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This is
the second of a series of articles on exclusive breastfeeding
that will appear in IZWI. The articles have been prepared by the
staff of the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Natal
Medical School.
Many
mothers worry that their babies aren’t getting enough milk with
breastfeeding only. This may be because:
• The baby cries often
• The baby wants to feed often
• The breasts become soft after the first few weeks
• The mother has twin babies.
All breastfeeding
mothers can make enough milk by breastfeeding often. It is important
to remember:
• The more the baby suckles, the more milk is made no matter what
size the breast is two babies suckling will make twice the amount
of milk.
• Breastmilk only runs out if the baby stops suckling the breast.
• If the baby is growing along the growth curve on the Road to
Health chart, the baby is getting enough milk.
• Breasts become soft when they are making the right amount of
milk for the baby.
If
you think your baby is hungry or thirsty,
• Feed the baby often the foremilk quenches thirst.
• Allow the baby to suckle as long as s/he wants on one breast
to get the hindmilk that will satisfy hunger, and then offer the
second breast.
• Don’t give other drinks or foods as the baby won’t suckle so
often and you won’t make enough milk. The baby will also be more
likely to get diseases like diarrhoea and pneumonia.
What you
can do when your baby is crying
Comfort your baby by putting him/her to the breast more often.
Babies need to be close to their mothers suckling at the breast
is very comforting. If your baby is hungry, thirsty, or upset,
suckling the breast will satisfy him/her. Do not give a dummy
or bottle the baby will get much more comfort from the breast,
and the dummy or bottle may confuse the baby and the baby may
refuse the breast.
Tips on supporting a breastfeeding mother
with a crying baby
• Hold the crying baby
face down on your arm, with your hand on the stomach.
• A father can hold the baby up on his chest, and talk softly
to the baby.
• Encourage her that she is doing the best thing she can for her
baby by exclusively breastfeeding.
• Help her with work around the house so she can spend time with
her baby.
NEXT
ISSUE
Preventing problems to make sure breastfeeding stays the best
experience for mother and baby.
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Fathers,
give the child’s mother a helping hand by calming the baby
down if it is upset. You can do this by holding it gently
against your chest and talking to it softly. |
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