Breast Feeding

Breast feeding provides an ideal source of nutrition for infants. Newborn babies should be breast feed for the first six months of life. During gestation, the breast begins to prepare itself for the production of milk. The swelling of the breast during pregnancy is a sign that the mammary glands are preparing for lactation. Breastfeeding should start as soon as possible, following birth. Typically, newborns want to breast feed about 8-12 times within 24 hours, which is about once every 2 hours. It may take a while for both mother and child to get the hang of breast feeding, and mothers often worry that their babies are not getting enough milk, however, it takes 2 to 6 days for milk production to increase. The mother's body will adjust to produce the exact amount of milk that her baby requires.

The Benefits of Breast Feeding

The benefits of breast feeding are vast and diverse. Breast feeding promotes both physical and psychological development. One of the most beneficial aspects of breast feeding is the unique bond that occurs between mother and child. Breast milk is rich in vitamins and nutrients that give your baby exactly what their body needs. The balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat in your breast milk will change as your baby's needs chance. Breast milk strengthens the immune system, preventing infections. Breast feeding increases hand eye coordination. Breast feeding burns calories, and tends to make the uterus contract faster after child birth, causing a speedier weight loss. Women who breast feed are also less likely to develop breast cancer later in life.

Breast Pumps

When breast feeding isn't convenient, they can use a breast pump to prepare milk ahead of time for later consumption. When choosing a breast pump, it is important to choose a model that mimics the suckle of your baby as closely as possible. Out of manual, battery operated, and electric breast pumps, the electric pumps work the fastest, pumping each breast in 15 minutes. Mothers who want to pump quicker, can use a double pump model.