With the arrival of new born baby, there rises many questions about the feeding, whether to use breast feeding or bottle feeding, what are the advantages or how the men can help their partners. Here are some important key information and aspects to keep in mind.  New Born: breast feeding and its benefits  Breast feeding the new born baby is very crucial not only for the healthy growth and development of a baby but for the mother’s health too.  Breast milk is considered as an ideal source of macronutrients such as water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, Micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals and other components such as antibodies, hormones and enzymes. It helps in reducing the chances of bladder and kidney infections, respiratory tract and ear infections, allergies, diabetes and even SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome.)  Breastfeeding is also beneficial for the mothers as it promotes faster weight loss after pregnancy, lesser chances of ovaries and breast cancer and lesser risks of type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure. It is also a convenient and free source of feeding and will also help in forming a bond with the baby.  The men can also help their partner in this process by proving the support and enthusiasm and comport, while she’s trying to adapt. They can also help by - carrying and holding the baby in a sling or a carrier, soothing the baby in case of fussing and crying bottle feeding the expressed breast milk. They can support their breastfeeding partner by doing the household chores, encouraging her eat healthy and drink plenty of water and through various other means.   New born: Bottle feeding and its underlying aspects It is always not possible for mothers to breastfeed their baby for variety of reasons. In that case they can choose the bottle feeding with expressed breastmilk or baby formula feeding, which is considered as a best alternative to breastmilk.  There are few things to keep in mind when bottle feeding such as – properly cleaning and sterilising the bottle-feeding equipment, which includes bottles, rings caps and teats, after every feeding so to avoid germs. Never leaving the bottle in baby’s mouth as it can increase the risk of chocking, ear infections and tooth decay. Never forcing the baby to finish the bottle in case the baby shows the signs of fullness as it can lead to overfeeding and throwing away leftover formula or breastmilk after one hour to avoid the risk of contamination.

Both the mother and the infant benefit much from breastfeeding. Breast milk is nourishing and gives a baby most of the nutrients they need. It has antibodies that aid the infant in warding off germs and viruses. Therefore, it is crucial for breastfeeding women to eat well and follow a balanced diet. Many moms ponder whether their breastfeeding diet will have an impact on their child. Whether food for a new mother contains the right proportions of nutrients, carbohydrates, and water. And if there are any foods that breastfeeding women ought to avoid in order to prevent stomach problems or allergies in their offspring Sore nipples that could cause pain and other issues while feeding the infant are another source of worry and suffering for breastfeeding mothers. The issue of sore nipples can also be resolved by drinking plenty of fluids and eating the finest foods for nursing mothers, i.e., a diet high in vitamins and nutrients. Let’s look at the best diet for nursing women to produce more milk while providing for your child. Starchy food Foods such as rice, bread, potatoes, whole-grain rotis, oats, semolina (suji), and noodles have good starch content. Choose whole-grain or multi-grain varieties of starchy, grain-based foods for extra nutrients and fiber in your breastfeeding diet. Dairy products Dairy products such as milk, quark or yoghurt provide you with the necessary fat content and are a rich source of calcium. Talk to your doctor about what to eat if you’re lactose intolerant. Proteins Proteins are referred to as the building blocks of the body and are therefore an important part of the nursing mother’s diet. They are needed for cell regeneration, cell repair, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs. The right amount of protein can support the growth and development of the baby and mother’s body. Lentils, legumes, sprouts, eggs, fish and lean meats are packed with protein. A lot of fruits and vegetables Be sure to eat fresh, local produce and avoid packaged foods. Here is a list of how certain fruits and vegetables support bodily function: Citrus fruits like oranges boost immunity and increase milk production. Vegetables like bottle gourd are good for the heart Avocados are nutritional powerhouses, carrots are packed with vitamin A. Ashwagandha and Shatavari increase milk production. Cucumber provides a lot of liquid. Leafy green vegetables are a source of fiber and vitamins. Fruits like papaya, melon, banana, figs and berries are rich in vitamins like A, E, B, C and minerals like zinc, selenium and potassium. Fruits and vegetables are important in a diet for breastfeeding mothers. Khichdi The diet of most breastfeeding mothers includes the traditional high-calorie khichdi diet, high in ghee and dried fruits. It is easily digestible and has a perfect blend of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Dried fruits They are healthy and rich in nutrients, vitamins and fiber, so they are used in many traditional postpartum formulas and are the best food for nursing mothers. You can add dried fruit to your porridge or add it to your salad. Dried fruits can also be consumed as a light snack.

