Breast Milk Feeding

Breast Feeding Benefits

• Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beneficial activities for mother and baby. There is no other single action by which a mother can so dramatically impact the present and future health of her baby.

• No formula can duplicate the unique properties of breast milk, no matter how many vitamins, minerals and supplements are added to what is basically a chemical formulation.

• Breast milk is the one and only natural, complete and complex nutrition for human infants. Just as importantly, breastfeeding promotes an exceptional bond between mother and baby that only a mother can provide.

Advantages for the Baby

• Breast milk contains all your baby needs: proteins, fats, lactose, vitamins, iron, minerals, water and enzymes in the exact amounts required for the optimal growth and development.

• Breastfed babies are healthier. Breast milk contains substances which prevent harmful bacteria from growing in intestines and causing gastrointestinal and diarrhoeal infections.

• Breastfed babies have fewer middle ear infections, fewer respiratory infections and a decreased risk of developing allergies, cancer, childhood diabetes and obesity.

• Breastfed babies have a decreased risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

• Breastfeeding a premature baby decreases his risk to develop necrotizing enter colitis (NEC).

Advantages for the Baby

• Breast milk is clean, free from bacteria and has anti-infective properties.

• Breast milk has the right temperature and needs no preparation. It is readily available whenever your baby needs it.

• Breastfed babies are less prone to develop diabetes, heart diseases, eczema, asthma and other allergic disorders later in life.

• Breastfeeding enhances brain development. Research shows there is better visual development and visual acuity in breastfed children.

• Breastfeeding is more than just food. It enhances the emotional bond between the child and the mother and provides warmth, love and affection.

Advantages for the Mother

• Breastfeeding reduces post-delivery bleeding and chances of anaemia.

• Nursing the baby helps the mother regain her normal figure.

• Breastfeeding delays the return of fertility.

• Breastfeeding has a protective effect against several types of cancer such as breast cancer or ovarian cancer, and against osteoporosis.

• Breastfeeding mothers often experience an increased self confidence and a better adjustment with their babies.

• Breast milk is readily available and saves energy, time and money.

• Breastfed babies are healthier so their mothers will have less absenteeism from their workplace.

Breast Feeding Facts Breastfeeding aids in the uterus returning to original size after birth

• Breastfeeding causes the release of a hormone called Oxytocin which is responsible for the contraction of• the uterus and therefore helps to decrease the size of the uterus after birth.

An average breastfeed lasts 16 minutes

• This is the average time for you to sit at intervals during the day and night for that special time with your• baby a time for relaxation, contemplation and pure enjoyment - just you and your baby.

You only produce a small amount of milk in the first few days

• This milk is called colostrum• It is only produced in small amounts because that is all your baby needs. He only has a very small tummy

and only needs a small amount to fill it• This milk is rich in special goodies to help your baby's immune system and provides an excellent start in life• After around day 3 or 4 you gradually produce more milk and the production adapts to your baby's

demands

Breast Feeding Facts Breastfeeding burns calories

• When breastfeeding you burn up to an extra 500 calories per day• While you sit and relax with your baby you are also burning calories. So the ideal way to lose

weight with out the exercise!

Almost three-quarters of mums produce more milk with their right breast

• No correlation to being right or left handed, just a fact!

• Babies instinctively know how to get your milk quickly and efficiently

• They start breastfeeding with a faster suck for stimulation until you let-down. Then when your milk is flowing, they switch to a slower, deeper suck and eat until they’re full.

Breast Feeding Facts Breastfeeding reduces the exposure to sugar

• The only sugar a baby should have or even needs, is lactose. This is the harmless sugar found in breast milk. sucrose is the alternative and can cause damage to erupting teeth

• About a third of moms can’t sense 'let-down‘

• ‘Let down' is when your milk starts to flow• It can also be called milk ejection• The average time it takes for let down to happen is 56 seconds• Watch for your milk to flow and see it happen.

• Your baby controls your breast milk flow with an instinctive action that includes sucking, swallowing and breathing

• Milk flows only when your baby moves his tongue a certain way whilst holding onto the breast• He is able to pace himself and only sucks and swallows when he wants• Your baby can also pause and breathe regularly without letting go of the breast!

Breast Feeding Facts

Babies breastfeed until they’re full not until they 'empty' your breast.• On average, babies remove 67% of the milk you have available – this amount can vary widely

among moms.• With bottle feeding, a baby will generally feed until the bottle is empty

Breast size is not important!• No matter what size you are, you’ll make enough milk for your baby - A cups rejoice!

Your milk sprays out of many holes, not just one• The average amount of openings in the nipple is 9, with some even up to 18

Breast Feeding Facts

Breastfeeding exposes your baby to many different tastes and smells• Early exposure to different flavours can influence a child's acceptance of food when weaning.

Breastfeeding can help prevent cancer and reduces risk of osteoporosis • In countries were breastfeeding rates are higher, the commonest female cancers, ovarian,

uterine and breast, are reduced• Breastfeeding also helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life

Breastfeeding contributes to a better environment• Breastfeeding is energy efficient - no need to boil water/wash/sterilise• Less wastage with breastfeeding

Is the Baby Getting Enough?

• Many mothers are afraid about “not having enough milk". In most cases this fear is unwarranted. Breastfeeding professionals list the signs that indicate your baby is getting enough:

• One or two wet diapers during the first few days, while the baby is receiving colostrum.

• Six to eight wet cloth diapers (5 - 6 wet disposable diapers) per day (24 hours) on the third or fourth day when the milk "comes-in".

• At least two to five bowel movements every 24 hours for the first several months, although some babies will switch to less frequent but large bowel movements at about 6 weeks.

