Techniques of Breast Feeding

Ideally breast feeding should be started as soon as possible after delivery and it is good to start breast feeding within one hour after delivery. Sometimes there may be some problem in breast feeding at the beginning as the baby may not be able to suckle properly or the mother may not be able to nurse properly or there may be insufficient milk production.

The first milk known as colostrum is yellowish in color and thick which is packed with all the nutrients needed by the infant and also has substances that protect the infant from infections by fighting them. The colostrum is very essential for the baby. After the expression of colostrum the flow of milk in mother’s breast increases for few days and enough milk is produced for the baby’s requirement. If the mother is relaxed, the milk production normalizes within few days after delivery.

The mother should touch the center of the check of the baby or the center of the lips with the nipple which stimulates the baby to open mouth, which is known as “rooting reflex”. This is called so (rooting reflex) because this makes the baby to identify the nipple of the mother. When the baby suckles the nipple along with areola (dark brown skin which surrounds the nipples) should be inside the mouth of the baby. The lips and gums of the baby should be around the areola while suckling.

Breast feeding is not painful and if there is pain while breastfeeding; it may be due to faulty technique of breast feeding or sore nipple. If there is sore nipple it should be treated appropriately.

For the first four to six months the baby do not require any supplementation, not even water, if the breast milk is produced sufficiently is known as “exclusive breast feeding”. Doctors recommend “exclusive breast feeding” to all mothers if they are producing enough breast milk. If baby is feeding well, the baby gets sufficient quantity of water and nutrients from breast milk alone.