Breast milk is very nutrient-dense. In actuality, it offers the majority of the nutrients your child requires for the first six months of life .  Research has shown that while your body strictly controls the composition of breast milk, what you consume does have some impact on the substances in breast mil In general, there are no forbidden foods. Instead, it is advised that women consume a balanced, diversified diet. Nevertheless, there are several foods and drinks that you might wish to avoid when nursing.l A person needs about 450–500 more calories per day during breastfeeding. People who want to shed some pounds after giving birth might not need to increase their calorie intake while nursing, but they should talk to their doctor about it. When nursing, specific minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and D are especially helpful. Eating a range of meals is also important since it exposes the infant to various flavours and may make them more responsive to solid foods in the future. Foods to avoid while breastfeeding Broccoli If you had broccoli for dinner the day before, don’t be surprised if your baby has gas problems the next day. Other gas-inducing foods like onions, cabbage, cauliflower, and cucumbers are best avoided while breastfeeding. Coffee Coffee is high in caffeine, and some of that caffeine can pass into breast milk. Babies cannot digest caffeine as well as adults. So, this excess caffeine in their body affects them, causing insomnia, irritation, and nausea. When caffeine is present in high amounts, it can lower the iron levels in milk and thus lower the child’s hemoglobin levels. So the best solution is to only consume 2-3 cups of caffeine per day. Small amounts of caffeine are fine as there will be little to no caffeine detectable in the baby’s urine. Peppermint and sage When taken in very high amounts, these herbs can reduce the production of breast milk. Therefore, when eating such herbs, monitor the amount of milk intake, especially if your baby is at the stage when he needs more milk than usual. To stop milk production, mothers often drink mint tea after weaning. Sage, another herb, is also included in the foods that affect lactation. Peanuts Avoid peanuts until you have weaned your baby, especially if your family has a history of peanut allergy. The allergic proteins in peanuts can pass into the breast milk produced and then reach the baby. The baby might suffer from wheezing, hives, or skin rashes. Even if you only eat a few, the allergens can pass into the milk within 1-6 hours. Garlic The smell of garlic can affect the smell of breast milk. Some babies hate it, some like it. Therefore, if your baby is uncomfortable with breastfeeding, garlic may be the reason. Some babies may fuss at the breast or grimace when encountering the strong smell of garlic. Spices Some babies are irritated by spicy food, others are fine with it. Just a tiny pinch of pepper is enough to hurt a few babies. These babies will remain picky for a very long time. So it is best to reduce the number of spices in your food if you notice that your baby is uncomfortable with them.

Traveling during vacations can be stressful, but traveling while breastfeeding can seem particularly challenging. At Women’s Health Texas, our goal is to help our patients feel comfortable and confident at all stages of their lives, and that includes traveling while breastfeeding. Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or car, following these guidelines and tips will help you and your family have a wonderful vacation. Whether it’s your first trip or you’re a professional traveling mom, you may have some concerns about how to manage breastfeeding on your journey TO PUMP OR NOT TO PUMP: When traveling, some mums find it easier to breastfeed directly, while others prefer to give their breast milk in a bottle. Choose the option that feels right for you! If you’re offering breast milk in a bottle, it’s important to know how to pump or express before you travel. Milk expression helps with: Maintain your milk supply. Relieve full and/or swollen chest. Have your milk ready if you cannot feed your baby directly. Have family members help feed the baby. SILENT ITINERARY: Depending on how you travel, whether by car, bus, train or plane, traveling with your baby can become less stressful if you plan ahead and anticipate the unexpected. Mimic your home routine: Try to keep sleeping, feeding, and diaper routines like your routine. Make a list: Before you travel, write down the time you plan to breastfeed along with the necessary items to feed your baby along the way, which will make your journey smoother. Such items may include: A breastfeeding cover: Breastfeeding in public can be intimidating. Many airports and trains have designated private areas for breastfeeding, but if you can’t find one, it can be helpful to have a nursing blanket or blanket on hand if you want to breastfeed more discreetly. Try practicing with the cover before your trip to build your confidence. Nursing Bra: Wearing a nursing bra can also help with breastfeeding in public and ease the breastfeeding experience when traveling. Breast pumps, storage bag or bottle and portable cooler: if you want to pump when you travel, bags and bottles to store your milk are essential. You may also need a power adapter or batteries for your pump. To ensure your breast milk is stored properly, you need a portable cooler with ice or gel packs. Remember to put your expressed breast milk in a fridge or freezer as soon as possible. Baby Carrier: A baby carrier makes getting around easier, keeps your baby close (settles baby), and can be used as a discreet method of feeding when traveling.

