Once out of fashion, breast feeding is now “in” – and with
good reason. The gold standard for infant nutrition, breast feeding reduces
babies’ risk of infection, protects against asthma and allergies and has even
been linked to higher IQ scores. No wonder the World Health Organization as
well as many professional associations recommend exclusive breast feeding for
the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding up to two years and
beyond.
“We recently did an audit of women who gave birth at the MUHC,” says Luisa Ciofani, the Women’s Health Mission certified lactation consultant. “Of 100 women, 98 said they planned to breast feed.”
Despite its current popularity, many first-time mothers don’t know how to go about breast feeding or what to expect. “Because breast-fed babies will feed eight to 12 times a day – while a formula fed infant will feed 6 to 8 times a day – moms can become anxious the breastfed baby isn’t getting enough to eat,” says Ciofani. “They need to become comfortable with what a breast fed baby looks and acts like.”
Proper positioning is important. As feeding sessions can at times last up to an hour, it’s important that mother and baby are comfortable. The other challenge is “the latch,” how the baby takes the breast. “With just a little education and practice,” says Ciofani, “most mothers quickly learn the proper technique. And after a few weeks, it’s not only healthier, but far easier and more convenient.”
Listen to Luisa Ciofani on HealthBeat, with Tracey McKee, on CJAD Radio:
Part 1