BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING

• human milk is designed specifically for infants, it is nutritionally superior to any alternative

• breast milk is considered living tissue bc is contains almost as many live cells as blood

• bacteria wise is always safe and fresh

• nutrients in bread milk are easily absorbed

Contraindications to breastfeeding

• cancer

• active tuberculosis not under treatment

• HIV

• herpes on break

• galactosemia in infant

• maternal substance abuse

Milk production

• after birth of infant, estrogen and progesterone levels trigger release of prolactin from anterior pituitary gland

PROLACTIN

• hormone critical for milk production, levels are highest 10 days post birth

• prolactin produced in response to infant suckling and emptying of breasts

OXYTOCIN

• oxytocin is another hormone essential to lactation. When nipple is stimulated, posterior pituitary promoted by hypothalamus produced oxytocin

COLOSTRUM

• clear, yellowish fluid that is more concentrated than human milk

  • very rich in immunoglobulins

  • high concentration of protein and fat soluble vitamins

  • less fat than mature milk

HUMAN MILK CHARACTERISTICS

• fat content of milk increases during each feeding

• initially fore milk is released that:

  • skim milk makes up 60% of volume

  • whole milk 35% volume

  • provides lactulose, protein and water soluble vitamins

• hindmilk (cream)

  • usually 5% usually let down 10-20mins into feeding

    • contraints denser calories from fat ensuring optimal growth

ASSESSMENT OF LATCH

• baby head and body is in a straight line

• babys whole body is supported

• baby approaches breast, nose to nipple

• mouth is wide open, lips are flanged

• chin is pressed into great

• more areola is seen above baby’s top lip

• sucking should be slow, deep with pauses

KEY TEACHING POINTS

• offer both breasts at each feed

• feed frequently, 8 times in 24hrs

• baby may want to cluster feed, this is normal when baby is recently born

• make sure mom is comfortable

• observe for hunger cues

• break an uncomfortable latch, get help is needed

• baby is getting enough milk if they are gaining weight, having 6 or more wet diapers and 3 soiled diapers a day

STORING BREASTMILK

• expressed breast milk should be kept in a clean container, glass bottle or milk bags with date marked

• breast milk cab be stored for

  • 6 to 8 hrs @ room temperature

  • up to 5 days in the refrigerator

  • 2 weeks in a refrigerator freezer

  • 3-6 months in a freezer compartment of a refrigerator with separate doors

  • 6-12 months in a separate chest type freezer

• ** never mix fresh bread milk with chilled or frozen bread milk, it can cause bacteria to grow and lead to food poisoning

CARE OF THE MOTHER

• breastfeeding mother require 350-400 calories/day

• continue to take prenatal vitamins

• drink enough fluids

• caffeine in moderation

BREASTFEEDING COMPLICATIONS

• engorgement

• sore nipples

• plugged milk ducts

• mastitis

Formula feeding education

• readiness for feeding

• feeding patterns

• feeding techniques

• bottles and nipples

• infant formulas

• formula preparation

Types of formula

• read to feed ( nothing added in )

• liquid concentrate ( need to add sterile water

• powdered ( sterile water )

  • to sterilize water, need to boil for 2 minuets, then let cool

  • do not head bottles in microwave, can cause uneven heating and burn baby