Breastfeeding… on demand?

According to the WHO (World Health Organization) and the AEPED (Spanish Association of Pediatrics), breastfeeding is the ideal food for a baby from birth as it covers the basic nutritional needs for proper growth and physical development.

In addition, from the emotional point of view, breastfeeding ensures the establishment of a good mother-child bond, essential for development as an independent and secure person. For this reason, it is recommended that breastfeeding be exclusive during the first six months of life and the option is given to extend it to two years or until the child and the mother so desire.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Breastfeeding should be on demand: when the baby asks for it, the feedings he wants and for as long as he wants.
• Breastfeeding is also a source of emotional nourishment.
• The mother to support the first months of the baby should eat balanced, rest whenever possible, drink a lot and take special supplements for breastfeeding.

Why on demand?

The feeding of mammals, like us, is on demand. The mother must always be ready to offer the breast when the baby needs to eat, drink, cry, have any discomfort or want to be with his mother. Babies want to suckle when they suck, yawn, put their hand to their mouth, or make calling sounds. You don't need to wait for them to cry. There is no benefit in "educating" the baby's feeding schedule during the first months of life.

Lactation on demand means offering the breast whenever the baby asks for it (not counting the number of feedings) and for as long as they ask (without looking at the duration of each feed). It is not convenient to remove the baby from the breast, but it is preferable that he release the breast spontaneously. Breastfeeding on demand prevents dehydration, ensures adequate caloric intake and allows the baby to be comforted in the event of any discomfort, pain or illness.

It should be clarified that the demand is day and night. To prevent the mother from getting too tired at night, she can lie down next to her baby to breastfeed in bed.

Emotional nutrition

Breastfeeding is not only an act of physical feeding but it is also a unique source of nutrition for the child. For this reason, babies need to latch onto the breast not only to eat but also to calm themselves. The nursing mother knows that she has the “magic wand” in her power to comfort her crying baby, put her to sleep pleasantly, and make sure she eats something even when she is sick.

TIPS FOR THE MOTHER

The demand means that during the first months, mother and baby have an absolute dependence, which can cause fatigue in the mother and / or lack of sleep. For this reason, it is essential that the mother rest and take care of herself with these basic premises:

• Eat balanced: the contribution of proteins and carbohydrates must be adequate. It is normal to have more appetite since the production of milk consumes many calories in the mother.
• Rest when the baby sleeps: take advantage of the moments when the baby sleeps to rest, take a nap and regain strength.
• Hydrate a lot: fluid intake is free, you have to drink "what the body asks." However, you should avoid sweet drinks (soft drinks or packaged juices) that do not provide nutrients, only sugar.
• Take special supplements for breastfeeding: during all the months that you breastfeed, it is useful to take special supplements that ensure optimal levels of iron, iodine, calcium and other vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for mother and baby.