Thursday Thirteen #5 - Breastfeeding Facts, Myths and Trivia

Thirteen Things about Shoshana This week I thought I'd collect 13 facts and trivia about breastfeeding. It seems like fun and interesting. Even if we don't all agree about it, it would still be a good read. Yeah? 1. Pinkeye (conjunctivitis)? A small amount of breastmilk applied to the affected area can actually relieve and treat some common eye irritations. 2. Early Initiation Research has shown that in the two hours following the birth, infants are in a state of alertness, which is accompanied by a strong sucking reflex. These early feeds have an imprinting effect and help to get breastfeeding off to a good start. Although breastfeeding without delay is best, it is not a bad thing if circumstances don´t allow it. Many moms whose babies have gotten a delayed start at nursing have gone on to establish a very successful and rewarding nursing relationship. I'm one of those Moms. My baby didn't get to really breastfeed until the 5th day of after birth. I had bad delivery complications. 3. The diet for a breastfeeding mother should include the following: -Fresh fruits and vegetables, any types cooked the way you like them, but not fried. -Whole grains, rice, wheat, corn, and barley. Whole grains are much healthier for everyone; not just nursing mothers. -Lean proteins, chicken, turkey, dairy products and eggs. -Limit fat intake Foods for nursing mothers should be fresh, unprocessed and have little additives in them. Drat. I gotta give up my second true love now. French Fries. 4. Practice makes perfect, even while breastfeeding If you are afraid to breastfeed in public for fear of showing some skin, try nursing in front of a mirror to perfect your "technique." Try different shirts, even slings or blankets until YOU are comfortable. And remember, if some gets offended because you are doing it...WTF are they doing staring long enough to figure that out? Perves! 5.You need not nurse in the restroom! You have every right to nurse your baby anywhere you and your baby have the right to be. Do not hide in an unsanitary bathroom unless YOU want to. Truthfully, less people will know you are nursing if you are relaxed and confident Not ready to come out? If you truly are uncomfortable nursing in public, there are alternatives to sitting in a public restroom. A fitting room, a secluded table in a restaurant, or any other quiet area can offer privacy without the smells and sounds of the bathroom. 6. What is a nursing strike? Nursing strikes occur most often in babies older than 3 months of age. Typically the baby has been nursing well and then suddenly will refuse to nurse for no apparent reason.A nursing strike usually lasts just a few days but may persist for a week or two. Even though a lot of mothers do choose to wean during a strike, most babies can be coaxed back to the breast with some patience and determination. The following may result in a strike: teething, illness, sores in the baby´s mouth, a change in the taste of the milk, prolonged separation between mother and baby, the frequent use of bottles or the pacifier, low milk supply, etc. 7. LLL is free, unlike an LC Some people confuse LLL (La Leche League) with an LC (Lactation Consultant). LLL is a not-for-profit organization considered the utmost authority on breastfeeding. LLL is mothers helping mothers and there is no cost to attend a meeting or talk to a leader. 8. MYTH-Breastfeeding babies need other types of milk after 6 months Breastmilk gives the baby everything there is in other milks and more. Babies older than 6 months should be started on solids so that they learn how to eat and so that they begin to get another source of iron, which by 7-9 months, is not supplied in sufficient quantities from breastmilk alone If the mother wishes to give milk after 6 months, there is no reason that the baby cannot get cow´s milk, as long as the baby is still breastfeeding a few times a day. Most babies older than 6 months who have never had formula will reject it, because of the taste. 9. MYTH-Pumping is a good way of determining how much milk the mother has The amount of milk that can be pumped depends on many factors, including the mother´s stress level. The baby who nurses well can get much more milk than his/her mother can pump. Pumping only tells you how much you can pump. I can never pump anything much, except for during those times when I simultaneously breastfeeding too. 10. Weight Loss Breastfeeding moms tend to lose weight more easily. Only if Mommy is not scarfing more than her share of calories...which this Mommy is! 11. Endometrial Cancer Breastfeeding reduces the risk of endometrial cancer. 12. Fertility Extended nursing delays the return of fertility in some women by suppressing ovulation. As long as menstruation is not present. Sometimes, it shows up quite early, then this thing doesn't work anymore. 13. The WHO´s View of Extended Breastfeeding The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of nursing up to two years of age or beyond. Nutritional Content of Breastmilk in the Second Year In the second year of life, 500ml of breastmilk provides: 95% of Vitamin C requirements, 45% of Vitamin A requirements,38% of protein requirements,31% of energy requirements. More nutritional Benefits of Breastmilk in the Second Year Breastmilk remains a valuable source of protein, fat, calcium, and vitamins well beyond two years of age. Calorie Content of Breast Milk Breastmilk is calculated as having 20 calories per ounce. Various studies have concluded that the caloric content of human milk varies from mother to mother. And there we have it. There's so much more, but this is T13. :)