Every Mother Should Know what About Breast Feeding

Most pregnant women know that breast feeding is best for them and their babies/ new born child. But they may not know that:

Breast feeding gives mothers a lot of freedom.

Some mothers think that breast feeding will limit what they can do. This is not true. You can breast feed your baby anywhere, and anytime. You do not need to take along bottles or formula. There is no need to worry about where to warm up the milk or about sterilizing bottles.

Breast feeding mothers can eat all foods.

A breast feeding mother should eat many kinds of foods and follow Canada’s Food Guide. You can eat all the foods you want in moderation. Only in some cases do babies react to foods that you have eaten. If that happens do not eat that food for awhile or eat only a small amount.

Mothers who smoke can breast feed.

Some mothers who smoke think they should not breast feed. This is not true. It would be better if the mother quit smoking or smoked less. If she cannot do this, she can still breast feed because it is good for both her and her baby. It is best to smoke after you breast feed your baby. If you smoke outside, your baby will breathe in less smoke.

Mothers can breast feed in public.

You can breast feed your baby at anytime, anywhere. In Canada, all mothers have the right to breast feed their babies in public. Some mothers feel more comfortable by placing a blanket over their shoulders when they are breast feeding their baby in public.

Most mothers make enough milk for their babies.

The amount of milk depends on how often and how well the baby feeds on the breast. More milk will come when the baby breast feeds more often and has a good latch and suck.

Fathers and partners can be involved.

Fathers and partners can learn about how breast feeding will help their baby. They can bring the baby to be breast fed. They can offer the mother a glass of water or juice while she is breast feeding.

They can burp the baby afterwards. Fathers and partners can encourage mothers to keep breast feeding, and to get help if they need it.

Fathers and partners play an important role with the new baby. They can get to know their new baby by bathing, changing, and holding their baby. They can encourage the mother to rest when she can. They can make sure the mother is not bothered by the phone or visitors when she is resting.

Breast feeding does not hurt.

In the first week, it is common for nipples to feel tender. This gets better in a few days.

The two most common reasons for painful breast feeding are poor positioning and poor latch. If you are feeling pain, make sure you get some help.

Breast feeding mothers can tell if their babies are getting enough breast milk.

A mother knows that her baby is getting enough breast milk by the number of wet and dirty diapers, the amount of weight the baby gains, and the way the baby breast feeds.

Breast feed often.

Start breast feeding right after your baby is born. Your new baby will need to feed often. Breast feed whenever your baby seems hungry. Don't wait until your baby is crying loudly. They may be too upset to feed well.

Breast Feeding Resources

There are many resources that can help you learn more about breast feeding and where to get help.

Properly Take Care Your Baby

In the first year of life, parenting is about comforting your baby and making sure they are safe. Your baby will feel loved and safe if you comfort them when they are startled, scared, or upset. You will not spoil your baby by holding them. Your baby wants to be close to you. Babies cry to tell you that they need something. They may be hungry, tired, wet, cold, or hot. They may want to be held. Try to respond before your baby is crying loudly. If your baby has any of the following signs, or if you feel something is not right, see a health care provider right away.

• Your baby is hard to wake or seems very weak.

• Your baby is breathing very quickly or has trouble breathing.

• Your baby’s lips or ear lobes are blue or grey.

• Your baby is losing weight or gaining more weight.

• Your baby has a fever (has a temperature).

• Your baby has sunken eyes or the soft spot on top of the head is sunken.

• Your baby has a dry mouth, lips, tongue, or nose.

• Your baby's skin is pale, cold, and moist.

• Your baby's whole body, arms, and legs are shaking (having a seizure).

• Your baby vomits more than twice in one day.

• Your baby is passing less pee (urine) or has dark yellow urine.

• Your baby has more poops (bowel movements) than usual and they are watery.

• Your baby usually has regular poops (bowel movements), but suddenly stops.

• Your baby feeds poorly or refuses to feed.

