Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your baby, providing remarkable health benefits for both of you. Beyond its nutritional value, breastfeeding fosters an emotional bond, creating a deep sense of comfort and security for your baby.
Breastfeeding offers numerous health benefits for both the mother and baby. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends it as the optimal way to nourish your newborn.
Benefits for the baby:
Benefits for the mother:
A mother’s diet directly impacts the quality of her breast milk and thus the baby’s health. A well-balanced diet is key to supporting both you and your baby at this time.
Foods to have
Foods to avoid
To improve breast milk supply, focus on a balanced diet:
Pumping breast milk allows you to store milk for later use. This ensures your baby is fed even when you’re not there to do it. It also helps maintain supply and ease engorgement.
Finding the right breastfeeding position improves comfort, ensures effective milk transfer, and prevents issues like nipple pain or poor latching. Here's what you need to know.
Sign of a good breastfeeding position includes no pain or discomfort while feeding. Some helpful and easy positions include:
Getting your baby to latch deeply is essential for effective breastfeeding and avoiding nipple pain. Follow these steps to get a good latch.
Lactation consulting offers support and expert guidance for mothers facing breastfeeding challenges such as latching issues or concerns about milk supply.
Early warning
Spotting or bleeding can be an early sign of miscarriage, watch out for signs to seek help
Rest up
Catch up on sleep and get as much rest as you can when your baby is sleeping
First 6 months
Give your baby the best nutrition by breastfeeding exclusively during the first six months
Postpartum care
Schedule a follow-up visit to monitor your vitals, wound care, exercises and diet guidance
Doctor’s guidance
During any bleeding episodes or medicine intake always follow your doctor's guidance.
Pain during breastfeeding is often caused by improper latching, engorgement, or blocked ducts. But all these issues are manageable with the right approach:
Sore nipples are common and often caused by poor latch, incorrect positioning, or prolonged feeding. They can lead to pain, irritation or cracking but are manageable with care.
Lumps in the breast are often due to blocked milk ducts or engorgement. They can cause discomfort but usually resolve with frequent feeding, massage, and warm compresses.
Focus on improving the latch, using lanolin cream, or applying warm compresses. Proper positioning and frequent feeding provide effective pain relief and promote healing too.
Stopping breastfeeding is a gradual process to ensure comfort for both the mother and baby. It should be a slow and smooth process rather than an abrupt one.
There is no ideal time to stop breastfeeding or weaning your baby. The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months and breastfeeding alongside solids for two years.
Stopping breastfeeding requires patience and a gradual approach so that both mother and baby are comfortable.
Formula milk is a reliable alternative for feeding babies when breastfeeding is not an option. Follow age-specific recommendations and ensure correct storage.
To prepare formula milk, follow the instructions on the packaging based on your baby’s age and weight. Use sterilised bottles and boiled, cooled water. Store the prepared formula in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Discard leftover milk after feeding to ensure safety.
If you have any doubts about breastfeeding or formula feeding, consult a paediatrician or lactation consultant. They can provide expert guidance, tailored to your baby's needs.
FAQs
Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for 5 hours, in the refrigerator for 5 days, or in the freezer for 5 months.
Newborns typically need 8–12 feedings in a day. This is because their small stomachs can only hold a limited amount of milk at a time.
Yes, unused breast milk from a single feeding session can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
Breast milk perfectly fulfils a baby’s nutritional requirements, providing all the essential proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. It also strengthens their immune system.
Freshly expressed breast milk lasts 4-6 hours at room temperature and up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Breast milk typically has a sweet, creamy taste, which comes from its natural lactose content and healthy fats.
