Today is

By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Introduction to breastfeeding

Even so, many breastfeeding mothers are warned that sleeping in the same bed with their children might be dangerous. Surprisingly, studies show that the opposite is actually true. For sober breastfeeding mothers who co-sleep with their infants, SIDS rates are amazingly low and babies who co-sleep are much healthier.

Some breastfeeding problems

Breastfeeding is nature's way of providing a baby with all the essential nutrients needed. Breastfeeding also helps the mother to maintain a proper hormone balance which will provide resistance to the risk of disease and infection following the birth of her child. Problems may occur, however, such as swelling and tenderness in the breast, nipple cracking, and insufficient milk supply.

The production of too much milk in the breast can also cause painful engorged breasts. Swelling in the nipples can moreover make it harder for a baby to get a grip during suckling. The breast can also become swollen, red and hot during a condition known as mastitis, in which an infection sets in within the glands in the breasts, and is often accompanied by fever and fatigue in the mother.

What to eat when breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers should get nutrients from a varied, well-balanced diet. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables, and whole grains is recommended. Nursing mothers should drink at least 8-12 cups of water daily. It is mostly safe for breastfeeding mothers to eat any foods they like.

While some foods may flavor the breast milk, babies seldom react to this. Caffeine, in moderate amounts (equal to 1 to 2 cups of coffee daily), consumed by a nursing mother will probably not cause harm to her baby, but any more caffeine than that may cause restlessness for the baby. Stress, anxiety or emotional fatigue may increase the chances of having problems with the breast.

Benefits of breastfeeding

Another important reason for breastfeeding your baby has to do with staying fit. Research has been done and shows that breast fed babies are more fit and have a lower risk of becoming obese when they grow up. Breastfeeding also creates a sense of security and bonding with their mother. No bottle fed baby gets this added sense of security.

CONCLUSION

If you have a baby, breastfeeding is definitely the best way to feed. It has numerous advantages over bottle feeding and hardly any disadvantages. Over 1 million babies die each year as a result of being fed formula!