Breastfeeding mothers are less likely to experience depression. A kind of depression known as postpartum depression (PPD) may appear soon after giving birth. According to a  study, women who breastfeed appear to be less likely to have postpartum depression than mothers who wean their children too soon or choose not to breastfeed. However, women who experience postpartum depression quickly after giving birth have a higher likelihood of struggling with breastfeeding, and they tend to do so for a shorter period of time. Inform your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any PPD symptoms. For newborns, breast milk is the best source of nutrients. The majority of medical practitioners advise breastfeeding exclusively for at least six months and preferably much longer. Everything a newborn requires in the appropriate amounts for the first six months of life is present in breast milk. In fact, it’s made up of different ingredients depending on the baby’s changing needs, especially in the first month of life. Your breasts generate colostrum, a viscous, yellowish fluid, in the early postpartum period. It has a lot of healthy ingredients and is rich in protein and low in sugar. It is a true miracle food that cannot be replaced by formula. The best first milk is colostrum, which supports the development of the new-born’s developing digestive system. As the baby’s tummy grows after the first few days, the breasts begin producing more milk. The only thing that might be missing from your supply of miraculous milk is vitamin D. Menstruation may be avoided by breastfeeding. Ovulation and menstruation are also postponed by continued breastfeeding. It’s possible that nature uses the interruption of menstrual cycles to ensure that there is some gap between pregnancies. This modification might be viewed as an added perk. It’s just one less thing to worry about when you’re spending priceless time with your infant. Breastfeeding might aid in weight loss. Perhaps you’ve heard this one before. While some women appear to put on weight while breastfeeding, others appear to do so without any effort. In comparison to non-lactating women, breastfeeding does burn more calories, and after three months of lactation, you’ll probably see an increase in fat burning. Although there isn’t much of a difference. Breastfeeding stimulates uterine contractions. Your uterus increases significantly throughout pregnancy, going from the size of a pear to nearly taking up the entire area of your belly. Your uterus undergoes a process known as involution after delivery that aids in its growth back to its pre-pregnancy size. This process is aided by the pregnancy-related rise in the hormone oxytocin. During labour, your body produces large amounts of oxytocin to aid in delivery and lessen bleeding. You may feel closer to your new baby as a result of it. Breastfeeding causes a rise in oxytocin as well. It promotes uterine contractions and lessens bleeding, which aids in the uterus expanding back to its original size. Additionally, studies have demonstrated that moms who breastfeed typically experience less postpartum blood loss and uterine involution that is more rapid. Breastfeeding may lower the risk of sickness. Exclusive nursing, in which the infant only consumes breast milk, is especially advantageous. It could lower your baby’s risk of contracting a variety of conditions, including: Infections in the middle ear. Long beyond infancy, breastfeeding—especially exclusively and continuously—may offer protection against middle ear, throat, and sinus infections. Infected respiratory tracts. Breastfeeding can shield a child from some acute respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. Both infections and colds. Babies who are breastfed exclusively for six months may experience less severe colds and ear or throat infections. Stomach infections Gut infections are thought to be less common among breastfeeding mothers. Harm to intestinal tissue. Breastfeeding preterm infants is associated with a decrease in the occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis.

