The document discusses breastfeeding, including its benefits for both mother and baby. It recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months, then continuing while introducing other foods for up to two years or longer. Breast milk provides optimal nutrition for newborns and protects against disease. The document outlines proper breastfeeding techniques and potential issues for mothers and babies, as well as dietary guidelines to support breastfeeding.

2. Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding
• Breastfeeding, also known as nursing, is the feeding of
babies and young children with milk from a woman's
breast.
• It is universally agreed that breast milk is the best food
for the new-born, because it provides numerous health
benefits to both a mother and an infant.
• WHO recommends the mother to start feeding the new-
born immediately after the birth in the first hours to get
the benefits of Colostrum.
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3. • Breastfeeding recommended up to 6 months, after
that; breastfeeding should be continued with
appropriate foods up to two years of age or
beyond.
• Breast milk is formed in the alveolar cells of the
mammary glands with the stimulation of the
prolactin hormone
• The First milk is called Colostrum (thick, sticky and
yellowish) that is very important food for the new-
born baby. 3

5. • Colostrum is high in carbohydrates, high in protein,
high in antibodies, and low in fat (as human new-
borns may find fat difficult to digest).
• New-borns have very small digestive systems, and
colostrum delivers its nutrients in a very
concentrated low-volume form.
• The transition from colostrum to true mature milk
is a gradual process.
• The mature milk is the Foremilk and Hindmilk.
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6. • In the 2-3 weeks following delivery, the milk will
become thinner, less yellow which is called
Foremilk.
• Hindmilk is the milk which follows foremilk during a
feeding. It is richer in fat content and is high in
calories more the foremilk
• The mother should be ensure that the baby drain
one breast before moving onto the other, to ensure
that he receives all the benefits of both foremilk
and hindmilk.
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8. Breastfeeding Benefits
Mother:
• It is clean, cheap, and always available
• It makes the uterus contract. This helps the placenta
come out, and it may help prevent heavy bleeding
• Reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer
• Delay a new pregnancy and menstruation
• Increase the bond between the mother and the
baby
• Helps a mother return to pre-pregnancy weight 8

9. Breastfeeding Benefits
Baby:
• It helps the new-born to clear fluid from his nose and mouth and
breathe more easily
• Breastmilk contains all the nutrients that the baby needs for the
first 6 months
• Developing the brain and other body systems
• Provides adequate water for hydration
• Protects against infection and allergies (develop the Immune
System of the baby)
• It is easily digested; no constipation, diarrhea or upset stomach.
• Promotes bonding between the baby and the mother
• It reduces the risk of obesity and diabetes later in life
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10. Signs of Good Attachment
• Chin touching breast (or nearly so)
• Mouth wide open
• Lower lip turned outwards
• The baby mouth should cover the nipple and
most of the lower part of the black part (Areola)
• The nose should not be closed
• The cheeks are round and full
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11. Good
Attachment
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12. Breastfeeding Problems
Mother:
• Latching Pain
• Cracked nipples
• Clogged ducts
• Low milk supply
• Painful engorgement (too much milk)
• Mastitis
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13. Breastfeeding Problems
Baby:
• Baby sleeps while nursing
• Doesn't get enough milk
• Baby Gas and tummy problems (mostly due
to mother’s diet, and the baby to swallow too
much air at feeding time)
• Reflux (spit up the milk)
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14. Diet
• Breastfeeding mums need around 500 more
calories a day than non-breastfeeding mums
• Essential nutrition:
1. Water
2. Calcium and Vitamin D
3. Carbohydrates and Fibers
4. Healthy Fats
5. Iodine
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15. Diet
• Essential nutrition:
6. Iron
7. Protein
8. Vitamins
9. Vitamin B6 & B12 (Very important for the
brain growth and formation of a baby's
red blood cells)
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16. Diet
• Foods to limit:
1. Caffeine
2. Fish that contains mercury (Hg)
3. Parsley and Peppermint (decrease breast
milk production)
4. Spicy foods
5. Garlic
6. Oily food
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17. Diet
7. Food cause allergy and digestion problem
for the baby as:
− Cow's milk
− Eggs
− Dairy
− Citrus
− Fish
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18. Diet
• The foods that cause allergy may lead to:
1. Diarrhoea or constipation
2. Itchy skin
3. A red itchy rash around the baby's mouth.
4. Swollen eyes, face or lips
5. Vomiting
6. Eczema
7. Gas
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