round out his diet. (He needs plenty of iron-rich foods like leafy green vegetables and meat, for example, because milk does not contain iron.) So if your toddler's thirsty, get him in the habit of drinking water throughout the day, too.
Can I give my toddler fat-free or reduced-fat milk?
In most cases, not yet. While we adults strive to eat and drink lower-fat versions of our favorite foods, it's important that you start your child out with whole milk, not lower-fat varieties.
That's because he needs the higher fat and caloric content for his growth and development right now. In fact, for children under 2 years old, fats should make up about half of the total caloric intake for the day. Once your child has another birthday — and doesn't have any growth problems — you may decide to switch to reduced-fat or nonfat milk.
Possible exceptions: If you’re overweight or obese, or have a family history of obesity, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease, your child’s doctor may recommend starting now with reduced-fat milk.
What if he's made the transition but just doesn't like milk?
Meeting the minimum requirement of 16 oz. can be a challenge if your child doesn't care for milk. While chocolate milk does add sugar to your child's diet, it has the same amount of calcium and other important vitamins and minerals as plain milk. Better yet, try a powdered flavoring — just a small amount will provide less sugar than preflavored milks. Some varieties (like Ovaltine) contain added vitamins and minerals, too.
Keep in mind that there are many ways to sneak milk into your child's diet. Serve him puddings, custards, and shakes for snacks. Make his soup with milk rather than water, and add a milk-based sauce or gravy to casseroles.
What if he absolutely refuses? Or if we're vegans?
If your child won't let a drop of milk cross his lips or he can't tolerate it because of an allergy or your family is vegan, you'll want to be very conscientious about making sure he gets all the calories, protein, calcium, vitamin D, and other vitamins and minerals he needs. Your child's doctor or a nutritionist can help. So might these tips:
Some plant foods, like dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, blackstrap molasses, and brussels sprouts, contain calcium. So do pinto beans, figs, tofu made with calcium, and calcium-fortified fruit juice. These foods don't provide all of the vitamins found in milk, though. They contain no vitamin D, for example, so if your child doesn't drink milk, you'll want to make sure he takes a vitamin or multivitamin that contains 100 percent of the vitamin D he needs. Also keep in mind that these are not easy substitutions — it takes 4 cups of broccoli to provide the same amount of calcium as 1 cup of milk, for instance.
Some cereals are fortified with vitamin D. Check the labels.
Soy milk can substitute for cow's milk, but check the labels because not all varieties have the same nutritional value. Some are fortified with vitamin D, vitamin A, and calcium, while others aren't. The amount of calcium and other nutrients can also vary, so look for those that have the greatest nutritional value.
Yogurt is a great food for those who shun milk or are lactose intolerant. It has the same amount of protein and calcium as milk, but contains much less lactose, so most people who are lactose intolerant can tolerate yogurt. (Note that being lactose intolerant and allergic to milk protein are not the same thing.) Yogurt also contains bacteria that's healthy for the intestines.
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Your 1- to 2-year-old child should drink 16 to 24 ounces of whole milk a day. While you'll most likely have to work to make sure he meets the requirement, keep in mind that it is possible for him to drink too much milk.
If your child drinks more than two to three glasses of milk during the day, he may not have room at dinner for the other foods that he needs to round out his diet. (He needs plenty of iron-rich foods like leafy green vegetables and meat, for example, because milk does not contain iron.) So if your toddler's thirsty, get him in the habit of drinking water throughout the day, too.
Can I give my toddler fat-free or reduced-fat milk?
In most cases, not yet. While we adults strive to eat and drink lower-fat versions of our favorite foods, it's important that you start your child out with whole milk, not lower-fat varieties.
That's because he needs the higher fat and caloric content for his growth and development right now. In fact, for children under 2 years old, fats should make up about half of the total caloric intake for the day. Once your child has another birthday — and doesn't have any growth problems — you may decide to switch to reduced-fat or nonfat milk.
Possible exceptions: If you’re overweight or obese, or have a family history of obesity, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease, your child’s doctor may recommend starting now with reduced-fat milk.
What if he's made the transition but just doesn't like milk?
Meeting the minimum requirement of 16 oz. can be a challenge if your child doesn't care for milk. While chocolate milk does add sugar to your child's diet, it has the same amount of calcium and other important vitamins and minerals as plain milk. Better yet, try a powdered flavoring — just a small amount will provide less sugar than preflavored milks. Some varieties (like Ovaltine) contain added vitamins and minerals, too.
Keep in mind that there are many ways to sneak milk into your child's diet. Serve him puddings, custards, and shakes for snacks. Make his soup with milk rather than water, and add a milk-based sauce or gravy to casseroles.
What if he absolutely refuses? Or if we're vegans?
If your child won't let a drop of milk cross his lips or he can't tolerate it because of an allergy or your family is vegan, you'll want to be very conscientious about making sure he gets all the calories, protein, calcium, vitamin D, and other vitamins and minerals he needs. Your child's doctor or a nutritionist can help. So might these tips:
Some plant foods, like dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, blackstrap molasses, and brussels sprouts, contain calcium. So do pinto beans, figs, tofu made with calcium, and calcium-fortified fruit juice. These foods don't provide all of the vitamins found in milk, though. They contain no vitamin D, for example, so if your child doesn't drink milk, you'll want to make sure he takes a vitamin or multivitamin that contains 100 percent of the vitamin D he needs. Also keep in mind that these are not easy substitutions — it takes 4 cups of broccoli to provide the same amount of calcium as 1 cup of milk, for instance.
Some cereals are fortified with vitamin D. Check the labels.
Soy milk can substitute for cow's milk, but check the labels because not all varieties have the same nutritional value. Some are fortified with vitamin D, vitamin A, and calcium, while others aren't. The amount of calcium and other nutrients can also vary, so look for those that have the greatest nutritional value.
Yogurt is a great food for those who shun milk or are lactose intolerant. It has the same amount of protein and calcium as milk, but contains much less lactose, so most people who are lactose intolerant can tolerate yogurt. (Note that being lactose intolerant and allergic to milk protein are not the same thing.) Yogurt also contains bacteria that's healthy for the intestines.