Myth Breastfeeding is simple,  The reflex to reach for their mother’s breast is present at birth. Many women, however, require practical assistance when it comes to placing their infant for nursing and ensuring that the infant is securely fastened to the breast. Both mothers and newborns must practise breastfeeding over time. Because breastfeeding takes a lot of time, moms need help at home and at work.  Myth  Before breastfeeding, you should wash your nipples. It is not required to wash your nipples before breastfeeding. When a baby is born, they are already quite accustomed to the noises and scents of their own mother. The baby’s nipples secrete a smelly substance that contains “good bacteria” that aids in the development of the baby’s lifelong, healthy immune system. Myth Your milk’s flavour will change if you exercise. Exercise is good for everyone, even nursing mothers. There is no proof that it changes how your milk tastes. Myth If you don’t start right immediately, you won’t be able to breastfeed. Because a baby’s reflexes are so strong in the first hour after delivery, it is simpler to start breastfeeding if you do so. They are prepared to begin learning to breastfeed. If you don’t latch your kid on straight away, do it as soon as you can under the circumstances. Request assistance from a trained lactation consultant or other skilled expert if you need assistance nursing your infant. Myth  You have to drink milk to make milk. Drinking milk has little to do with producing a woman’s breast milk. Whether a mother drinks milk has nothing to do with her breast milk supply. However, it is important that the mother stays hydrated with any form of liquid and eats a balanced, healthy diet. The body pulls the necessary nutrients from her body to add to her breast milk. When a mother is malnourished, she continues to become malnourished while her body continues to nourish the baby. Myth   Breastfeeding always hurts.  Breastfeeding should rarely hurt. Your nipples may become tender when you start breastfeeding due to increased hormone levels after birth and increased contact with your baby during breastfeeding. Although nipple tenderness is normal, nipple pain is not normal and should be evaluated by a lactation consultant to determine the cause. The most common cause of sore nipples is improper fit or position, and it can be alleviated with the help of a lactation consultant. Myth  Many women don’t produce enough breast milk.  Most women produce enough milk for their baby. There are many women who feel that they are not producing enough breast milk for their baby’s needs. Instead of focusing on the size of your breasts or how full you are, look for these signs that breastfeeding is going well for you and your baby: By the time your baby is four days old, they should have at least six wet diapers every 24 hours. By the time your baby is four days old, he should have at least three or more stools of yellow-coloured stool. Your baby’s urine is pale and diluted. Your baby is breastfed at least eight times in 24 hours. By the age of 10 to 14 days, your baby will be back to its birth weight. Your baby gains about 1.2 to 2.5 grams per week. During a feeding, you should be able to see and hear the baby swallow. While feeding, your baby should have a rhythmic sucking pattern. Myth Any drug cannot be taken while breastfeeding. It’s crucial to tell your doctor that you are nursing and to read the directions on any over-the-counter medications you purchase. You might need to take your prescriptions at a certain time, in a certain dosage, or in a different formulation. Additionally, you should disclose any drugs you are taking to the baby’s doctor. Myth  Breastfeeding is not advised when you are ill. Mothers can typically continue breastfeeding while ill, depending on the disease. You must ensure that you receive the proper care and obtain enough rest, good nutrition, and hydration.

You’re probably buried in information if you’ve been thinking about not breastfeeding your newborn. You alone can decide for yourself, yet the advantages seem limitless. Let’s go over all the advantages for both you and the baby before you make a decision (or if you simply need confirmation that breastfeeding is the best option for you). For newborns, breast milk is the best source of nutrients. It is readily available, quickly digested, and has the correct amount of nutrients. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) suggests continuing exclusive breastfeeding after the first six months, even if solid meals are introduced, until the child is at least one year old or until both the mother and the child are ready to stop. Symptoms of Baby’s Hunger Your infant will typically cry to let you know when they are hungry. Other indications that your infant is hungry include: Putting their tongue out or licking their lips Using their jaw, tongue, or head to search for your breast is known as “rooting.” Placing one’s hand in one’s mouth Making a mouthful Fussiness Picking things up Will You Produce Enough Milk for breastfeeding? Your breasts are the perfect source of “first milk” in the early postpartum days. It is known as colostrum. Colostrum is scarce, thick, and yellowish, yet there is enough of it to suit your baby’s nutritional demands. A new-borns’ digestive system develops and gets ready to digest breast milk with the aid of colostrum. The initial stage of breast milk, called colostrum, develops over time to provide your baby with the nutrition they require as they grow. Transitional milk is the second stage. You produce this as your mature milk, or third phase of breast milk, gradually replaces your colostrum. A few days after giving birth, you’ll begin to produce transitional milk. You’ll start producing mature milk 15 days after giving birth, which will provide your kid with all the nutrition they require. In the first 3 to 5 days following delivery, the majority of newborns lose a tiny bit of weight. This has nothing to do with breastfeeding. Your breasts produce more milk as your baby nurses and needs more of it. For six months, experts advise trying to breastfeed entirely (with no formula, juice, or water). Your breasts might produce less milk if you take a supplement like formula. Even if you breastfeed for fewer than the advised six months, it’s still preferable to do so than not at all. At six months, you can introduce solid food, but if you want to keep your milk supply going, you should still nurse. What advantages does breastfeeding have? Breastfeeding benefits mothers as well as infants. For the majority of newborns, breast milk is the best source of nutrients. Breast milk adapts as a baby grows to match his or her dietary requirements. Additionally, breastfeeding can help shield the mother and child from some ailments and diseases.  Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mother Breastfeeding burns additional calories, hastening your weight loss after pregnancy. It causes the production of the hormone oxytocin, which aids in the uterus’s return to its pre-pregnancy size and may lessen postpartum uterine haemorrhage. Breast and ovarian cancer risk are also reduced by breastfeeding. You might experience less osteoporosis as a result.

