All breastfeeding questions answered

In honour of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, Lowvelder asked Van Heerden Pharmacy to help us answer the most commonly asked questions from breastfeeding mothers.

There are numerous benefits to breastfeeding; granted, it is not always an easy task to do, but most definitely worth it.

It requires energy and dedication to be able to get out of bed every two hours, lift your shirt in public, accept that you will probably always be a smidge late, and worst of all, always having sore breasts.

Why is breastmilk better than formula?

Breastmilk contains protein, sugar, fat, antibodies, and white blood cells, which includes everything your baby needs when looking for a well-balanced diet. The longer you breastfeed, the more benefits your little one will gain.

How long can I keep my breastmilk?

Expressed breastmilk can be refrigerated for 5 days, frozen for 6-12 months, and stored at room temperature for up to 8 hours.

Advantages for mommy

• Breastfeeding is free, while formula is expensive
• Breastfeeding can save you time
• Breastfeeding mothers have shown fewer signs of post-partum anxiety and depression
• Weight gained during pregnancy is easier to lose while breastfeeding
• Breastfeeding reduces stress by releasing oxytocin
• You form a strong bond with your baby

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Advantages for baby

• Colostrum (the first milk you produce) lines the baby stomach to protect against any bacteria and viruses
• Breastmilk is vital to your baby’s neurodevelopment, for a higher IQ and a greater brain volume
• Breastmilk contains vital substances that make your baby strong and helps to fight off infections and illness
• Breastmilk contains immunological components that help to lower chances of baby getting ear infections, diarrhoea, vomiting, urinary tract infections, atopic dermatitis, allergies and respiratory infections.

Did my baby eat enough?

A baby’s tummy has:

• 5-7 ml volume capacity from birth to day three
  • 22-27 ml volume capacity from day three to seven
  • 45-60 ml volume capacity from day seven
  • 80-150 ml volume capacity from day 30

Your baby will show that it is hungry by crying, mouthing or rooting, increased alertness and physical activity.

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Things you should avoid while breastfeeding

• Smoking
• Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
• Taking any medication that has not been proved to be safe while breastfeeding

Problems that may occur with breastfeeding

• Mastitis – a breast infection. You should contact your doctor if you have a fever, red, painful and swollen breasts, chills or flulike symptoms.
• Cracked nipples – this usually occurs when the baby is latching wrong. Use a nipple cream to reduce pain and add moisture to the cracked nipples.
• Engorgement – This is when you have too much milk in your breast and the passage to the nipple might not be functioning correctly. If this last more than two days, contact your doctor immediately.

To reiterate, local mother Iante-Lune Tecklenburg had this to say:

 All for it. With my firstborn, I just could not, but the secondborn I could breastfeed (and I will do it all over again). The bond you have with you baby is just amazing; your baby benefits so much from it as well. It’s not easy at all, but with a husband and good friends I pushed myself – the goal was six months, and we went all the way to 22 months. Worth every late night.

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