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Cow's milk: When and how to introduce it -1
Why do experts recommend waiting to introduce cow's milk until a baby is 12 months old?
There are several reasons to delay the introduction of cow's milk until your baby reaches his first birthday. Most important, a baby's digestive system can't digest cow's milk proteins. Cow's milk also has too much sodium, potassium, and chloride, which can tax your baby's kidneys.
Even if his system could handle it, cow's milk doesn't have all the vitamins and minerals (especially vitamin E, zinc, and iron) that he needs for growth and development in his first year. Giving a baby cow's milk could even cause iron deficiency and internal bleeding. And it can increase his risk of an allergic reaction.
Once your baby's digestive system is ready to digest it, though, milk becomes a powerful ally. A great source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A, milk will build your toddler's bones and teeth and help his body regulate his blood coagulation and muscle control. Almost all milk is fortified with vitamin D, which helps the body absorb the calcium it needs.
Milk also provides protein for growth, as well as carbohydrates, which will give your child the energy he needs to toddle all day! And if your child gets enough calcium from the get-go, there's evidence that he'll have a lower risk of high blood pressure, stroke, colon cancer, and hip fractures later in life.
My toddler doesn't seem to want cow's milk. Any tricks I can try?
Some toddlers greedily gulp whole cow's milk right off the bat. But because milk has a different texture, taste, and even temperature than breast milk or formula, some kids are hesitant to make the switch. If that's the case for your toddler, try mixing whole milk with some breast milk or formula at first (say, one part whole milk and three parts of his usual stuff). Then slowly shift the ratio until he's drinking 100 percent whole milk.
You might also try giving him just a little bit of whole milk at a time — a few tablespoons as a treat — until he asks for more. Or mix it with some cereal. And remember, just because your toddler is drinking his own milk from a cup now doesn't mean that you need to stop nursing him. Just make sure that breast milk isn't his primary source of nourishment. He's grown to where he needs more
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There are several reasons to delay the introduction of cow's milk until your baby reaches his first birthday. Most important, a baby's digestive system can't digest cow's milk proteins. Cow's milk also has too much sodium, potassium, and chloride, which can tax your baby's kidneys.
Even if his system could handle it, cow's milk doesn't have all the vitamins and minerals (especially vitamin E, zinc, and iron) that he needs for growth and development in his first year. Giving a baby cow's milk could even cause iron deficiency and internal bleeding. And it can increase his risk of an allergic reaction.
Once your baby's digestive system is ready to digest it, though, milk becomes a powerful ally. A great source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A, milk will build your toddler's bones and teeth and help his body regulate his blood coagulation and muscle control. Almost all milk is fortified with vitamin D, which helps the body absorb the calcium it needs.
Milk also provides protein for growth, as well as carbohydrates, which will give your child the energy he needs to toddle all day! And if your child gets enough calcium from the get-go, there's evidence that he'll have a lower risk of high blood pressure, stroke, colon cancer, and hip fractures later in life.
My toddler doesn't seem to want cow's milk. Any tricks I can try?
Some toddlers greedily gulp whole cow's milk right off the bat. But because milk has a different texture, taste, and even temperature than breast milk or formula, some kids are hesitant to make the switch. If that's the case for your toddler, try mixing whole milk with some breast milk or formula at first (say, one part whole milk and three parts of his usual stuff). Then slowly shift the ratio until he's drinking 100 percent whole milk.
You might also try giving him just a little bit of whole milk at a time — a few tablespoons as a treat — until he asks for more. Or mix it with some cereal. And remember, just because your toddler is drinking his own milk from a cup now doesn't mean that you need to stop nursing him. Just make sure that breast milk isn't his primary source of nourishment. He's grown to where he needs more
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Breastfeeding and childhood asthma
Breastmilk, the first food
Breastmilk promotes normal infant development because it is the natural extension of life after the womb. The human baby, the slowest growing of all mammals, thought to be because of its brain, is considered by some to be born 'prematurely'. Breastfeeding provides immediate nurturing and security beyond the womb as well as continuation of nourishment, protection from disease and maternal bonding which makes the transference to the outside world safer and less harsh.
Breastmilk reduces illness
It is thought that the protective components in human milk are directly responsible for reducing the incidence of many illnesses in infancy and childhood including acute diarrhoea, lower respiratory tract infections, and ear infections. In addition, there is evidence that breastfeeding protects against less common illnesses such as necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), bacterial meningitis, botulism, urinary tract infections and sudden infant death syndrome. In the longer term, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease and childhood lymphoma are also less common in children who were breastfed.
Why is breastfeeding important?
Breastfeeding is important for the health of babies because they have immature immune systems and breastmilk provides the baby with its mother's antibodies and other defence factors. Human milk provides many protective factors that can enhance the immune system of the newborn child against infection, offering the immediate protection of antibodies and cells involved in fighting infection, as well as growth factors that continue to develop the baby's own immunity.
The antibodies in breastmilk are important in the protection against infection because they are directed against bacteria, fungi, viruses and other antigenic substances to which the mother has been recently exposed. In addition, mother's milk contains lactoferrin that has an anti-inflammatory action; lysozyme that attacks the walls of certain bacteria; oligosaccharides (complex sugars) that prevent binding of toxic substances to the cells lining the airway and fats that have an antibacterial action. As well, breastmilk contains a number of specific factors that promote growth and maturation of the baby's immune system. Thus breastfeeding provides health benefits for all infants in ways that infant formula cannot.
What is the risk of asthma?
Asthma is the leading cause of hospitalisation in Australian children and its prevalence is increasing. Susceptibility to asthma is influenced by events occurring early in life and reported risk factors include being male, being born with a low birthweight or preterm, young maternal age, maternal smoking and exposure to house dust mite or pollen. Breastfeeding as a protective factor for asthma has been the subject of controversy for many years, with recent publications reporting either protection or no effect of breastfeeding.
Furthermore, early exposure to respiratory infections may protect against asthma whereas some infections may be a definite risk. Breastfeeding protects against infection in infants, but this protection has not been consistently demonstrated. Differences in research design and analytic methods have complicated the interpretation of many studies. Also researchers need to take into account other factors in the lives of their subjects that might affect their results, for example, women in Australia who breastfeed tend to be better educated and have higher incomes.
The Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort Study
Because of the controversy in the literature an epidemiological prospective cohort study was necessary. This is a type of study that looks at the determinants of disease in defined populations and collects information as it happens in a group of babies and children, rather than looking back at what has happened in the past. This way the researchers could follow children from birth throughout the first years of life and collect accurate information on early infant feeding, respiratory tract illness and asthma later in childhood. Just such a study existed at the TVW Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and was known as the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort Study. A total of 2,979 children were enrolled by 18 weeks of pregnancy (ie before birth) and 2,602 children remained in the study at six years of age.
Because asthma in children is complex it must be defined carefully. Our definitions of asthma at six years of age included current asthma diagnosed by a doctor, wheeze and sleep disturbance due to wheeze. A child was considered to be atopic (allergic) if the result of a skin prick test to common environmental allergens was positive. Asthma was diagnosed in 31% of the children, 12% had wheezing severe enough to disturb sleep and 41% had a positive skin prick test
Exposure to breastfeeding was measured in two ways - firstly, as the duration of any breastfeeding and secondly as the duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding was defined by the age that any non-human milk was introduced. Statistical analysis consistently indicated that the age other milk was introduced (duration of exclusive breastfeeding) was the more important factor, when both breastfeeding exposures were measured.
Breastfeeding protects against respiratory illness and asthma
The results of the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort Study indicated that the introduction of infant formula before four months of age was significantly associated with an increased risk of lower respiratory tract illness and infections, ear infections, asthma and allergy. In addition, being male, being born at less than 37 weeks gestational age and any parental smoking were associated with an increased risk of asthma in children.
It appears that breastfeeding protects against asthma by protecting against respiratory tract illness and infection. An interesting yet disturbing finding of our research is that a child is more likely to be hospitalised in the first five years of life if infant formula is introduced before four months of age. This was true for any respiratory tract illness or infection including bronchiolitis, the need for grommets for recurrent ear infections and asthma.
An infant's first food is likely to be the most significant environmental exposure in the first few months of life. Other studies have shown protection by breastfeeding against gastrointestinal illness and many other diseases. As demonstrated in our studies, mother's milk in the newborn period provides significant protection against respiratory tract disease in infancy and childhood. Breastfeeding provides subtle and not-so-subtle protection against infections which may ultimately affect the child's asthma risk.
How does breastfeeding protect against respiratory illness and subsequent asthma?
The question of how breastfeeding protects is complex, due to the immunologic and other nutritional benefits in the milk. The lungs may be protected in a number of ways. Because small droplets of milk naturally enter the baby's airways and lungs during feeding, antibodies and other protective factors in the milk are delivered to the respiratory tract and protect against respiratory infection. Indeed, stomach contents of breastfed infants have antibacterial and antiviral activity, possibly as a result of breakdown of the milk fat in the infant's stomach, which produces free fatty acids. These fatty acids in breastmilk have a protective effect that reduces the risk of infection in the lungs.
Specific components in human milk may promote maturation of the immune system. There are large numbers of active white cells (the cells that fight infection) and these release biologically active chemicals into the digestive system and surrounding tissues, which influence the developing immune system. Of note is that exclusively breastfed babies have significantly larger thymus glands during infancy than babies fed infant formula. The thymus gland sits above the heart and is the primary central gland of the immune system in a baby, so the difference in size of this gland is likely to have significant effects upon the development of an optimal immune system.
Furthermore, lung development is aided by growth factors in human milk. The specific biologically active factors in mother's milk promote airway and lung growth in the infant and hence indirectly protect against wheeze, the major symptom of asthma.
Diet and asthma
With respect to the functioning of the immune system, there is growing interest in the role of certain dietary fat components. These are more commonly known as the omega-3 fatty acids. The fact that human milk is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and infant formula is not, is cause for concern. The omega-3 fatty acids are also found in fish oils and these are required in important metabolic pathways in the body when it mounts an inflammatory response.
It is interesting that children who eat fresh fish at least once a week are less likely to experience asthma. Furthermore, a lactating mother can transfer additional nutrients to her baby through her milk if she eats plenty of fresh fish (preferably oily fish such as mullet, salmon and tuna) or other foods high in the omega-3 fatty acids, such as linseed, sunflower and almonds. Also very valuable in this context are foods with antioxidant nutrients (vitamins C and E, zinc, selenium) such as fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. A mother's diet should be varied and the balance should not be compromised in favour of any one food group.
Rates of breastfeeding
In Australia, rates of breastfeeding are better than some other developed countries with 58% of babies breastfed at four months. In the United States, rates are 60% at three months and 20% at six months, and in the UK just 25% of babies are breastfed at four months. Although Australian rates are better than others they are far from ideal. In Scandinavian countries up to 80% of babies are breastfed at three months of age, suggesting that if sufficient resources are invested in breastfeeding public health promotion programs, rates can increase.
A number of complex factors are involved in the low rates of breastfeeding, including a consistent association between maternal smoking and shorter duration of breastfeeding, hospital practices of separation of mother and baby and early introduction of complementary feeding with infant formula. There is evidence too, to suggest that fathers play an important role in the breastfeeding decision and that intended duration of breastfeeding is a strong predictor of actual duration. It is of major concern that downward trends in breastfeeding have occurred in developing countries, especially in urban regions, where infant formula feeding in early life is particularly risky healthwise.
A public health perspective
Breastmilk is specifically suited to the needs of human babies and it is known that breastmilk substitutes increase the risk of illness in children. From a public health perspective, it is important for mothers to know about the long-term health effects of breastfeeding and that the benefits for the child last well beyond the breastfeeding period. In the year 2000, Australia's goals in this area are to achieve 90% breastfeeding on discharge from hospital, 60% fully breastfed at three months of age and 50% fully breastfed at six months of age.
Achieving these goals will require the continuing wide promotion of breastfeeding and the further implementation of strategies to support all women. Strategies should include the provision of facilities for breastfeeding mothers in the workplace, flexible work options and a breastfeeding policy in the workplace. Public health strategies which actively involve local health care agencies in the further promotion of breastfeeding could help protect the majority of babies from early exposure to infant formula feeds, and provide support for all mothers who choose to breastfeed.
