Breastfeeding Research
Breastfeeding is a two way street. It not only provides the best possible food for the baby, it also has numerous benefits for the mother. Mother's milk in addition to providing the necessary nutrients in the best digestible form, also provides antibodies and white blood cells that provide protection from infection for the infant. It also favorably changes the stool protecting the infant from bacterial diarrhea. The mother's greatest benefits from breast feeding is the close bonding she will get with the baby plus the knowledge that she is providing the best possible care for the baby. Colostrum is a thin yellow fluid that flows from the breast before milk is produced. This fluid is abundant in calories, protein and antibodies that are absorbed in the infant's body directly from the stomach. This protects the infant from all diseases in which the mother has antibodies. A mother who is having her first child should confer with other women who have successfully breast fed ba!bies so that she will be fully prepared for breast feeding.
The mother should take the baby - particularly if it is her first - when a week or ten days old, so that the doctor can check the breast feeding and answer questions for the mother. The breasts usually become swollen during the first few days.This can be helped by frequent feeding. If a nursing jacket is worn full time it will help relieve pain. Since the mother needs additional food during the breast feeding period and calcium in particular, dairy products are beneficial but nuts and leafy vegetables are good if the mother cannot tolerate dairy products. If necessary, calcium supplements can be taken.
