Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the best food a mother can give to her baby. It provides many benefits, for the mother and her child, which artificial milk could never offer.

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Benefits for the mother and baby

Studies show that nursing for more than a year reduces the risks of developing breast, uterus, endometrial, and ovary cancer.

It helps avoid severe bleeding after giving birth and leads to a faster recovery, even after a C-Section.

It helps you return to your normal weight faster.

It helps you develop a strong bond and relationship with your baby.

It helps save time and money in expenses such as baby formula, sterilizing equipment, medical services, or medications.

It helps you provide your baby with the nutrients needed to have an optimal development.

1

Find a comfortable position. You can place pillows in your lap and at both sides of your body.

2

Grab your breast using a “C” shaped form. Brush your nipple to your baby’s lips to stimulate him/her to open his/her mouth. Draw your baby to your breast.

3

Once your baby has opened his/her mouth introduce your nipple and areola as far back as possible to make sure he/she has an adequate hold on your breast. Your baby should not hold or suck only form your nipple because it may be painful.

4

Your baby’s chin and nose should be right in front of your breast. Your baby’s ear, shoulder and hip should trace a straight line.

5

Your baby’s lips should be positioned outwards. The chin, not your baby’s nose should touch your breast.

6

If it hurts, remove your baby from your breast by introducing a clean finger in the corner of his/her mouth, between the gums, and carefully remove your breast from his/her mouth.

There are several positions that you can use to nurse your baby. The important thing is to feel comfortable and to offer your baby both breasts.

1. The Starting position
It’s recommended for the first few feedings. Place pillows in your lap and lay your baby entirely on his/her side, facing the breast your going to offer him/her. Use your free hand to properly place your breast in his/her mouth.

2. The “ Madonna” position
It’s recommended when the baby has already established a feeding routine. Hold your baby using a cradle position with baby's head resting on your forearm. Your baby should be position across your lap.

3. The “Football Hold” position
It’s recommended when the baby has already established a feeding routine. Hold your baby using a cradle position with baby's head resting on your forearm. Your baby should be position across your lap.

4. The Lying down position
You can rest while nursing. Place a pillow behind your back and another one between your legs. Your body will be completely aligned with your baby’s body.

Risks of artificial milk

Sometimes, it is said that artificial milk provides the same benefits as breast milk. The truth is that artificial milk not only lacks the essential nutrients and antibodies that breast milk contains, but it can also affect the health of your baby.

Some of the risks associated with artificial milk include:

Inadequate preparation (severe kidney damage)
Allergies
Obesity
Higher risk of youth diabetes
Increased morbidity and mortality
Delayed development
Heart and respiratory complications
Cow or soy milk intolerance
Increased expenses in medical care services and purchase of formulas
Language and learning deficiencies

More about breastfeeding

Laws that protect breastfeeding mothers

The law that prohibits the supply of breast milk substitutes (Law 79/ 2004)

Hospitals are prohibited from providing your baby any type of breast milk substitute (water, formula, glucose, etc.) without your consent.

The law to regulate nursing or breast milk extraction periods (Law 43/ 2000)

The law allows mothers working full-time one hour a day to pump breast milk for a period of 12-months. The one hour a day may also be divided in two 30-minute sessions.

The law that establishes nursing areas in malls, airports and government buildings (Law 32/ 1999)

Breastfeeding and going back to work

Extraction and Storage

Start storing breast milk three weeks before going back to work or school.
Wash your hands thoroughly.
Extract (pump) breast milk three times a day.
SIf you will be using a breast pump, use a double suction pump.
Store breast milk in disposable plastic bags or reusable plastic containers.
Remember to write the date of extraction in the container.

For how long can you store breast milk

4-6 hours at room temperature.
3-5 days in the refrigerator.
4-6 months in the freezer.
6 moths to a year in an separate industrial freezer with below zero temperature.

Handling breast milk

Use first the milk with the longest time in the freezer.
Defrost milk in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
Defrosted milk can be store in the refrigerator for 24 hours, you should not freeze it again after defrosting.
Store in an industrial freezer (below zero temperature ) for six months up to a year.
Warm up by placing the container under lukewarm running water, not hot water, or in a saucepan with lukewarm water.
Shake it well before testing its temperature.

Approximate amount of milk to offer your baby per feeding

0 - 2 months · 2 - 5 oz

2 - 4 months · 4 - 6 oz

4 - 6 months · 5 - 7 oz

10 tips for a successful nursing experience

While pregnant, make a search of all the information you will need and have a list of resources, contacts, and breastfeeding support groups.
Start breastfeeding in a period of 30 minutes after delivery.
Do not feed your newborn formula, glucose, or water unless indicated by a doctor.
Do not offer your newborn pacifiers or bottles during the first month. It may confuse him/her during the nursing process.
Don’t worry if there is no milk at first. As nurse your baby overtime, your milk production will increase.
Breastfeed until the breast is completely empty or the baby decides.
Do not set schedules when breastfeeding: the time and duration of each feeding is decided by the baby.
Feed your baby breast milk only, at least for the first six months, and do not give him/her solid foods before that time.
Share the room with your baby at the hospital after delivery.
Find a pediatrician to support and learn about the management of breastfeeding.

For more information about breastfeeding you can access:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
www.cdc.gov
National Birth Defects Prevention Network
www.nbdpn.org
Health Department, Folic Acid Campaign
www.salud.gov.pr