Newborn Breastfeeding

Although breastfeeding is the best way to feed newborns, its rates in Qatar are the lowest in the Middle East, at only 29%. (8) Discover the most important information about newborns breastfeeding!

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Start breastfeeding your baby from the first hours

Ask the hospital medical staff to breastfeed your baby during the first hours of his birth, for the following reasons: (1)(4)

• The baby will be alert in the first few hours of birth, and then the infant will sleep for most of the next 24 hours, so take advantage of your baby's alertness and breastfeed him so that he can latch on to the breast correctly.
• To obtain colostrum milk, which is a thick milk rich in nutrients and antibodies.

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Benefits of newborns breastfeeding

The benefits of breastfeeding include the following: (2)

• Providing optimal nutrition: Breast milk provides all the nutrients necessary for the baby’s growth, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins.
• Strengthening immunity: Breast milk contains antibiotics and antibodies that strengthen the child’s immunity and protect him from many diseases.
• Strengthens emotional relationships: Breastfeeding enhances emotional interaction between mother and child, which contributes to developing the relationship between them.
• Facilitating the digestion process: Breast milk contains substances that enhance digestion and help the child absorb nutrients better.
• Reducing the risk of chronic diseases: Research indicates that children who are breastfed for long periods may be less susceptible to developing some chronic diseases such as: obesity, allergies, and others.

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Tips for healthy breastfeeding

Here are some tips for healthy breastfeeding: (3)

• Ensure the correct breastfeeding position: The baby is well attached to the breast when he is close to the mother’s body, his stomach is to the mother’s belly and his chin is close to the breast, and most of the areola around the nipple is located in the lower area of the baby’s mouth under his tongue.
• Prepare well for breastfeeding: Make sure to choose a quiet and comfortable place for breastfeeding, so that you and the baby can relax. You can get a little water and juice and use two or three pillows to help support the baby during breastfeeding.
• Alternate between breasts each session; This is to stimulate milk production and ensure the provision of appropriate quantities of it to the infant.
• Continue breastfeeding until your baby feels full, and make sure to burp him after every time he breastfeeds.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet during breastfeeding; To ensure good nutrition for your child.
• Take care of your psychological health: Your psychological state can affect the breastfeeding experience. Remember that breastfeeding requires a little time to learn, so be patient.
• Consult a doctor: If you notice any problem, such as your child’s frequent vomiting after every feeding, or his lack of acceptance of your milk, do not hesitate to obtain advice from a specialist doctor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many times should a baby be breastfed a day?

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In the first month after birth, the baby should be breastfed 8-12 times a day. By the end of the 1-2 months after birth, the number of breastfeeding times may decrease to 7-9 times a day. (4)

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In the first weeks of a baby's life, he may need to feed every 1.5 to 3 hours. As they get older, feedings become less frequent and more regular. some can feed every 90 minutes, while others can wait 2-3 hours between feedings. It should be emphasized that no period exceeds 4 hours should pass without breastfeeding, even during the night. (4)

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How do I know that my baby wants to breastfeed?

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The infant often shows signs that indicate his hunger and desire to breastfeed, including: (3)

• Moving the head in search of the breast.
• Putting the hand in the mouth.
• Licking the lips.
• Crying, in the advanced stages.

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Do I have to set specific times for breastfeeding?

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In the beginning, it is preferable to breastfeed according to your baby's needs, without setting a strict schedule. Therefore, it is best to recognize the signs of hunger in your baby and offer him breastfeeding when he is hungry. This helps meet your child's needs effectively and enhances emotional communication between you and him. (5)

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Over time, you will notice that your baby follows a more structured pattern, and this may help you set his feeding times. At this stage, you can gradually establish a breastfeeding schedule if you feel this suits your needs and your baby`s needs. (5)

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Does the child have to breastfeed for a specific period of time in each session?

No, there is no specific time that a baby should take for each feeding session; These periods vary from one child to another and vary according to your child’s needs. For example, immediately after birth, one session may last more than 20 minutes, and as the child grows older and learns the correct way to breastfeed, one session may last only 5-10 minutes. (4)

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How do I know that my child feels full?

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Here are the most important signs that indicate that your child feels full and is getting a sufficient amount of milk: (6)

• Your baby is calm at the end of breastfeeding.
• Your baby's weight is gaining steadily, returning to his birth weight by days 10-14 after birth. It is normal for babies to lose a little weight in the first week after birth.
• Increased number of times the infant urinates or defecates during the first weeks of his life.

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Does the baby have to breastfeed from both breasts every time?

No, it is not necessary for your baby to feed from both breasts every time. This depends on several factors, including: the baby's growth, time spent on each breast, and his desire to breastfeed. However, it is preferable to switch breasts every breastfeeding session to stimulate the breast to produce more milk to meet the infant's demands. (4)

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How long should breastfeeding last?

The World Health Organization and many medical organizations recommend continuing breastfeeding until at least 6 months of age, and it can be continued with the introduction of solid foods from 6 months until 2 years of age if desired. (4)

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Are there foods you should avoid while breastfeeding?

No, there is no recommendation to abstain from eating certain foods while breastfeeding; so, You can eat the healthy, balanced food you are accustomed to, and it is preferable to reduce the amount of caffeine consumed from all sources, such as coffee, tea, and chocolate. If your child is allergic to a certain food, it is best to avoid it temporarily. (7)

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Do you have any questions about breastfeeding after giving birth? Do not hesitate to contact the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Al-Ahli Hospital. Our department is equipped with the best doctors to follow up on your health and your baby`s health after birth and answer all your questions.

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References:

1. Breastfeeding: the first few days - NHS.
2. Benefits of Breastfeeding for You & Baby
3. Ten Valuable Tips for Successful Breastfeeding - Canada.ca
4. ?Breastfeeding FAQs: How Much and How Often (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth?
5. Your breastfeeding questions answered - NHS
6. Newborn Breastfeeding Basics | Nutrition | CDC
7. Food and drinks to avoid when breastfeeding - Start for Life - NHS
8. Muslim women's attitudes toward infant feeding in Qatar: An exploration using the Iowa infant feeding attitude scale - ScienceDirect