There is increasing evidence of the role of early infant diet in the prevention of systemic and allergic illnesses, such as asthma, throughout childhood. Reaching the Australian goals for breastfeeding rates will bring improvements in infant and child health, benefits for the environment and economical benefits for families and within the community
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Breastmilk promotes normal infant development because it is the natural extension of life after the womb. The human baby, the slowest growing of all mammals, thought to be because of its brain, is considered by some to be born 'prematurely'. Breastfeeding provides immediate nurturing and security beyond the womb as well as continuation of nourishment, protection from disease and maternal bonding which makes the transference to the outside world safer and less harsh.
Breastmilk reduces illness
It is thought that the protective components in human milk are directly responsible for reducing the incidence of many illnesses in infancy and childhood including acute diarrhoea, lower respiratory tract infections, and ear infections. In addition, there is evidence that breastfeeding protects against less common illnesses such as necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), bacterial meningitis, botulism, urinary tract infections and sudden infant death syndrome. In the longer term, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease and childhood lymphoma are also less common in children who were breastfed.
Why is breastfeeding important?
Breastfeeding is important for the health of babies because they have immature immune systems and breastmilk provides the baby with its mother's antibodies and other defence factors. Human milk provides many protective factors that can enhance the immune system of the newborn child against infection, offering the immediate protection of antibodies and cells involved in fighting infection, as well as growth factors that continue to develop the baby's own immunity.
The antibodies in breastmilk are important in the protection against infection because they are directed against bacteria, fungi, viruses and other antigenic substances to which the mother has been recently exposed. In addition, mother's milk contains lactoferrin that has an anti-inflammatory action; lysozyme that attacks the walls of certain bacteria; oligosaccharides (complex sugars) that prevent binding of toxic substances to the cells lining the airway and fats that have an antibacterial action. As well, breastmilk contains a number of specific factors that promote growth and maturation of the baby's immune system. Thus breastfeeding provides health benefits for all infants in ways that infant formula cannot.
What is the risk of asthma?
Asthma is the leading cause of hospitalisation in Australian children and its prevalence is increasing. Susceptibility to asthma is influenced by events occurring early in life and reported risk factors include being male, being born with a low birthweight or preterm, young maternal age, maternal smoking and exposure to house dust mite or pollen. Breastfeeding as a protective factor for asthma has been the subject of controversy for many years, with recent publications reporting either protection or no effect of breastfeeding.
Furthermore, early exposure to respiratory infections may protect against asthma whereas some infections may be a definite risk. Breastfeeding protects against infection in infants, but this protection has not been consistently demonstrated. Differences in research design and analytic methods have complicated the interpretation of many studies. Also researchers need to take into account other factors in the lives of their subjects that might affect their results, for example, women in Australia who breastfeed tend to be better educated and have higher incomes.
The Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort Study
Because of the controversy in the literature an epidemiological prospective cohort study was necessary. This is a type of study that looks at the determinants of disease in defined populations and collects information as it happens in a group of babies and children, rather than looking back at what has happened in the past. This way the researchers could follow children from birth throughout the first years of life and collect accurate information on early infant feeding, respiratory tract illness and asthma later in childhood. Just such a study existed at the TVW Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and was known as the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort Study. A total of 2,979 children were enrolled by 18 weeks of pregnancy (ie before birth) and 2,602 children remained in the study at six years of age.
Because asthma in children is complex it must be defined carefully. Our definitions of asthma at six years of age included current asthma diagnosed by a doctor, wheeze and sleep disturbance due to wheeze. A child was considered to be atopic (allergic) if the result of a skin prick test to common environmental allergens was positive. Asthma was diagnosed in 31% of the children, 12% had wheezing severe enough to disturb sleep and 41% had a positive skin prick test
Exposure to breastfeeding was measured in two ways - firstly, as the duration of any breastfeeding and secondly as the duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding was defined by the age that any non-human milk was introduced. Statistical analysis consistently indicated that the age other milk was introduced (duration of exclusive breastfeeding) was the more important factor, when both breastfeeding exposures were measured.
Breastfeeding protects against respiratory illness and asthma
The results of the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort Study indicated that the introduction of infant formula before four months of age was significantly associated with an increased risk of lower respiratory tract illness and infections, ear infections, asthma and allergy. In addition, being male, being born at less than 37 weeks gestational age and any parental smoking were associated with an increased risk of asthma in children.
It appears that breastfeeding protects against asthma by protecting against respiratory tract illness and infection. An interesting yet disturbing finding of our research is that a child is more likely to be hospitalised in the first five years of life if infant formula is introduced before four months of age. This was true for any respiratory tract illness or infection including bronchiolitis, the need for grommets for recurrent ear infections and asthma.
An infant's first food is likely to be the most significant environmental exposure in the first few months of life. Other studies have shown protection by breastfeeding against gastrointestinal illness and many other diseases. As demonstrated in our studies, mother's milk in the newborn period provides significant protection against respiratory tract disease in infancy and childhood. Breastfeeding provides subtle and not-so-subtle protection against infections which may ultimately affect the child's asthma risk.
How does breastfeeding protect against respiratory illness and subsequent asthma?
The question of how breastfeeding protects is complex, due to the immunologic and other nutritional benefits in the milk. The lungs may be protected in a number of ways. Because small droplets of milk naturally enter the baby's airways and lungs during feeding, antibodies and other protective factors in the milk are delivered to the respiratory tract and protect against respiratory infection. Indeed, stomach contents of breastfed infants have antibacterial and antiviral activity, possibly as a result of breakdown of the milk fat in the infant's stomach, which produces free fatty acids. These fatty acids in breastmilk have a protective effect that reduces the risk of infection in the lungs.
Specific components in human milk may promote maturation of the immune system. There are large numbers of active white cells (the cells that fight infection) and these release biologically active chemicals into the digestive system and surrounding tissues, which influence the developing immune system. Of note is that exclusively breastfed babies have significantly larger thymus glands during infancy than babies fed infant formula. The thymus gland sits above the heart and is the primary central gland of the immune system in a baby, so the difference in size of this gland is likely to have significant effects upon the development of an optimal immune system.
