Acting on maternal instinct, a mother will respond to her infant’s hungry cries by bringing him to her breast. And as for the baby, there is no more natural action than nestling in his mother’s arms and feeding at her bosom.
Breast milk is universally acknowledged to be superior infant food, starting from the time a baby is born. Not only does breast milk best provide the nutrients a baby needs during his earliest stage of growth and development, a baby who has been breast-fed also usually develops a stronger immune system, and grows up to become a more secure person, because of the contact and attention received.
A baby is very much aware of and responsive to touch, thus a great deal of physical contact and nurturing is important in building his sense of confidence and reassurance. And breast-feeding is an ideal way for a baby to receive love and attention.
However, as simple as it may seem, ease of breast-feeding is something that doesn’t always come naturally; it has to be learned and takes practice, until it becomes comfortable both for mother and baby. Once this level of comfort is achieved, mother and child will reap the benefits. Having a healthy, happy, breast-fed baby will be a constant source of gratification for a mother. And, of course, the baby’s well-being will be greater. Also, breast-feeding means money doesn’t have to be spent relying on a substitute for mother’s milk.
When a lactating mother decides to stay with breast-feeding, there are steps she can take to optimize her baby’s development while enhancing the bond between them. During this period, a nursing mother is encouraged to adhere to a low-fat, high-fiber diet from a variety of foods. The International Lactation Consultants Association (ILCA) advises the mother to substitute decaffeinated drinks for coffee and soft drinks. A nursing mother should also avoid alcohol and even smoking. Drinking lots of liquid replenishes lost fluids.
Normally, babies are not directly affected by what their mothers eat. But when a baby turns fussy and constantly cries six to eight hours after the mother finishes a meal, try to identify the food connection, and avoid that food for a month or two.
Women usually lose weight after giving birth. Eighty percent of lactating women lose one or two pounds a month in the first four to six months of breast-feeding while 20 percent gain or maintain their weight. But weight loss or gain has no effect on milk production. Milk volume depends largely on infant demand. What’s important is for lactating women to keep themselves healthy because "low maternal vitamin intake may lead to low levels of the vitamins in milk and vitamin deficiency symptoms in infants," according to the ILCA.
Avoiding substances like caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals, and, overall, living a healthy lifestyle are measures that will help maximize the benefits of breast-feeding. Supplements are of some help but are not considered the main source of nutrients.
Mothers who intend to breast-feed their babies should seek professional advice during pregnancy, and take the necessary steps to ensure proper nutrition for themselves and their babies.
Breast-feeding is something that only women are fortunate enough to experience and comprehend. It is a bonding experience that only a mother and her child share. It may seem tough at first and it does in certain cases require making a few sacrifices, but it is only a matter of time when a mother realizes that opting to breast-feed is well worth the effort.
– From Good Food, Good Life