Experts Answers to 8 Breastfeeding Questions for New Mothers

When it comes to breastfeeding, most mothers are aware of its benefits, but there are some common questions that keep nagging us. Is my body generating enough breast milk to satisfy my little one? My child can’t latch on, is there something wrong that I am doing? When should I start breastfeeding? We rounded up some common questions and had an expert answer them.
 

FAQs on Breastfeeding- Expert Inputs

Dr. Neha Joshi, Consultant, Paediatrician answered some important questions asked by fellow proparents. Read on 

Q1.) After the delivery, what is the right time to start my baby on breastfeeding?
Answers: Ideally, one hour after the delivery, a mother can start feeding her child. In case, she has had a caesarean and is unable to feed within an hour, then she should start as soon as possible. She can always insist and consult on this with the staff attending her at the hospital.
 

Q2.) What is the ideal time span to breastfeed?
Answers: A mother can breastfeed her child as long as it is possible, but not less than 2 years. Ideally, what we suggest is that one can start breastfeeding within an hour of delivery, continue with exclusive breastfeed for 6 months, and then continue longer with complimentary foods introduced even when breastfeeding.
 

Q3.) How do I know if my baby is having enough breastmilk to satiate himself?
Answers: If the baby looks satisfied, is alert, playful and not cranky, you can safely assume that his stomach is full. Other cues are: if the baby is steadily gaining weight and through assessment of the urine output of the baby.
 

Q4.) My baby is now growing. I am not too sure if my body is producing enough milk for him.
Answers: There is one basic fact all mothers need to understand and remember—nature has designed it in a way, that no mother’s feed will fall short for her child. As long as there is a demand from the child, the mother’s body will produce milk. Also, if you wish to breastfeed longer, then you need to keep breastfeeding your baby. The more the baby suckles and takes in milk, the more the breasts will produce milk for him.
 

Q5.) I have small breasts and am worried that my breasts will not produce enough milk. Am I right?
Answers: It is a myth that women with small breasts are not able to produce enough milk. Like I said earlier, and I reiterate, nature has ensured that every mother produces enough milk for her baby. The shape and the size of the breasts do not matter.
 

Q6.) I am unable to feed my baby the way they taught me in the hospital. Is changing the feeding style incorrect?
Answers: As long as the baby is able to latch on correctly (he should have the entire areola in his mouth instead of just the nipple), any position that is comfortable for both the mother and the child is fine. It is a personal choice. You can choose to feed lying down, cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, or football hold..whatever works for both the mother and the child.

Q7.) Isn’t fortified formula milk as good? Why should I breastfeed exclusively?
Answers: A mother’s milk is most nourishing drink an infant can have. It is full of antibodies that are required to build a baby’s immunity, protect him from infections and coughs, colds and stomach ailments. In fact, colostrum, the yellowish first milk, is the first shot of immunization you give to your baby. Also it is the richest source of nutrients that are essential for the growth and development of the baby and his brain development. In our practice, we have seen, that the chances of breastfed children turning up with infections and afflictions are lower than formula-fed children. One cannot undermine the benefits of breast milk.
 

Q8.) My baby gets hungry and I have to breastfeed him every 45 minutes. Is that ok?
Answers: That is perfectly fine. The cycle and rhythm of breastfeed for every mother and child are different. Sometimes, infants get tired and tend to sleep of while breastfeeding—nudge the baby on his cheek, or tickle his toes to wake him up. Let him suckle to his full. Ensure that he feeds for atleast 20 minutes at one go—that is when the hind milk lets down which is the thicker milk than the foremilk. Once, he is done, he will let go on his own.