Will a new mother have enough milk, or what does expressing milk involve? These and other questions arise for a woman who is about to hold her child in her arms and will be responsible for providing nourishment. The most important thing is to remain calm and trust Mother Nature, which will guide both our body and the newborn’s. To make things easier, we have compiled all the information into one useful guide.
Breastfeeding
Breast milk is the first and healthiest food for a newborn baby. It contains all the most important nutrients necessary for a child’s development. Breast milk contains no sodium, while providing ideal proportions of minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes and essential fatty acids. As a result, all the child’s organs function properly. The natural origin of the milk makes it easier to digest, thereby reducing the risk of intestinal gas and problems with bowel movements. This contributes to the calm, healthy sleep that a newborn needs so much to achieve full development. Breast milk is a natural immune booster for a child, making the child less susceptible to infections and inflammation. The child is also less exposed to food allergies, and because the baby experiences the same flavours as the mother, its taste buds develop and it discovers a variety of flavours more quickly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an infant should be breastfed exclusively for at least the first six months of life. After this time, breastfeeding may be continued, and, depending on the mother’s decision, new flavours may also be gradually added to the baby’s diet.
Mother Returns to Work
Sometimes a mother is forced to return to work earlier, but because she is aware of the benefits of breastfeeding, she does not want to stop, replacing the breast with a bottle. This is an excellent solution when the baby stays with the father or grandmother, who can feed the baby in the mother’s absence. Expressing milk is the best way to extend feeding with natural milk regardless of the circumstances. Breastfeeding and Bottle-FeedingOn the one hand, this maintains the bond and closeness with the mother and supports the child’s development and health; on the other, it gives the woman greater freedom or allows her to return to work. It is worth knowing that this type of feeding is best introduced no earlier than after feeding has become established, that is, once specific, regular times of day have been established. On average, this is no sooner than three months after giving birth. Nevertheless, it is worth obtaining a breast pump earlier, because of the very large amount of milk that will need to be expressed from the breasts. Observing the child and sensing the right moment are very important. It is recommended that the combination of breastfeeding and bottle-feeding be postponed as long as possible, because some children, after beginning to use a teat, no longer want to return to breastfeeding. Find out more at https://www.zdrowystartwprzyszlosc.pl/zywienie-dzieci/karmienie-piersia/karmie-moim-mlekiem-ale-z-butelki
Expressing Milk
A new mother may have various ideas about expressing breast milk. There are two methods: mechanical and manual. The first involves using an electric breast pump equipped with a pump that draws in the nipple. Under its influence, milk begins to spray into a container. Manual breast pumps are also available; they are quiet but tiring to use. Manual expression involves gently compressing the breast. It requires no additional equipment and provides a thorough massage. In 15 minutes, it is possible to obtain approximately 100 ml of milk. Before beginning, wash your hands and the container, then slowly massage the breast with your fingers from its base towards the nipple. Place your hand on the breast: the thumb on top and the remaining fingers underneath. Gently press the nipple, pressing the entire breast towards the chest. Repeat the movements until the milk stops flowing; then move your hand and start again. Expressed milk may be stored for a maximum of 4 hours at room temperature (20–25°C) from the time of expression until consumption, or for a maximum of 2 days in a refrigerator at a temperature lower than or equal to 4°C. It is worth knowing that milk can be frozen for 4 months in a freezer at –18°C, but not if it has previously been stored in the refrigerator. Defrosted milk should be given to the child within 24 hours and must never be refrozen.