As recommended by the World Health Organisation, babies should be exclusively breastfed<\/a> in the first 6 months. Solid food<\/a> should be introduced gradually at around 6 months old to cater for their nutritional needs. Continue to breastfeed up to 2 years old or beyond.<\/p>\n Babies<\/strong><\/p>\n Mothers<\/strong><\/p>\n * Preterm, sick, jaundiced babies need breastfeeding even more!<\/strong><\/p>\n * Reduces the risk of necrotising enterocolitis in premature babies<\/p>\n<\/div>\n During pregnancy, antibodies are transferred to the baby via the placenta. However, these antibodies will be gone by about 6 months after birth. In the first 2 to 3 years of life, babies can easily pick up infections due to their immature immune systems. Breastmilk contains natural antibodies<\/a>, living immune cells, enzymes, etc that timely reduce the risk of infection.<\/p>\n Breastmilk is a living fluid. Mothers are able to produce breastmilk with a varied combination of nutrients that are specific and meet their babies’ needs at different stages of growth. Nutrients in breastmilk, such as omega-3 fatty acid (e.g. DHA) and taurine, help babies develop their brain, eyes and the digestive system etc. Different ingredients are added to formula milk to imitate breastmilk. Currently there is insufficient evidence to indicate these ingredients are beneficial to babies’ long term health.<\/p>\n In\u00a0exclusively breastfed babies<\/strong>, antibodies and other components in the breastmilk protect their gut, reducing their risk of infection<\/p>\n Unnecessary supplementation with formula milk or water will reduce the babies’ desire for breastfeeding, resulting in a\u00a0<\/strong>decrease in breastmilk production<\/strong><\/p>\n The benefits of breastfeeding are not limited to the composition of breastmilk\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n Some mothers wish to know the exact amount of milk consumed by their babies and give up direct breastfeeding. However, the milk consumed varies between babies and between feeds. Responding to the babies’ cues would better satisfy their physical and psychological needs<\/p>\n Connecting and interacting<\/strong>\u00a0with your bump promotes your baby’s\u00a0brain development<\/strong><\/p>\n At around 20 weeks, the unborn baby begins to hear and tunes in to the mother’s attentive love.<\/p>\n Invite elder brothers or sisters to bond with the bump.<\/strong>\u00a0This helps build a close and loving relationship in the family.<\/p>\n After the baby arrives, parents can:<\/strong><\/p>\n When babies are\u00a0kept close<\/strong>\u00a0to their parents and their needs are\u00a0responded<\/strong>\u00a0to, they will become\u00a0happy and confident<\/strong>\u00a0children and adults<\/p>\n Your breasts begin to prepare for lactation about the time you get pregnant, and begin to produce colostrum at around the second trimester<\/p>\n Changes in breasts begin in pregnancy<\/strong><\/p>\n Expectant mothers may feel breast fullness and notice darkening of nipples and areolae, some even leaking of small amounts of milk. Some may have small accessory breasts under their armpits. Sebaceous glands may appear as small bumps around the areolae<\/p>\n Throughout pregnancy and lactation, sebaceous glands (also known as Montgomery Glands) may increase in size and number, giving off<\/p>\n Do not wash your nipples off with soap before each breastfeeding<\/strong><\/p>\n Size of breasts does not affect the milk production<\/strong><\/p>\n Even if the breasts are relatively small, the amount of breastmilk produced is not affected, although they may store less milk per feed. Your baby will increase the frequency of feeding, if needed, to maintain the total daily breastmilk intake<\/p>\n Mothers with flat or inverted nipples can breastfeed successfully<\/strong><\/p>\n To suckle and get milk properly, a baby draws the nipple and most of the areola into her mouth and not just the nipple<\/p>\n Watch video<\/a><\/p>\n Successful breastfeeding requires the concerted effort of the mother, the baby and the family, to learn, adapt and overcome challenges together<\/strong><\/p>\n Expectant parents should\u00a0prepare early, familiarise themselves with breastfeeding knowledge\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0seek family support<\/strong>. Most mothers can successfully breastfeed their babies if they\u00a0seek help early<\/strong>\u00a0should difficulties arise.<\/p>\nBenefits of breastfeeding<\/h4>\n
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Builds a close relationship between mother and baby<\/h4>\n
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Contains natural antibodies that enhance immunity<\/h4>\n
Offers comprehensive nutrition that promotes development<\/h4>\n
Exclusive breastfeeding<\/h3>\n
Direct breastfeeding<\/h3>\n
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Raising a smart and happy Kid<\/h3>\n
Expectant parents can interact more with the baby before birth by:<\/h5>\n
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Connecting with your baby<\/h3>\n
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A close and loving relationship between parents and babies:<\/h5>\n
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Getting ready for breastfeeding since pregnancy<\/h3>\n
Did you know?<\/h5>\n
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Did you know?<\/h5>\n
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