INFANT FEEDING: BREASTFEEDING

Nutrition through the Lifespan

Topics

The History of breastfeeding Society’s (and your) views of

breastfeeding Advantages and disadvantages for

mother Advantages for baby Anatomy of the breast The mechanics Potential problems and complications Breastfeeding in the news

KWL

What do you know about breastfeeding? What do you want to know about

breastfeeding?

The History of Breastfeeding Until the 18th century, breastfeeding was considered a

“peasant” act. Wealthy families paid a “wet nurse” to breastfeed their babies.

In the late 1800s, commercially available artificial infant foods were introduced, and breastfeeding statistics nose-dived.

In 1910, one study shows that 90% of poor women breastfed. 17% of rich women did.

By the 50s, most women fed their babies formula. The American Academy of Pediatrics, in 1997, released

their recommendation to breastfeed babies for at least six months. This was not well-received.

Today, the CDC, WHO, AAP, and other agencies are strongly promoting breastfeeding.

Society’s View…

What Would You Do? Read the statements on your survey and rate

your agreement with each on a scale of 1 to 5.

Why do you believe that Americans feel so uncomfortable with the concept of breastfeeding?

Do you believe that breastfeeding is “weird?” Do you believe that women should be allowed to breastfeed in public?

Your thoughts…

Why are we, as a society, offended by this…

and

…but not by this?

Advantages vs. Disadvantages for Mom

Advantages Disadvantages

Breast Feeding FreeBurns 500 caloriesBuilds immune systemNutrientsBondingPrevents food allergiesCorrect temperatureAlready preparedShrinks uterusGastrointestinal benefitsReduces risk for breast cancer by up to 59%

Only mom can feedEats every1 ½ to 2 ½ hoursPainEngorgementProduction issuesDo not know how much baby ateModesty

Formula Feeding Anyone can feedEats every 2-4 hoursDo not need to worry about medication/ alcohol/ etc.No concerns for modesty

PreparationCostTemperatureSanitationNo colostrumMore diarrhea

Breastfeeding Advantages for Baby

Ideal fat and protein percentages Gradual, healthy weight gain for baby Reduced risk of obesity Higher IQ Stronger immune system Reduced risk of SIDS Reduced risk of allergies (food and seasonal) and

asthma Reduces the incidence of childhood cancers like

leukemia. Protection from chronic illnesses like Crohn’s

disease, diabetes, MS, and others Many more…

Anatomy of the female breast1. Chest wall2. Pectoralis muscle3. Alveoli (lobules)4. Nipple5. Areola6. Milk ducts7. Fatty tissue8. Skin

Milk is produced in the alveoli (which, in groups, are called lobules).

It drains to the nipple through the milk ducts.

Each nipple has 15-20 passages through which milk flows.

Care for Breastfeeding Mother Sleep when baby sleeps. Eat well balanced meals. Drink plenty of fluids. Refrain from alcohol, smoking, and

medication. Caffeine, chocolate, and cow’s milk may

be likely to cause colicky baby: fussy, irritable (gas forming in abdomen causing pain)

Potential Problems

Engorgement- too much milk too quickly causes pain and swelling. Apply warm compresses or pump more often.

Leaking- breast pads and nursing bras will help Sore nipples- air dry; do not use soap, cream, or

ointment Insufficient supply- Proper latch on will help baby

get enough milk. The more often you feed the more milk you will produce. May need to supplement with formula so baby gets enough.

Infection- flu, mastitis, herpes, yeast infection, etc.

Maternal attitude may cause insufficient supply or issues with feeding.

The Mechanics of Breastfeeding Position mother for comfort Hold baby near breast Brush baby’s lips or cheek with finger or breast Rooting reflex Sucking reflex (fades at 3 months) Babies are born knowinghow to nurse! Offer both breasts at each feeding.

More info…

“Let down” occurs when milk drops from the milk ducts into the nipple – can be triggered by baby crying, proximity to baby, etc.

Babies should empty one breast before mom offers the other.

Babies’ noses are made the stick out so that they can still breathe while they nurse.

Expect 6-8 wet diapers per day and at least one dirty diaper per day to indicate that baby is getting enough to eat.

Pumping

Breast pumps can be bought or borrowed from the hospital.

It's important to pump if one wishes to store breast milk in the freezer.

Should not be boiled or heated in the microwave- defrost using tap water.

How to know if baby is hungry…Age Behaviors Established

Hunger Satiety

Early Infancy Fusses and cries, mouths the nipple; kicks; rooting reflex

Draws away from nipple or falls asleep

16-24 weeks Actively approaches breast or bottle, leans forward to spoon

Releases nipple and withdraws head, fusses or cries, bites nipple, increases attention to surroundings.

28-36 weeks Vocalizes eagerness for bottle or food.

Changes position, shakes head, keeps mouth closed tight, hands become more active.

40-52 weeks Points or touches spoon or feeders hand

Behaviors as above, sputters with tongue and lips, hands bottle or cup to feeder.

The Composition of Breastmilk Colostrom is

produced for the first 2-5 days after birth. Extremely rich in

nutrients and antibodies

Very concentrated

The Composition of Breastmilk

Foremilk is produced early in the feeding. Lower fat content Higher sugar/carb

content Hindmilk is

produced later in the feeding. Higher fat content Less sugar Produced in back

ducts

Babies need both!

How much should a newborn eat???

To calculate the number of ounces of breast milk needed per day by the baby, use the following calculation: Weight (kg) * 110 kcal/kg Divided by 20 kcal/oz. = total/ oz per day

1 kg = 2.2 lb. Approximately how many ounces per day

and per feeding does a 8 lb. baby need???

How long is breastfeeding recommended?

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding exclusively for at least six months and supplementing with solids until one year.

World Health Organization (WHO) recommends “two years or beyond.”

What if mom smokes or drinks? Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged

to quit smoking, but even as a smoker, breast milk is still best for baby.

Mothers should not breastfeed while drinking alcohol. Alcohol is passed through breast milk.

Some prescription drugs are also incompatible with nursing. Ask your doctor.