Burping and Feeding Your Infant You might be unsure about how frequently to breastfeed or bottle-feed your child. In general, it is advised to feed babies whenever they appear hungry, or on demand. Your infant may cry, put his or her fingers in their mouths, or make sucking noises as a cue to you. A newborn infant need feedings every two to three hours. Give your infant the chance to nurse for roughly 10 to 15 minutes at each breast if you’re breastfeeding. Your infant will likely consume two to three ounces (60 to 90 millilitres) of formula at each feeding if you are formula feeding. To make sure they feed enough, some infants may need to be awakened every few hours. If you need to wake your infant frequently or if they don’t seem to be interested in sucking or feeding, call the doctor. It is simple to check that your kid is eating enough when you use a formula, but nursing presents some challenges. Your baby is most likely getting enough food if he or she appears full, changes approximately six diapers, passes several stools, sleeps soundly, and gains weight consistently. Observe whether your breasts feel full before feeding your baby and less full after feeding to determine if your baby is getting milk. If you are worried about your child’s development or eating schedule, talk to your doctor. During feedings, babies frequently swallow air, which can make them irritable. Burp your child frequently to aid in preventing this. If you bottle-feed or breast-feed, try burping your child after 2-3 ounces (60-90 millilitres) or whenever you switch breasts. Try burping your infant after each ounce when bottle-feeding or every five minutes when breastfeeding if they frequently have gas, have gastroesophageal reflux, or seem fussy during feeding. Try these burp tips: Hold your baby upright with their head on your shoulder. Support your baby’s head and back while gently patting their back with your other hand. Place your baby on your lap. Support your baby’s chest and head with one hand by cupping your baby’s chin in your palm and placing the heel of your hand on your baby’s chest (make sure to grasp your baby’s chin – not their neck). Gently pat your baby’s back with your other hand. Place your baby face down on your lap. Support your baby’s head, making sure it’s higher than their chest, and gently pat or rub their back. If your baby doesn’t burp after a few minutes, change the position of the baby and try burping for a few more minutes before feeding again. Always burp your baby when feeding time is up, then keep them in an upright position for at least 10-15 minutes to avoid spitting up.

Many mothers who breastfeed their newborns are concerned about how their older children will react to nursing sessions and how to keep older siblings entertained during frequent early breastfeeding sessions. It’s safe to assume that all of your children will be fascinated by this amazing and beautiful method of feeding a newborn baby. Such “family time” may turn out to be a positive and educational experience for all if you explain the nursing process in simple language and maintain a matter-of-fact approach to their questions and desire to watch the baby breastfeed. Expect your older children to hover nearby during nursing sessions or even attempt to climb into your lap. Include them if you can by telling them about how you used to breastfeed them (if you did), giving them a little hug with your free arm, telling them a story, or simply watching them draw a picture, work in a workbook, or play with a toy. Some mothers use nursing sessions to listen to music or read children’s stories to their babies’ siblings. Nursing time can thus be used to get closer to all of the children, not just the new ones. Older children may be grateful for the opportunity to express their feelings of closeness by folding laundry nearby, getting you a glass of water, holding the baby while you prepare to nurse, or otherwise contributing to their family’s care. If your toddler or preschooler asks to try nursing, the decision is clearly yours. Most children who are no longer breastfed may find the experience too strange to repeat. She will most likely forget how to nurse and will flee, satisfied, after a brief experiment. If you already have a nursing toddler who does not want to give up the breast when your new baby arrives, or if you believe that now is not the time to start weaning, you may decide to tandem nurse both the toddler and the newborn. If this is the case, notify your newborn’s paediatrician so that your infant’s growth can be closely monitored. Keep in mind that, while your older child can consume foods and liquids from other sources, your infant is completely dependent on your breast milk for nutrition. As a result, offer your infant the breast first, and nurse your older child only after your infant has had her fill. Also, keep a closer eye on your own nutrition and energy levels. You’ll need to eat well enough to support the production of extra breast milk, as well as get enough rest to handle the additional demands on your body. Your baby’s paediatrician will be aware of all of these issues and will be able to assist you in dealing with them. You may be wondering if the newborn will still benefit from colostrum during tandem nursing. Mother’s milk analysis reveals that even if the mother is still nursing a toddler, she produces colostrum and milk designed to meet the needs of the newborn. This provides the desired benefits for the newborn while having no negative consequences for the older child.