BENEFITS OF BREASTMILK AND BREASTFEEDING FOR MOTHER AND INFANT

Breastmilk *safe, sterile and always available * with perfect nutrients to fully sustain the growth and development of the baby from birth up to 6month of age; after 6month still a good source of nutrient when given with adequate complentary foods * easily digested and absorbed; efficiently used by the baby's immature system * contains antibodies and substances with protect the babies against infection *contain fats (DHA) which enhance brain development and intelligence of the baby * BREASTFEEDING * *- promote emotional bonding between the baby and mother *- protects the mothers health against cancer (breast, uterus, ovaries) obesity and post- partum hemorrhage *- promote early return to pre-pregnancy weight *-gives the family big financial savings. * CORRECT BREASTFEEDING TECHNIQUES * helpful tips for the mother *- support the baby's head an entire body throughout the feeding; the head back and hips should be facing the breast and aligned in a straight manner. *-maintain the position of the baby in such a way he is face to face; 'chest to chest' 'tummy to tummy' with the mother *-support the breast with the hand of the opposite arm in a C-HOLD positio: thumb above, 4 fingers under the breast *-stimulate the infant to open the mouth wide by stroking the corner of the baby's lips; check that the chin touches the breast and the lower lip is turned outward *- ensure that the baby grasp the entire nipple plus one inch of the surrounding areola. *-ALLOW THE BABY TO SUCK 15-30 MINUTES PER BREAST TO EXACT BOTH FOREMILK AND HINDMILK. *-empty the breastbaround 8-10 times or more a day to ensure adequate milk supply