Is breast milk enough to feed the baby?
Breast milk contains all the nutrients the baby needs (such as: proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins). The more the baby is breastfed, the more milk will be produced.
How do I know if my baby is hungry?
Some people think that a baby's crying is evidence of hunger, and this is true, but this is a late stage of the signs of a baby's hunger, as there are other signs that precede it that indicate the baby's hunger (such as: he folds his arms, holds tightly and brings his hands and fingers to his mouth, searches for the breast and starts sucking and moves his mouth effectively).
How many times should I breastfeed my baby daily?
Your baby determines this for you, but in the first weeks after birth, most babies are usually fed at least 8 to 12 times a day, or at least every two to three hours.
When should a mother start breastfeeding?
The baby is ready to breastfeed from the first hour after birth, and holding your baby so that your skin touches his skin helps encourage him to start breastfeeding.
How long should a baby be breastfed?
Exclusive breastfeeding (i.e., he or she is given only breast milk and does not include formula) is recommended for the first six months of a baby’s life, after which you can start introducing a variety of foods alongside breastfeeding until he or she is two years old so that you and your baby can get the full benefit.
Is it safe to take medication while breastfeeding?
If you are taking any medication while breastfeeding, you should inform your doctor and read the medication leaflet and instructions for any over-the-counter medication you are taking. If you are breastfeeding and need to take a specific medication, you should consult your doctor or healthcare team as there are many medications that are safe during breastfeeding.
Do I need to follow a specific diet while breastfeeding?
You do not need to follow any specific diet, but it is best to follow a balanced diet that contains all the nutrients the body needs such as proteins, fats and carbohydrates in vegetables and fruits, while making sure to drink enough water.
How does breast milk support the digestive system?
Breast milk acts as a natural barrier that protects the infant's digestive system from germs, thus preventing them from entering the bloodstream, which reduces the risk of gastrointestinal diseases.
What does breast milk contain?
It contains elements that reduce the inflammatory response (as the inflammatory response is a natural process that occurs in the human body when the immune system encounters a foreign body, but a severe inflammatory response is not safe), so breast milk helps strengthen the child's immunity against diseases without causing severe reactions.
What is breast milk distinguished by?
It is characterized by containing beneficial bacteria that support the balance and health of the digestive system, and protect it from diseases caused by harmful bacteria, thus reducing the risk of diarrhea.
How does breastfeeding work as a method of contraception?
Breastfeeding is a natural method of contraception. The advantages of this method are that it is natural and does not require the woman to use any hormonal contraceptive medications and does not require much. It works by secreting the hormone (prolactin) resulting from stimulating the breast to produce milk. The effect of this hormone is not limited to milk production only, but it also affects the levels of sex hormones responsible for the ovulation process, as ovulation is interrupted, and pregnancy is prevented during the breastfeeding period.
How can breastfeeding be an effective and guaranteed method of contraception?
For a contraceptive to be 98% effective, the following conditions must be met:
- Menstruation has stopped. Once it returns, sex hormones return to their normal levels, which increases the likelihood of ovulation and pregnancy.
- Exclusive or complete breastfeeding, meaning relying entirely on breastfeeding to feed the child (i.e. not giving him formula milk) and the period between each breastfeeding session should not exceed 4-6 hours, so that he is breastfed every 4 hours during the day at least and once or twice at night.
- The infant should not be older than 6 months.
Does breastfeeding affect a child's IQ?
Yes, studies have shown that children who were breastfed for more than 6 months have higher IQ scores than their peers who were not breastfed or were breastfed for a short period.
What are the long-term benefits of breastfeeding on a child's intelligence?
The benefits extend to later stages of a child's life, as research has indicated that a child who was breastfed has a higher IQ in childhood and adolescence compared to his peers, which enhances the chances of achieving academic and professional success in the future.
Why is breastfeeding recommended as a first choice?
Breastfeeding is recommended as a first choice because it not only provides the child with essential nutrition, but also contributes to enhancing his intelligence and mental and emotional development, which helps him achieve his maximum mental and emotional potential.
Can I drink caffeine while breastfeeding?
Caffeine is found in tea, coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, and chocolate. Modest caffeine consumption does not have a negative effect on infants. Unless it reaches three cups of coffee per day (less than 300 ml).
Should mothers avoid eating yellow foods while breastfeeding?
There is currently no evidence that eating yellow foods (such as ginger, lentils, lemon, or sesame oil) can cause your baby to develop jaundice, a condition that makes the baby's skin and eyes yellow.
What foods should you avoid eating during or before breastfeeding?
- Fish: Limit high-mercury fish (once a week). Eat fatty fish (two servings a week). Low-mercury fish such as salmon and tilapia are best.
- Spicy foods: Most babies tolerate them. If problems arise (gas, colic, diarrhea), reduce the intensity.
- Herbs: Some herbs such as mint, parsley, and sage can reduce milk production. Even mint flavoring in toothpaste and candy can be a problem.
- Cow’s milk allergy: May cause rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation.
- Tea and caffeine: Affects your and your baby’s sleep. Reduces iron absorption. Avoid drinking it with iron-rich foods.
- Hydration: Breastfeeding increases thirst. Drink water with every feeding. Avoid carbonated drinks and sweetened juices.
- Gas-causing foods: Such as legumes and broccoli. If your baby has gas, try avoiding them for a few weeks.
- Chocolate and coffee: Contain caffeine. Drink no more than 2-3 cups a day or try decaffeinated coffee.