The breastfeeding stage is often neglected as a priority because we already have the newborn in our care. While during pregnancy we spend much of our time and energy eating a balanced diet, taking our vitamins, and drinking enough water, it seems that by the time our baby is born we forget that we are still the main source of nutrients through breastfeeding.

It’s easy to forget to take care of our bodies, get enough sleep, and hydrate, when there is so much to do to keep our little one healthy. But we must remember that breastfeeding care will result in a healthy, well-nourished baby.

Hydrate

During lactation the demand for fluids will increase, so it is important to drink enough water to satisfy thirst. 2 liters of water a day is recommended, also consume foods with high water content, such as watermelon, soups, milk, or tea. Avoiding sugary drinks will help in recovery and maintaining a healthy weight.

Nutrition

The main way to ensure that our baby receives all the necessary nutrients is through the mother’s balanced diet. It should be noted that during breastfeeding we should eat a varied and nutrient-rich diet, similar to that of pregnancy. It is not necessary to increase portions, since milk production will not require more calories than necessary during pregnancy.

It is important to mention that no food increases milk production, as many myths would have us believe, so the consumption of cow’s milk, beer, or atoles should not be encouraged. Milk production is directly linked to demand.

The mother should include plenty of vegetables, a variety of fruits, proteins, carbohydrates and good fats. Eat three meals a day and snacks that include nuts and seeds. In addition to plenty of fluids.

The only foods that should be limited are those that contain large amounts of caffeine, such as energy drinks. Moderate consumption of coffee and tea should not be a problem, one to two cups per day. Also oily fish with a high content of heavy metals such as swordfish, bluefin tuna, shark, mussels and pike. These fish can be consumed in quantities of 120 grams per month according to the Spanish Association of Pediatrics.

Avoid alcohol and tobacco consumption

Avoiding alcohol consumption is necessary during this stage, since alcohol is considered incompatible with breastfeeding and can negatively affect the baby’s health. If consumed, it is recommended that it be in small quantities (60 milliliters) and avoid breastfeeding for the next 3 hours. Co-sleeping should not be practiced after drinking alcohol. It is also recommended to avoid smoking due to the harmful effects of smoke on the newborn’s health.

Rest

As complicated as it may seem, the breastfeeding mother should have adequate rest so that her body can satisfy its needs and also produce enough food for the baby. The practice of co-sleeping is an excellent option for breastfeeding mothers, since it allows the mother to rest while feeding the baby.

Breastfeeding brings innumerable benefits for our little ones, but it should always be the mother’s decision to carry it out, since it implies a great effort on her part. We must also have good support around us to carry out a successful breastfeeding, as it is a team effort. The breastfeeding mother should receive support from her partner, close family, and lactation specialists if necessary. The main care we should take during breastfeeding is that of our person and always respecting our wishes regarding the duration.

La entrada Care during breastfeeding se publicó primero en yademasmama.

The reasons why a baby is born prematurely can be many, however, when the time comes to take our little one home, it is inevitable to wonder if we will be able to take care of him/her properly without the support of a team of nurses and doctors.

Generally, a premature baby will be discharged when his development allows him to control his body temperature, feed properly, and breathe independently. For this, the baby must reach an optimal weight and the moment of discharge will depend on the complications he/she has had at birth, always under medical control until at least 2 years of life.

Below, we share some general care for a premature newborn that will help you prepare your home and keep calm during the first weeks of life.

Home environment

Premature babies tend to have a lower body fat index so they will need to be kept warm to regulate their temperature. Rooms in the home should be between 21C and 24C. Although our intuition might suggest increasing the temperature to ensure that our little one stays comfortable, we should not make this mistake because it will increase the chances of sudden death. While a temperature lower than 21C could imply a higher consumption of calories by the child to maintain the proper temperature and this results in a lower weight gain.

Hygiene

In addition to the usual cleaning of the home, it is important to wash hands properly, especially when holding the baby. It is advisable to avoid people who smoke or have viral infections such as colds getting close to the baby.

Sleep

A premature baby may sleep more than the usual 16 to 18 hours of sleep of a newborn baby. It is important to ensure the baby’s proper rest and provide a safe environment, always place the baby on his or her back on a firm, flat surface, and make sure there are no objects such as toys inside the crib to avoid accidental suffocation.

Feeding

Breastfeeding is highly recommended for all infants, even more so for those born prematurely. Among the advantages of breastfeeding are the physical contact and the strengthening of the immune system.  In general, premature babies will have a higher requirement of calories so feeding could be even more frequent.

Visits

Limiting visitors during the first weeks at home is the most advisable, because the immune system of the baby is not yet armed, so to speak, and any infection can quickly become complicated in a premature baby.

Anyone with a respiratory disease should stay at least two meters away from the baby, and practice proper hand washing, or at best avoid all contact with the baby.

Medical follow-up

Finally, follow-up by a health professional is essential for the life of a premature baby. It will be important to closely follow their neurodevelopment, growth, motor and language development. Premature babies can develop neurological complications that require multidisciplinary intervention by a neurologist, physical therapist, psychologist, nutritionist, and even endocrinologist.

La entrada Premature baby: What is the care of a premature baby? se publicó primero en yademasmama.