• Prioritize breastfeeding

The “golden hour” after giving birth: Don't miss it

The first hours and days after birth are extremely important for establishing a milk supply and supporting successful breastfeeding. This is the golden time to start breastfeeding , because colostrum in the first days contains many nutrients and antibodies necessary for the development of the newborn.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, nutrition program officer at Tan Thanh Ward Health Station, recommends: All newborns should be breastfed within the first hour, and not given any food or drink before the first feeding. Breastfeeding immediately after birth brings many benefits. Because the first source of colostrum that the baby drinks from the mother is like a vaccine that helps the baby prevent many diseases, especially infectious diseases. Although the quantity is small, colostrum has a high concentration, is rich in antibodies, and has many white blood cells that help prevent infections, allergies, and support immunity. It has a mild laxative effect, helping the baby eliminate meconium and bilirubin, reducing the risk of jaundice. Contains epidermal growth factor, supports the completion of intestinal function, prevents allergies and food intolerance. Rich in vitamins A, E, zinc, sodium, and potassium, helps improve resistance.

Comparing breast milk with other types of milk. Photo: Hospital for Tropical Diseases

Double benefits for mother and baby

The amount of vitamin A in colostrum in the first hour after birth is twice as much as later. Colostrum is low, so the baby will need to breastfeed many times, thereby helping the baby to latch on better. For mothers, breastfeeding early will help the uterus contract well, avoid postpartum bleeding, and strengthen the mother-child bond. In addition, breastfeeding many times will stimulate the milk production process and milk will come faster. In the long term, mothers reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

The role of support from health care professionals and family

Medical staff and family members should provide the best support for mothers to practice breastfeeding, specifically in all cases of birth where mother and child are not separated, medical staff should instruct mothers to breastfeed immediately after birth. Family members should encourage mothers to breastfeed (even if they do not see milk flowing) and not rush to give the baby formula or any other drink. For mothers who give birth normally, medical staff should place the baby skin-to-skin directly on the mother's abdomen immediately after birth so that the baby can find the mother's breast and take the first feeding. For mothers who have had a cesarean section or difficult birth, create all conditions for the baby to lie next to the mother. Medical staff or family members should encourage and instruct mothers to breastfeed as soon as possible after birth.

Medical staff guide mothers to practice good breastfeeding and check the baby's development monitoring chart.

Important notes for mothers

Doctor Ho Thanh Dam, Head of the Department of Health Education and Communication, said: Mothers should pay attention and breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first 6 months of life, without water, powdered milk or any other food other than breast milk. Breastfeed your baby on demand, day and night, so that your baby can develop well and maintain the source of breast milk. After 6 months, you need to supplement your baby with other foods, but continue to breastfeed your baby until 24 months or longer...

Babies who are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months will develop well physically and mentally.

In addition, mothers need to pay attention to factors that support the milk production process. The more the baby sucks, the more milk is produced. Breastfeeding both day and night, especially breastfeeding at night, breast milk is produced more. Mothers need to be cheerful, happy and always believe that they have enough milk, always be with the baby and caress the baby. In addition, mothers need to avoid factors that hinder the milk production process such as not worrying, being stressed, not thinking that they do not have enough milk for the baby to breastfeed. The family needs to create all conditions for the mother and baby to be together regularly. At the same time, mothers and families also need to learn and ask medical staff to guide the baby's breastfeeding positions, latching properly, avoiding the baby latching incorrectly, the baby sucking ineffectively...

Huyen Tran

Source: https://baocamau.vn/thuc-hanh-tot-viec-nuoi-con-bang-su-a-me--a121640.html