• Your baby cries more often, or differently. Nothing you do seem to help.

Frequently Asked Question About Eating Food During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, the food you eat is very important. Eating healthy foods helps you feel better and also helps your baby grow and develop.

In several times, it is shown that many women are anxious about their food during pregnancy period. The maximum time asked questions and answers are-

Is it okay to drink tea, coffee or soda pop?

Coffee, tea, pop, and energy drinks may have caffeine in them. Too much caffeine is not good for your unborn baby. Try not to drink more than two cups of coffee each day. Drink less tea, pop, and diet pop. Some kinds of black teas and herbal teas are not safe to drink when you are pregnant. Ask your health care provider for a list of safe teas. It is better to drink water, milk, or 100% juice.

Do I need to stop eating salt?

No. Though eating too much salt is not healthy, you and your unborn baby need salt. Eat more fresh food and less and snack foods, canned foods and processed foods. You should try to use less salt when you cook.

Will I need to take prenatal vitamins?

Vitamin pills cannot take the place of healthy foods. Eat healthy foods and take a multivitamin every day that contains folic acid and iron. Some women need more folic acid or other vitamins.

Talk to your health care provider.

What if I don’t drink milk?

If you do not drink milk, you can have other foods high in calcium such as yogurt cheese, enriched soy drinks, sardines, tofu, enriched orange juice, broccoli, okra and almonds. Talk to your health care provider to make sure you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D.

What if I do not eat meat?

If you do not eat meat or animal products, choose foods such as lentils, beans, nuts, tofu and seeds. You should talk to your health care provider about getting enough iron and protein.

Can I drink alcohol?

It is safest that you should not to drink any alcohol when you are pregnant.

Healthy Foods During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, the food you eat is very important. Eating healthy foods helps you feel better and also helps your baby grow and develop.

Nutrients are good things found in the foods we eat. When you are pregnant, it is important to eat healthy foods. The healthy foods provide you the nutrients you and your baby need. Here is a list of some of the important nutrients that pregnant women need.

Folate (Folic Acid):

Folic Acid helps baby grow a healthy brain and spine. You should make healthy blood for you and your baby. Take a multivitamin with folic acid in it, every day. Some women need more folic acid. 

Calcium:

Calcium makes healthy bones and teeth for you and your baby.

Iron:

Iron makes healthy blood for you and your baby. Eating these foods along with foods high in vitamin C will help your body use iron. Foods high in vitamin C include tomatoes, oranges, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, kiwi, and peppers.

Protein:

Protein helps your womb (uterus) and placenta become strong. It helps your baby grow.

You must take extra care with food when you are pregnant.

When you are pregnant, you should take care about your food. Some matter must consider. These ares-

• You have to wash your hands before and after you handle food.

• You must wash the skin of all raw vegetables and fruit well.

• You must cook meat, poultry, seafood, fish, and eggs well. The Hot dogs and deli meats should be heated until steaming hot.

• You must check “best before” dates on food packages. You should not eat the food after that date has passed.

You should not eat these foods when you are pregnant:

• The raw fish and food made with raw fish (for example, sushi).

• The fish liver oil.

• The raw seafood such as oysters and clams.

• The undercooked meat, poultry, and seafood.

• The unheated hotdogs and deli meats.

• The patés, meat spreads, smoked seafood, and fish products that are not in a can.

• The foods made with raw eggs, or that contain eggs that are not fully cooked.

• The unpasteurized milk and foods made from unpasteurized milk.

• The soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk such as brie, camembert, feta, goat cheese, and blue cheese.

• The juices that are not pasteurized, such as unpasteurized apple cider.

• The raw sprouts, especially alfalfa sprouts and bean sprouts.

• The fish that is high in mercury

• You should not eat more than 1 serving (75g) of liver every 2 weeks.

Besides it, If you have any questions about healthy eating or to know more about eating,  talk to your health care provider.