Caring for Your Baby in the First Month - Nutrition for Infants

Welcoming a newborn into the world is a joyous and transformative experience for parents. In the first month of your baby's life, it is crucial to provide them with the utmost care and attention. 

This article serves as a comprehensive guide, focusing on nutrition for babies during their initial month. Understanding the importance of early feeding, determining adequate feeding frequency, adopting proper breastfeeding techniques, and ensuring milk cleanliness and protection will contribute to your baby's healthy development.

Early Feeding: The Benefits of Colostrum

Breastfeeding can commence just a few hours after giving birth and is highly recommended for both the mother and baby. It is during this time that the mother's breasts may become engorged, and colostrum, the initial milk, begins to be produced. 

Colostrum, characterized by its yellowish color, is packed with essential nutrients and antibodies crucial for building the baby's immune system. Encouraging early feeding ensures that the baby receives the invaluable benefits of colostrum, stimulating the mother's milk glands for future milk production.

Adequate Feeding Frequency: Signs of Normal Development

To determine if your baby is developing normally, several indicators can guide you. On average, a healthy newborn feeds approximately 7-8 times within a 24-hour period during the first 8 to 10 weeks, including night feedings. The frequency may vary, with some babies consuming larger quantities in the initial days. 

Up to 2 months of age, most babies feed every 3 hours, although some may feed every 2 hours, which is completely natural. Consistent and regular feeding within the first few days helps establish an increased milk supply. However, be cautious about providing extra bottles after each feeding, as it may hinder breastfeeding and reduce milk production.

Additional signs to ensure your baby is receiving enough breast milk include:

Firm breasts before breastfeeding, followed by softer breasts after feeding.

Five to eight wet diapers per day.

A healthy and alert appearance.

Minimal yellowing of the skin after five days of birth.

Reluctance to consume more bottle milk than breast milk.

Proper Breastfeeding Technique: Positioning and Latching

Initiating breastfeeding within 30 minutes to one hour after birth is recommended. Pay careful attention to the proper positioning of your baby during feeding. Follow these guidelines:

Support the baby's head and body in a straight line on your arm, ensuring their belly is close to yours.

Orient the baby's face toward the breast, with their lips aligned opposite the nipple.

For comfortable breastfeeding, choose a low chair without armrests, positioned around 40 cm from the ground. Elevating your legs helps support the baby's body, ensuring a convenient latch and preventing fatigue for the mother's back.

Signs of a correct latch and position include a wide-open mouth, the baby's chin touching the breast, the lower lip turned outward, and the baby effectively sucking on the entire areola, with more areola visible above the baby's mouth than below. The baby's cheeks should appear puffy, and you may hear a rhythmic "swallowing" sound.

Milk Cleanliness and Protection:

Maintaining hygiene and protecting breast milk are essential for the baby's well-being. Consider the following practices:

Keep your breasts dry and change your shirt promptly if it becomes wet with milk.

Wash your breasts with clean water.

In cases of cracked nipples, avoid wearing cotton bras and follow the prescribed medication from your doctor.

To ensure an ample milk supply, focus on adequate nutrition, rest, mental well-being, and weight gain during pregnancy.

During breastfeeding, it is crucial for the mother to consume a balanced diet, stay well-hydrated, and prioritize sufficient rest. The serving size should be higher than usual, including additional bowls of rice, protein-rich foods like meat, fish, or eggs, and plenty of vegetables. Ripe fruits are also beneficial. 

Traditional dishes such as glutinous rice noodle soup can stimulate milk secretion. It is advisable to limit the consumption of spices like chili, onion, and garlic, as they can alter the taste and smell of the milk, potentially leading to the baby's reluctance to feed.

When breastfeeding, it is important to be cautious with medications, as some substances can pass through the milk and cause harm to the baby while also reducing lactation. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional regarding the safety of medications during breastfeeding.

Furthermore, a nursing mother should drink an ample amount of water, including porridge, fruit juice, and milk, approximately one and a half to two liters per day. A comfortable and confident state of mind is crucial for optimal milk production. Avoiding stress, sadness, anxiety, and insomnia, along with maintaining a balanced routine of work and rest postpartum, greatly influences lactation.

Burping Techniques: Preventing Discomfort and Regurgitation

After your baby has finished nursing or switches breasts, it is beneficial to help them burp to prevent discomfort and spitting up. Here are a few suggestions:

Hold the baby against your shoulder with one hand supporting their bottom. Maintain an upright position with their legs straight, enabling you to pat or rub their back gently.

Allow the baby to sit on your lap while holding them with your arms. Slightly lean the baby forward, pressing their belly against your arm. This position aids in gently squeezing out air, and you can pat or rub their back simultaneously.

Place your baby on their stomach across your lap, ensuring a firm hold with one hand while using the other hand to pat or rub their back.

At the end of a feeding session, when you swaddle your baby tightly, you may hear a sleepy burp, indicating their contentment.

Conclusion:

The first month of your baby's life is a crucial period for establishing a healthy feeding routine. Prioritizing early breastfeeding, understanding feeding frequency, adopting proper breastfeeding techniques, and maintaining milk cleanliness and protection are fundamental aspects of caring for your newborn. By following these guidelines, you can provide your baby with the nutrition they need for optimal growth and development. Remember, each baby is unique, so it's important to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support throughout this transformative journey of parenthood.