• The baby nurses frequently averaging at least 6 - 10 feedings per 24-hour period.

• Baby's swallowing sounds are audible as he is breastfeeding.

• The baby should gain at least 120 - 210 g per week after the fourth day of life.

• The baby will be alert and active, appear healthy, have good colour, firm skin, and will be growing in length and head circumference.

Breast Feeding Patterns

• It is usually best to feed the baby on demand and to forget anything about breastfeeding schedules. Most full term, healthy babies know best when they need to feed, how long and how much they need to feed. You can expect your baby to have between six and eight feeds in 24 hours. Feed your baby as frequently and as long as he wants to, even at night. As your baby becomes older and more mature the feeding frequency will probably decrease.

Cluster feeding• Especially young babies or low birth weight babies tend to cluster feed. That means the baby feeds

frequently at certain times and much less at others. Typically these episodes of cluster feeding take place in the late afternoon or early evening. Cluster feeding does not indicate a lack of milk but is indeed a common feeding pattern in young or low birth weight infants.

Growth spurts• If your baby suddenly wants to feed more often, this is called a growth spurt. It should not be confused

with the cluster feeding of young or low birth weight infants. Typically you can expect growth spurts when your baby is about two to three weeks, six weeks and three months. If you continue to feed on demand for a couple of days this phase will pass and the balance between supply and demand will be restored.

The new compact double electric breast pump Swing maxi is perfect for all mothers looking for a simple and time-saving solution. Ideal to increase milk supply and for daily use.

Support of milk supply – Double pumping can help to increase and sustain milk supply.

Efficiency – Simultaneous expression in combination with the 2-Phase Expression Technology provides you a maximum of time-saving.

Comfortable – A range of vacuum levels and settings.

Easy to use – Easy to assemble, use and clean.

Flexible – Light and compact to pump at home or on the go, use with batteries or main adapter.

Personal Use PumpSwing Maxi

The best for your baby

Containers for Liquid Gold Home Use

Pump & Save Breast milk Bags

Pump & Save Bags enable you to store breast milk neatly and easily in the fridge or freezer. 

Easy milk collection – Pump milk directly into the bag, preventing milk loss

Compact – Takes up less space than breast milk bottles

Reliable – Double-walled for safe long-term storage

Pre-sterilized – Very hygienic

Containers for Liquid Gold Home Use

Breast milk Bottles

Medela Breast milk Bottles are specially suited to the needs of mother and child. You can pump breast milk for your baby directly into the bottles and store it until it is needed

Safe – Free of Bisphenol A (BPA) for your baby's health

Flexible – Ideal for expressing, storing, freezing and feeding breast milk

Efficient – Not a drop of precious breast milk is lost

Easy to clean – Dishwasher and microwave safe

Quick Clean Microwave BagSafe, quick and practical

With Medela Quick Clean Microwave Bag you can disinfect breastfeeding accessories such as bottles and tubes in less than three minutes - it only takes three steps. This makes it faster and easier than boiling..

Fast - Disinfection takes just three minutes

Safe - Steam cleaning kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria

Easy to use - Disinfect in just three easy steps

Space saving - small and easy to store

City Style Breast pump BagThe ideal solution for active mothers

The discreet City Style Breast pump Bag is perfect for transporting expressed breast milk safely and easily. The stylish and attractive design makes your City Style Bag an elegant accessory whilst breastfeeding - and after.

Stylish and attractive design

Plenty of space for your Medela breast pump and accessories

Transports and keeps the expressed breast milk cool

CalmaThe Breastfeeding friendly feeding solution

With Calma..

Your baby can easily switch back to the breast. It does not have to learn a new way of drinking

Your baby can drink, breathe and pause according to its own natural rhythm. Your baby will stay calm and relaxed during and after the feed

Your baby controls the feeding process, not you. This is also the case when your baby drinks at your breast.

Who can use Calma?The Breastfeeding friendly feeding solution

Any mother who needs to be away from her breastfeeding baby.

A doctor‘s appointment or some personal need may take you away for a couple of hours.

You would like to catch up on some sleep and let the father have some special time with his baby.

You need to go back to work.

You would like to have some time for yourself – a visit to the gym, spa or meeting with friends.

Whatever the reason: You can relax, because you know that your baby will still be fed the best breast milk with Calma

Emma – Jane next generation seam free bra is rapidly becoming THE must have maternity and nursing bra. Besides being super comfortable, it gives value three ways: low price, can be used as a maternity or nursing bra, and the cup size adjusts as you grow – no need for multiple size brasThis seam free knitted bra is designed to adjust to your breast size and provide maximum comfort. Will adjust to your daily changes in shape before and after feeds.Sizing:• UK 32-38 One cup only. Fits B-F cups• EU 70-85 One cup only. Fits B-F cupsFabric:• 90% Polyamide 10% ElastaneColours:• Black White Skin

Taking care of your BreastsThe Medela Breast Care range offers practical solutions to overcome breastfeeding problems and care for your nipples and breasts.

Contact nipple Shields

Protect sore nipples during breastfeeding

Pure LanSoothes sensitive or dry nipples

Washable Bra PadsMaximum absorbency with antimicrobial material to reduce odours and bacterial growth

Milk Collection Shells

Secure solution for heavy milk leakage

Taking care of your BreastsThe Medela Breast Care range offers practical solutions to overcome breastfeeding problems and care for your nipples and breasts.

BreastshellsProtect sore or cracked nipples

Disposable Bra PadsSuper absorbent, thin, discreet

Hydrogel PadsUnique cooling effect

Reference Web Sites

• www.medela.com

• www.emma-jane.com