Keys to successful breastfeeding

By Andrea Plana González, speech therapist (reg. no. 09/588) specialized in Orofacial Motricity and breastfeeding consultant.

Breastfeeding is the exclusive way of feeding the baby from birth to 6 months of age.

Breastfeeding is the way of feeding defined by nature, but not the only one. Each mother will choose between breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both according to their preferences and needs, knowing that the decisions she makes will always be the best for her child.

As a breastfeeding consultant and neonatal speech therapist, I firmly believe in the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, which is why I do it with my little one. Breastfeeding is not only important from a nutritional standpoint but also from an emotional and affectionate perspective, it is much more than just food.

Although it is believed that everything is innate, we must be informed as women by paying attention to some basic notions and keys for successful breastfeeding.

Tips for Successful Breastfeeding

• "Breastfeeding should not hurt," that's the theory but in practice, not everything is so easy. All beginnings are complicated, with the birth of the baby also comes a mother. Both have to get to know each other and although the newborn's behavior is innate, as they instinctively seek the mother's nipple right after birth, initially we may encounter difficulties. These should always be reviewed by a professional who can assess if there is an underlying problem (poor positioning, shallow latch, tongue-tie, hypersensitivity...).

• The main stimulus for milk production is suction, so the greater the suction, the greater the production. Milk does not work like a bottle but more like a tap. It does not run out because it is produced according to the baby's needs.

• Although there are myths about feeding every three hours, breastfeeding should be done on demand; offering the breast or bottle when the baby requires it. As mentioned earlier, the baby may not always need to feed due to hunger but also for comfort, protection, and bonding.

• It is advisable to recognize the behaviors that indicate the baby is hungry without waiting for them to cry to demand the breast, as in the latter case, they will do so anxiously and more forcefully. Therefore, some hunger signs may include sucking, calling sounds, head movements, yawning, bringing their hand to their mouth, turning their head towards the mother's breast, etc.

• Breast milk changes over time, adapting to the needs throughout the breastfeeding period and even within each day and feeding. A newborn does not need the same quantity and composition of milk as a four-month-old, so our body physiologically adjusts it.

• According to the WHO, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until 6 months of age, and alongside complementary feeding up to 2 years of age. This decision is very personal, I firmly believe that it is an intimate matter for each mother and child, and as a personal decision, it must be fully respected.

• Breastfeeding crises exist, and you should also be aware of them to avoid falling into negative feelings and a sense of distress when they occur. Crises are also known as growth spurts, situations in which the baby seems to be unhappy with the milk production (quantity, taste...) and therefore exhibits different behavior than usual: they want to breastfeed frequently and as a result regurgitate large amounts of milk, pull strongly at the nipple, cry with the breast in their mouth, tense their legs and arch their back, slap the mother's chest... There is not just one crisis but several throughout the breastfeeding process. In almost all babies, these crises occur at the same time periods, making them easily predictable. Breastfeeding crises are found at 2 days, 15 days, 6-7 weeks, 3 months, 12 months, and 2 years.

In conclusion, the best advice for breastfeeding is prior knowledge to avoid frustration and distress, as well as patience, because along with an unparalleled bond and an incredible experience between mother and child, breastfeeding can often be tough.

Moms, I recommend you to find more information at the Breastfeeding Committee of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics or in the LactApp app, led by Alba Padró, a highly recognized breastfeeding consultant and IBCLC in our country.

Logrospedia