Furthermore, lung development is aided by growth factors in human milk. The specific biologically active factors in mother's milk promote airway and lung growth in the infant and hence indirectly protect against wheeze, the major symptom of asthma.
Diet and asthma
With respect to the functioning of the immune system, there is growing interest in the role of certain dietary fat components. These are more commonly known as the omega-3 fatty acids. The fact that human milk is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and infant formula is not, is cause for concern. The omega-3 fatty acids are also found in fish oils and these are required in important metabolic pathways in the body when it mounts an inflammatory response.
It is interesting that children who eat fresh fish at least once a week are less likely to experience asthma. Furthermore, a lactating mother can transfer additional nutrients to her baby through her milk if she eats plenty of fresh fish (preferably oily fish such as mullet, salmon and tuna) or other foods high in the omega-3 fatty acids, such as linseed, sunflower and almonds. Also very valuable in this context are foods with antioxidant nutrients (vitamins C and E, zinc, selenium) such as fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. A mother's diet should be varied and the balance should not be compromised in favour of any one food group.
Rates of breastfeeding
In Australia, rates of breastfeeding are better than some other developed countries with 58% of babies breastfed at four months. In the United States, rates are 60% at three months and 20% at six months, and in the UK just 25% of babies are breastfed at four months. Although Australian rates are better than others they are far from ideal. In Scandinavian countries up to 80% of babies are breastfed at three months of age, suggesting that if sufficient resources are invested in breastfeeding public health promotion programs, rates can increase.
A number of complex factors are involved in the low rates of breastfeeding, including a consistent association between maternal smoking and shorter duration of breastfeeding, hospital practices of separation of mother and baby and early introduction of complementary feeding with infant formula. There is evidence too, to suggest that fathers play an important role in the breastfeeding decision and that intended duration of breastfeeding is a strong predictor of actual duration. It is of major concern that downward trends in breastfeeding have occurred in developing countries, especially in urban regions, where infant formula feeding in early life is particularly risky healthwise.
A public health perspective
Breastmilk is specifically suited to the needs of human babies and it is known that breastmilk substitutes increase the risk of illness in children. From a public health perspective, it is important for mothers to know about the long-term health effects of breastfeeding and that the benefits for the child last well beyond the breastfeeding period. In the year 2000, Australia's goals in this area are to achieve 90% breastfeeding on discharge from hospital, 60% fully breastfed at three months of age and 50% fully breastfed at six months of age.
Achieving these goals will require the continuing wide promotion of breastfeeding and the further implementation of strategies to support all women. Strategies should include the provision of facilities for breastfeeding mothers in the workplace, flexible work options and a breastfeeding policy in the workplace. Public health strategies which actively involve local health care agencies in the further promotion of breastfeeding could help protect the majority of babies from early exposure to infant formula feeds, and provide support for all mothers who choose to breastfeed.
There is increasing evidence of the role of early infant diet in the prevention of systemic and allergic illnesses, such as asthma, throughout childhood. Reaching the Australian goals for breastfeeding rates will bring improvements in infant and child health, benefits for the environment and economical benefits for families and within the community
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Breastfeeding - The Natural Choice
Breastfeeding - The Natural Choice
Having a baby means making many choices. One of the most important and far-reaching ones you make is about the way you will feed your new baby.
As parents we want to make the best choice we can in everything we do for our children. And breastfeeding IS the natural choice.
The special loving bond between you and your breastfed baby is only the beginning.
As you watch your baby grow and develop, fed only on your breastmilk, you can be proud of your body's ability to continue nourishing your baby as it did during your pregnancy.
In the past, no decision needed to be made. A mother gave birth and then fed her baby the breastmilk nature provided. Last century science became involved and mothers were led to believe they now had an easy choice between two equals - breastmilk or infant formula.
At times, mothers were even convinced that infant formula was superior to breastmilk. Breastfeeding wasn't always encouraged - it wasn't seen to be important. Research shows us that this is not true. In fact, breastfeeding is very important.
BREASTMILK IS AN IRREPLACEABLE GIFT A MOTHER CAN GIVE TO HER BABY. IT IS THE START IN LIFE THAT NATURE INTENDED A BABY TO HAVE.
Breastfeeding...
protects your baby from illness and infection
provides the correct food for your growing baby
aids the development of your baby's eyesight, speech and intelligence
promotes a special loving bond between mother and baby
Babies who are not breastfed…
have a higher risk of cot death
have an increased likelihood of allergy
cost more money - you need to buy expensive infant formulas and feeding equipment. Non-breastfed babies are more likely to fall ill, costing more to the family and the community in medical bills
are less environmentally friendly - in terms of fuel, energy and resources needed for artificial feeding
It helps to know:
Most babies have a strong need to suck when they are first born, so you can start breastfeeding straight away if you are both well.
The more milk your baby takes from the breast, the more milk your breast will make.
To establish a good milk supply let your baby feed frequently, whenever he wakes or seems hungry. Allow him to finish the first breast before offering the second side.
Breastmilk is easily digested. It is normal for young babies to feed frequently, including night feeds. This helps your supply too.
Babies breastfeed for comfort and closeness as well as to satisfy their hunger and thirst.
There is no need to avoid any specific foods while you are breastfeeding. There are no magic foods that increase the milk supply - a sensible, well-balanced diet is the key.
Many women successfully combine breastfeeding and work outside the home.
As your baby grows, your breastmilk changes to meet his developing needs - your breastmilk is always the right food for your baby.
Breastfeeding
- The Natural Choice for Babies
Breastmilk contains all the nutrients your baby needs for at least the first six months of his life and continues to be the most important part of his diet throughout the first year, supplying half or more of his nutrients till his first birthday and up to one third to his second birthday.
The colostrum your baby receives in the first few days, and the breastmilk that follows, contain antibodies that provide resistance to infection.
The unique combination of fatty acids and other components in breastmilk contribute to optimal brain development, so lack of these in artificially-fed babies may result in lower intelligence.
Ensuring your baby has only breastmilk for at least six months may help minimise allergy problems.
Breastfeeding provides optimal development for infants' eyesight, speech, jaw and oral cavity development.
Non-breastfed babies have a lower resistance to disease and are more likely to become sick. Apart from the health benefits, breastfeeding means fewer doctors' visits and less time in hospital with illness.
