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Breastfeeding In The Early Days | Dr Mayura Soregaonkar

Breastfeeding is a vital aspect of nurturing a newborn, especially in the early days following birth. Dr Mayura Soregaonkar, a lactation consultant at Sahyadri Hospitals, Nagar Road, Pune, provides invaluable insights into the importance of breastfeeding and the practices that can support both mother and baby during this crucial time.

After the baby is born, the first and most important step is to initiate skin-to-skin contact, also known as Kangaroo Mother Care. Just like a kangaroo keeps its baby safe in its pouch, placing the newborn against the mother’s bare chest fosters a secure and comforting environment. This close contact is beneficial for both the mother and the baby. It minimizes maternal vaginal bleeding and supports uterine healing, while also enhancing the baby’s sense of security and well-being.

The advantages of skin-to-skin contact are numerous:

1. Temperature Regulation: Maintaining the baby’s body temperature becomes easier when held against the mother’s skin.
2. Stable Blood Sugar Levels: Close contact helps regulate the baby’s blood sugar levels.
3. Oxygen Levels Improvement: The baby experiences improved oxygenation during this time.
4. Bonding: This contact fosters a strong emotional bond, making breastfeeding more effective.

Moreover, when the baby is kept in this position, the mother’s body releases oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” which aids in milk production and expression, facilitating breastfeeding.

Dr. Sorgar emphasizes the significance of early initiation of breastfeeding, ideally within the first hour after birth, known as the “golden hour.” During this time, the baby is highly alert and instinctively knows how to latch onto the mother’s breast, making the process natural and efficient.

There are prevalent cultural practices that may hinder effective breastfeeding. In many regions, traditional beliefs dictate feeding the baby honey, sugar water, or other substances before breastfeeding. Dr. Sorgar strongly advises against this, stating that a newborn’s digestive system is not equipped to handle anything other than breast milk. Honey, for example, can pose a risk of infant botulism and should not be given to babies under one year.

For the first few weeks, it is essential to breastfeed the baby every two hours, or on demand. Recognizing early hunger cues is crucial; waiting until the baby cries may mean the moment for effective breastfeeding has passed. Early signs of hunger include:

• Rooting reflex
• Tongue movements
• Hand-to-mouth motions

If these cues are missed and the baby becomes distressed, it can be challenging for them to latch on effectively.

Once breastfeeding is initiated, each session should last at least 15 to 20 minutes. If the baby falls asleep during feeding, gently stimulating them can help encourage continued nursing. Techniques to wake the baby include gentle rubbing of the ears, back of the head, and feet.

Burping is also an essential part of the feeding process. After each feeding, hold the baby upright on your shoulder and gently pat their back for about 15 to 20 minutes to help release any trapped air.

Dr Mayura Soregaonkar’s insights on breastfeeding emphasise the critical role of early skin-to-skin contact, proper initiation, and recognizing hunger cues to promote successful breastfeeding. By following these guidelines, mothers can ensure their babies receive the nourishment they need while fostering a strong emotional bond.

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