Let’s be honest, COVID-19 has changed our lives dramatically. We have been introduced to a world where masks, sanitisers, work-from-home, and social distancing have perpetually blended into our lives and the importance of boosting immunity has never been more crucial. This is more true than ever for new mothers and newborns for whom breastfeeding is the cornerstone of survival, nutrition, and development.
While the guidelines of breastfeeding remain the same, it is the issues of latching, increasing supply, and ensuring maternal health that are now key areas of focus. Especially in this post-COVID era.
If you are a new mum and are wondering how to tackle these challenges, we’ve got you covered.
Guidelines Of Breastfeeding: Why They Remain The Same
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF has laid out set guidelines of breastfeeding.
The recommend that infants initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives. This means that they shouldn’t be given any other foods or liquids, including water.
This is because breast milk protects your baby against infections, allergies, diseases, and even obesity. It is also easily digested, so your baby doesn’t suffer from constipation, diarrhea or an upset stomach. Not just that, it is also beneficial for a mother, not just physically but also emotionally; as it creates an inimitable bond between her and the baby.
So there’s no doubt that breastmilk is the most important food for an infant and mothers and helps both take care of their health. However, not all new mothers can breastfeed a baby on demand or keep up their supply till the child is one.
Which is why it is crucial to understand how you can do both, especially now when we know that it can potentially protect your baby from an infection such as COVID-19.
How To Increase Breastmilk Supply
When you are breastfeeding, your own health is as important as that of your newborn’s. This means you’ll need to have a nutritious meal, one that can especially boost your immunity and also maintain a healthy milk supply.
The good news is that you do not have to buy anything from the market to do both. You can use ingredients at home to create your own concoctions of immunity-boosting and breastmilk supply maintaining foods.
Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds have been used for generations across the world to increase breast milk production. They stimulate the mammary glands that are essentially sweat glands that have been modified by hormonal stimulation. This helps produce more milk. They are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids which is extremely important for your baby’s brain development.
Carrot
Carrots provide a great boost to lactation and are rich in Vitamin A, which is essential in improving the quality and quantity of milk production. You can consume it as it is or include it in your meals.
Garlic
Garlic is known for its several health benefits, including its immune-boosting properties. While it can help boost your milk supply, it can also affect the taste and smell of breast milk. Therefore, it is best to consume it in moderation.
Almond
This superfood is rich in Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. This, along with the fact that almonds contain polyunsaturated fats, make these nuts a superfood that aids in increased breast milk production. This is also the reason almonds are prescribed by doctors for nursing mothers.
Bitter Gourd
This vegetable is highly nutritious and contains Vitamin K, Lycopene, Phytochemicals, and Antioxidants, all of which are crucial to increase breast milk supply. It also has high water content that keeps the mother hydrated. Plus, it is easy to digest.
Lentil
Lentils are a common ingredient used across several houses. They are rich in minerals, vitamins and proteins. The presence of dietary fibre (found in some types of lentils) further boosts its nutrient value, making them the perfect addition to your meal if you wish to increase breast milk production.
Tofu
It is a superfood packed with minerals, vitamins, calcium, and a lot of protein. As you know, a breastfeeding mum needs about 25 grams of protein, and tofu being protein-rich can do the job well and increase breast milk supply.
Green Tea
Green tea is filled with antioxidants and minerals. Drinking a glass of green tea every day can cleanse your system. It also helps with blood circulation and cholesterol, and it is thought to significantly help increase breast milk supply.
Once you’re able to increase your breastmilk supply, the next challenge is to ensure that your baby latches on properly. Fret not, we’ve got you covered.
Guidelines Of Breastfeeding: How To Train Your Newborn To Latch
Some infants can latch easily, while others may not be able to. Here are some signs of a good latch.
- Make sure the latch is comfortable and pain-free
- Your baby’s chin should touch your breast
- The child’s chest and stomach rest against your body, so that baby’s head is straight
- Your baby’s mouth should open wide around your breast
- You hear or see swallowing
If you are facing a problem, you can try the following guidelines of breastfeeding to help your baby latch on easily:
- Moving to a quiet, calm place
- Hold your baby against your chest
- Letting your baby lead
- Support your baby’s neck, shoulders, and hips with your hands
- You can offer your breast, but let your baby find your nipple on their own
More often than not, latching also comes with another common issue: nipple cracking. It can happen especially if the latch is bad and can make for a fairly painful nursing experience. If that is the case here are some remedies which can offer you relief.
- Apply freshly expressed breast milk onto cracked nipples. It can augment the healing process thanks to its antibacterial protection.
- You can also try the warm compress technique after breastfeeding to soothe the sore and cracked nipples
- Change nursing pads frequently
- Apply lanolin ointment. The best part is that it doesn’t need to be wiped before nursing your baby. However, consult your doctor before you make the purchase so you are sure you are buying the right product.
Remember that the post-pandemic era is not the same for anybody, especially not for a new mother and the newborn. Which is why the precautions that you take and the techniques that you try need to bear that in mind.
Our recommendation is to work on boosting your immunity to keep yourself protected against any disease. Always wash your hands and maintain proper hygiene around your breast area.
Additionally, avoid using sanitisers or any chemical on your breasts. It’s also important to be fit and healthy, especially now. So exercise daily, try to get adequate sleep, a minimum of 7-8 hours, if possible and don’t shy away from asking for help.
It is very important to understand that every woman is different and so is her body. Your friend may have an abundant supply of breast milk, while you may not. But that’s okay. Be sympathetic towards yourself and don’t draw this conclusion-‘I am not a good mum’ or ‘My child will turn out to be weak’.
No, formula feeding doesn’t make you a bad mum. It is very important to let go of the breastfeeding guilt for you to bond with your child better.
Visit Singapore Parenting Festival for more information to help parents find answers to their parenting and pregnancy concerns.
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