Lack of breastfeeding is linked with a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS or 'cot death').
Non-breastfed babies are more likely to develop ear infections.
Artificial feeding may increase the risk of a baby developing juvenile diabetes in the future. It may also increase the risk of heart disease.
Breastfeeding
- The Natural Choice for Mothers
Breastfeeding helps your body return to its pre-pregnant state more quickly. Many women also find they lose excess weight while breastfeeding.
Women who have not breastfed their babies have an increased risk of cancer of the breast and ovaries, heart disease and osteoporosis.
Breastfeeding can delay the return of menstruation for many women. Apart from convenience, this saves money and lessens the impact of tampons and sanitary napkins on the environment.
Breastfeeding's contraceptive effect can delay the return of fertility in many women, who exclusively breastfeed their babies of less than six months of age, and have not recommenced their menstrual cycle. This is known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method of contraception, and is successful in approximately 98% of women. If a woman has an unchanging vaginal mucus pattern, there is minimal risk of ovulation, but if the pattern changes, she may need to seek advice if wishing to avoid pregnancy.
Breastfeeding is usually easy and convenient. Breastfed babies are very portable and you have instant, pre-warmed, ready-to-serve food wherever you go.
Breastfeeding
- The Natural Choice for our Environment
The production and feeding of breastmilk have a far lower impact on our environment and world resources than ANY alternative feeding method.
Breastfeeding saves food resources, fuel and energy.
No packaging is required and no chemicals are needed for preparation or disinfection
DOWNLOAD STUNNING HD SCREENSAVERS FREE!
Having a baby means making many choices. One of the most important and far-reaching ones you make is about the way you will feed your new baby.
As parents we want to make the best choice we can in everything we do for our children. And breastfeeding IS the natural choice.
The special loving bond between you and your breastfed baby is only the beginning.
As you watch your baby grow and develop, fed only on your breastmilk, you can be proud of your body's ability to continue nourishing your baby as it did during your pregnancy.
In the past, no decision needed to be made. A mother gave birth and then fed her baby the breastmilk nature provided. Last century science became involved and mothers were led to believe they now had an easy choice between two equals - breastmilk or infant formula.
At times, mothers were even convinced that infant formula was superior to breastmilk. Breastfeeding wasn't always encouraged - it wasn't seen to be important. Research shows us that this is not true. In fact, breastfeeding is very important.
BREASTMILK IS AN IRREPLACEABLE GIFT A MOTHER CAN GIVE TO HER BABY. IT IS THE START IN LIFE THAT NATURE INTENDED A BABY TO HAVE.
Breastfeeding...
protects your baby from illness and infection
provides the correct food for your growing baby
aids the development of your baby's eyesight, speech and intelligence
promotes a special loving bond between mother and baby
Babies who are not breastfed…
have a higher risk of cot death
have an increased likelihood of allergy
cost more money - you need to buy expensive infant formulas and feeding equipment. Non-breastfed babies are more likely to fall ill, costing more to the family and the community in medical bills
are less environmentally friendly - in terms of fuel, energy and resources needed for artificial feeding
It helps to know:
Most babies have a strong need to suck when they are first born, so you can start breastfeeding straight away if you are both well.
The more milk your baby takes from the breast, the more milk your breast will make.
To establish a good milk supply let your baby feed frequently, whenever he wakes or seems hungry. Allow him to finish the first breast before offering the second side.
Breastmilk is easily digested. It is normal for young babies to feed frequently, including night feeds. This helps your supply too.
Babies breastfeed for comfort and closeness as well as to satisfy their hunger and thirst.
There is no need to avoid any specific foods while you are breastfeeding. There are no magic foods that increase the milk supply - a sensible, well-balanced diet is the key.
Many women successfully combine breastfeeding and work outside the home.
As your baby grows, your breastmilk changes to meet his developing needs - your breastmilk is always the right food for your baby.
Breastfeeding
- The Natural Choice for Babies
Breastmilk contains all the nutrients your baby needs for at least the first six months of his life and continues to be the most important part of his diet throughout the first year, supplying half or more of his nutrients till his first birthday and up to one third to his second birthday.
The colostrum your baby receives in the first few days, and the breastmilk that follows, contain antibodies that provide resistance to infection.
The unique combination of fatty acids and other components in breastmilk contribute to optimal brain development, so lack of these in artificially-fed babies may result in lower intelligence.
Ensuring your baby has only breastmilk for at least six months may help minimise allergy problems.
Breastfeeding provides optimal development for infants' eyesight, speech, jaw and oral cavity development.
Non-breastfed babies have a lower resistance to disease and are more likely to become sick. Apart from the health benefits, breastfeeding means fewer doctors' visits and less time in hospital with illness.
Lack of breastfeeding is linked with a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS or 'cot death').
Non-breastfed babies are more likely to develop ear infections.
Artificial feeding may increase the risk of a baby developing juvenile diabetes in the future. It may also increase the risk of heart disease.
Breastfeeding
- The Natural Choice for Mothers
Breastfeeding helps your body return to its pre-pregnant state more quickly. Many women also find they lose excess weight while breastfeeding.
Women who have not breastfed their babies have an increased risk of cancer of the breast and ovaries, heart disease and osteoporosis.
Breastfeeding can delay the return of menstruation for many women. Apart from convenience, this saves money and lessens the impact of tampons and sanitary napkins on the environment.
Breastfeeding's contraceptive effect can delay the return of fertility in many women, who exclusively breastfeed their babies of less than six months of age, and have not recommenced their menstrual cycle. This is known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method of contraception, and is successful in approximately 98% of women. If a woman has an unchanging vaginal mucus pattern, there is minimal risk of ovulation, but if the pattern changes, she may need to seek advice if wishing to avoid pregnancy.
Breastfeeding is usually easy and convenient. Breastfed babies are very portable and you have instant, pre-warmed, ready-to-serve food wherever you go.
Breastfeeding
- The Natural Choice for our Environment
The production and feeding of breastmilk have a far lower impact on our environment and world resources than ANY alternative feeding method.
Breastfeeding saves food resources, fuel and energy.
