We’ve sorted out some common questions every woman has about breastfeeding!
After nine long months of waiting, the baby has arrived. Along with him, a lot of questions arise about the main care of the little one in this phase: feeding. To clarify these questions, we have put together a team of breastfeeding experts. Read our dossier and become an expert on the subject.
1) What is the most recommended diet during breastfeeding?
There is no predetermined menu. Ideally, the mother should eat as healthily as possible, paying special attention to fluids. Women tend to feel very thirsty during this phase because water is the raw material for milk production. Another tip is to eat several balanced meals throughout the day. The baby steals nutrients from the mother and, therefore, her body should be as balanced as possible.
2) How long should each feeding last and what is the ideal interval between feedings?
It varies a lot from one child to another, because each one has its way of feeding. Normally, about ten minutes at each breast is more than enough, but in the early days, when the habit begins to be established, the time can be much longer.
It is also worth mentioning that the duration of feeding has nothing to do with the amount of milk ingested, as the efficiency of sucking is also variable. It is worth paying attention to the interval between feedings. It usually lasts between two and four hours.
3) How long should the child be breastfed?
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and even mothers who return to work before that time can continue to feed the baby only breast milk. It is possible to milk the baby and, during the period when the woman is away, ask someone to give the liquid to the child using a specific cup for this purpose.
From six months onwards, it is recommended to continue offering breast milk together with complementary feeding. This can continue until the child is two years of age or older. Remember: the introduction of new foods causes a gradual reduction in the number of feedings throughout the day. Thus, naturally, weaning occurs.
4) Do silicone breast implants interfere with breastfeeding?
In general, implants do not interfere in this process because they are placed under the mammary gland or behind the pectoral muscle. In this position, they do not influence milk production. However, when the amount of silicone is very large and disproportionate to the breast, problems are possible. Due to the surgical intervention, the anatomy and pressure of the ducts that irrigate the breasts may be altered. Something similar can occur with breast reduction surgeries. If the breast tissue is damaged, milk production will suffer as a result.
5) When the milk stops, does the production stop for good?
First of all, it is necessary to bust a myth: milk does not stop. What happens, very often, is that the lack of stimulation for lactation blocks the production of this liquid. A psychological trauma affecting the woman or simply the absence of suction from the baby, due to the introduction of a bottle, for example, are some of the most common causes.
To make the breasts active again, there is nothing better than the baby’s stimulation. Mothers should not confuse that the milk is drying up with a decrease in production, which is normal and only means that the mother and baby are balancing, that is, that she produces only the amount that the baby needs. If the mother is still unsure or the problem does not normalize in a short time, it is good to consult a doctor.