No packaging is required and no chemicals are needed for preparation or disinfection
DOWNLOAD STUNNING HD SCREENSAVERS FREE!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
How to start breastfeeding
The first time you hold your newborn in the delivery room, put his lips to your breast. Your mature milk hasn't come in yet, but your breasts are producing a substance called colostrum that will help protect your baby from infection.
Try not to panic if your newborn seems to have trouble finding or staying on your nipple. Breastfeeding is an art that requires patience and lots of practice. No one will expect you to be an expert in the beginning, so don't hesitate to ask a nurse to show you what to do while you're in the hospital. (If you have a premature baby, you may not be able to nurse right away, but you should start pumping your milk. Your baby will receive this milk through a tube or a bottle until he's strong enough to nurse.)
Once you get started, remember that nursing shouldn't be painful. Pay attention to how your breasts feel when your baby latches on. His mouth should cover a big part of the areola below the nipple, and your nipple should be far back in your baby's mouth. If latch-on hurts, break the suction — by inserting your little finger between your baby's gums and your nipple — and try again. Once your baby latches on properly, he'll do the rest.
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Try not to panic if your newborn seems to have trouble finding or staying on your nipple. Breastfeeding is an art that requires patience and lots of practice. No one will expect you to be an expert in the beginning, so don't hesitate to ask a nurse to show you what to do while you're in the hospital. (If you have a premature baby, you may not be able to nurse right away, but you should start pumping your milk. Your baby will receive this milk through a tube or a bottle until he's strong enough to nurse.)
Once you get started, remember that nursing shouldn't be painful. Pay attention to how your breasts feel when your baby latches on. His mouth should cover a big part of the areola below the nipple, and your nipple should be far back in your baby's mouth. If latch-on hurts, break the suction — by inserting your little finger between your baby's gums and your nipple — and try again. Once your baby latches on properly, he'll do the rest.
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Friday, February 19, 2010
Nutrition during the pregnancy
Firstly, if you’ve been following a healthy diet before you fell pregnant, chances are you won’t have to make any major changes to what you eat. However there are some particular nutritional requirements you should be aware of, as a well-balanced diet contributes to:
normal birth weight for baby
improved fetal brain development
decreased chance of pregnancy complications such as morning sickness, fatigue, mood swings, anaemia and pre-eclampsia
a speedy recovery after delivery
Eating for two
Yes, you are eating for two, but that does NOT mean increasing your kilojoule intake — particularly in the first trimester. Rather, it means you will need to increase your intake of certain nutrients — mainly folate, iron and calcium — to maintain optimal foetal development and your own health. In the second and third trimesters you may need to increase your kilojoule intake by around 10% (or around 6000 kJ per day); but generally a healthy pregnant woman should aim to keep her weight gain around 10-15kg during the course of the pregnancy.
Pregnancy is NOT a time to aim for weight loss or restricting your diet, unless under doctor’s advice for overweight mothers, and then only under strict medical supervision. Crash diets during pregnancy are a serious risk for both mother and developing baby.
What to eat
The basis of a well-balanced diet is a balance of grains, fruits and vegetables, protein, dairy and fats. Ensure your diet contains the recommended amounts of the following food groups.
Grain products are the main source of complex carbohydrates, and should make up the majority of your diet. Complex carbohydrates provide you with energy and will keep your weight gain in check, prevent constipation and nausea, and give your baby essential nutrients including fibre, folate, Vitamin B and protein.
Eat at least six servings per day, preferably wholegrains such as whole-wheat bread, cereals, brown rice or pasta. One serving is two slices of bread, or a cup of cooked rice or pasta. Avoid refined grain products such as white bread and white rice, biscuits and cakes etc as these don’t have the same nutritional value as their wholegrain counterparts.
Fruit and vegetables will provide you with essential vitamins and minerals as well as fibre to aid digestion and prevent constipation. Vitamin A derived from green leafy veges and yellow fruits is important for the development of your baby’s bones, skin, hair and eyes; however when taken in supplement format, Vitamin A has been linked to birth deformities so it's doubly important to source it from whole foods. Vitamin C is important for bone growth and tissue repair, however your body cannot store large amounts of it so it’s important to ensure a regular intake – around 3 serves per day. Good sources include citrus, tomatoes, broccoli, melons and berries. Fruit and veges also provide you with folate, Vitamin B, iron and calcium.
Eat at least five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit each day. One serving is a cup of salad leaves or 1/2 cup chopped non-leafy vegetables or fruit (cooked or raw), one whole raw fruit, a small glass of juice or dried fruit (such as 4 dried apricots, or 1.5 tablespoons sultanas).
Protein is composed of amino acids, the building blocks of human cells which are crucial for a developing fetus. It is also important in protecting you against developing pre-eclampsia later in pregnancy. Protein foods are also normally the iron-rich foods, which is important to keep your blood well-oxygenated.
Eat at least two servings per day. One serving equals 100g lean meat, poultry or fish; two small eggs, 1/2 cup cooked lentils, split peas, or dried beans; 1/4 cup sunflower or sesame seeds; 2 cups low-fat yoghurt; 200g tofu; 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese. Nuts are a good source of protein but be careful not to eat too many peanuts during pregnancy to avoid your baby developing a nut allergy.
Dairy The calcium found in milk products helps build your baby's bones and teeth, as well as muscle, heart and nerve development and blood clotting. If your calcium intake isn’t sufficient to meet your baby’s needs, especially later in the pregnancy, your body will draw on calcium from your bones and therefore expose you to the risk of osteoporosis. Choose at least four servings a day of low-fat milk, yogurt or cheese. A serving is one cup of milk or yogurt or two slices of cheese. If you have trouble digesting lactose, lactose-reduced milk products and calcium-fortified juice can help you get enough calcium. Another good source is canned fish with bones (such as salmon or sardines).
Fat Some fats are necessary for your baby’s development, but you should limit your intake to manage weight gain during pregnancy. Treat yourself to an occasional sweet treat: icecream, chocolate biscuit or piece of cake, but don’t include them as a daily part of your diet. Essential fats are found in polyunsaturated oils such as sunflower and soya bean oils, and monounsaturated oils such as olive and canola oils.
Water and fluids: you need to drink at least two litres of water a day; and more if you’re retaining fluid or if it’s very hot. Your need for fluids will also increase as your body’s fluids increase in the course of the pregnancy. An adequate fluid intake will help in the prevention of early labour, stretch marks, and constipation.
While water is best, you can make up some of your intake with other fluids such as juice, milk, and soup. However, try to limit caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, tea and colas to only one cup per day.
In an ideal world we’d all be eating according to the above guidelines before we fell pregnant, if not from day one of the pregnancy. But changing from bad eating habits to good takes dedication and hard work, so if you find it difficult to follow this diet, make changes gradually. Don’t expect yourself to stick to it if you’re facing it alone: encourage your partner and family to improve their diet too.
You’ll also find it easier to eat well if you give yourself an occasional treat – so don’t beat yourself up if you indulge in a late-night hot chocolate before bed or something sweet with your morning cuppa. Wherever you can, try to make it a healthy alternative though: a slice of banana bread vs a chocolate éclair, or a fresh strawberry smoothie instead of a vanilla milkshake.
And remember that every day you improve your diet means not only a healthier baby, but long-term health effects for you, too.
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normal birth weight for baby
improved fetal brain development
decreased chance of pregnancy complications such as morning sickness, fatigue, mood swings, anaemia and pre-eclampsia
a speedy recovery after delivery
Eating for two
Yes, you are eating for two, but that does NOT mean increasing your kilojoule intake — particularly in the first trimester. Rather, it means you will need to increase your intake of certain nutrients — mainly folate, iron and calcium — to maintain optimal foetal development and your own health. In the second and third trimesters you may need to increase your kilojoule intake by around 10% (or around 6000 kJ per day); but generally a healthy pregnant woman should aim to keep her weight gain around 10-15kg during the course of the pregnancy.
Pregnancy is NOT a time to aim for weight loss or restricting your diet, unless under doctor’s advice for overweight mothers, and then only under strict medical supervision. Crash diets during pregnancy are a serious risk for both mother and developing baby.
What to eat
The basis of a well-balanced diet is a balance of grains, fruits and vegetables, protein, dairy and fats. Ensure your diet contains the recommended amounts of the following food groups.
Grain products are the main source of complex carbohydrates, and should make up the majority of your diet. Complex carbohydrates provide you with energy and will keep your weight gain in check, prevent constipation and nausea, and give your baby essential nutrients including fibre, folate, Vitamin B and protein.
Eat at least six servings per day, preferably wholegrains such as whole-wheat bread, cereals, brown rice or pasta. One serving is two slices of bread, or a cup of cooked rice or pasta. Avoid refined grain products such as white bread and white rice, biscuits and cakes etc as these don’t have the same nutritional value as their wholegrain counterparts.
Fruit and vegetables will provide you with essential vitamins and minerals as well as fibre to aid digestion and prevent constipation. Vitamin A derived from green leafy veges and yellow fruits is important for the development of your baby’s bones, skin, hair and eyes; however when taken in supplement format, Vitamin A has been linked to birth deformities so it's doubly important to source it from whole foods. Vitamin C is important for bone growth and tissue repair, however your body cannot store large amounts of it so it’s important to ensure a regular intake – around 3 serves per day. Good sources include citrus, tomatoes, broccoli, melons and berries. Fruit and veges also provide you with folate, Vitamin B, iron and calcium.
Eat at least five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit each day. One serving is a cup of salad leaves or 1/2 cup chopped non-leafy vegetables or fruit (cooked or raw), one whole raw fruit, a small glass of juice or dried fruit (such as 4 dried apricots, or 1.5 tablespoons sultanas).
Protein is composed of amino acids, the building blocks of human cells which are crucial for a developing fetus. It is also important in protecting you against developing pre-eclampsia later in pregnancy. Protein foods are also normally the iron-rich foods, which is important to keep your blood well-oxygenated.
Eat at least two servings per day. One serving equals 100g lean meat, poultry or fish; two small eggs, 1/2 cup cooked lentils, split peas, or dried beans; 1/4 cup sunflower or sesame seeds; 2 cups low-fat yoghurt; 200g tofu; 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese. Nuts are a good source of protein but be careful not to eat too many peanuts during pregnancy to avoid your baby developing a nut allergy.
Dairy The calcium found in milk products helps build your baby's bones and teeth, as well as muscle, heart and nerve development and blood clotting. If your calcium intake isn’t sufficient to meet your baby’s needs, especially later in the pregnancy, your body will draw on calcium from your bones and therefore expose you to the risk of osteoporosis. Choose at least four servings a day of low-fat milk, yogurt or cheese. A serving is one cup of milk or yogurt or two slices of cheese. If you have trouble digesting lactose, lactose-reduced milk products and calcium-fortified juice can help you get enough calcium. Another good source is canned fish with bones (such as salmon or sardines).
Fat Some fats are necessary for your baby’s development, but you should limit your intake to manage weight gain during pregnancy. Treat yourself to an occasional sweet treat: icecream, chocolate biscuit or piece of cake, but don’t include them as a daily part of your diet. Essential fats are found in polyunsaturated oils such as sunflower and soya bean oils, and monounsaturated oils such as olive and canola oils.
Water and fluids: you need to drink at least two litres of water a day; and more if you’re retaining fluid or if it’s very hot. Your need for fluids will also increase as your body’s fluids increase in the course of the pregnancy. An adequate fluid intake will help in the prevention of early labour, stretch marks, and constipation.
While water is best, you can make up some of your intake with other fluids such as juice, milk, and soup. However, try to limit caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, tea and colas to only one cup per day.
In an ideal world we’d all be eating according to the above guidelines before we fell pregnant, if not from day one of the pregnancy. But changing from bad eating habits to good takes dedication and hard work, so if you find it difficult to follow this diet, make changes gradually. Don’t expect yourself to stick to it if you’re facing it alone: encourage your partner and family to improve their diet too.
You’ll also find it easier to eat well if you give yourself an occasional treat – so don’t beat yourself up if you indulge in a late-night hot chocolate before bed or something sweet with your morning cuppa. Wherever you can, try to make it a healthy alternative though: a slice of banana bread vs a chocolate éclair, or a fresh strawberry smoothie instead of a vanilla milkshake.
And remember that every day you improve your diet means not only a healthier baby, but long-term health effects for you, too.
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