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Breast Feeding

Breast Feeding

Going back to work-
You can resume normal activities between 8 weeks to 3 months postpartum. However there is no need to end breast-feeding. Reschedule your activities. Nurse your baby just you leave for work. With a breast pump you can feed the baby at the usual feeding time during the workday. If your child care provider is located close to your workplace. Then drop the pumping and meet her baby for lunch instead.

If your milk supply is well established, usually about 3 to 4 weeks after delivery, then add an extra bottle of milk. Your husband or other caretakers can feed them in the middle of the night while you rest. Introduce the baby to bottle-feeding a week or two before returing to work.

Breast milk storage
You can refrigerate milk in a clean container for 48 hours or freeze it for 3 months. Always date the container. Defreeze container under warm running water. Don't let it stay at room temperature or heat it on the stove or microwave oven.

Vitamin/mineral supplements
Breast milk is a complete food for the first months of a babies life. But after 4-6 months of iron supplements may be needed. This comes from the food babies eat. For example, iron-fortified infant cereal. Babies living in cold climates in the need a vitamin D supplement. Consult your pediatrician about before giving any supplements.

Complementary foods
Usually 4 to 6 months is the ideal time for starting solid foods. But it often differs frombaby to baby. These milestones may help you decide the right time

a) Baby sits with a little support.
b) Baby shows interest waht others eat.
c) Baby can move foods from the front to the back of the mouth.
d) Baby turns away, which usually means "enough or stop."

Weaning from the breast.
Around 9 to 12 months of age, breast milk won't be the primary source of nutrition. Nursing is restricted to three or four times a day.

Breast-feeding is not just about nutrition it has emotional benefits also. The warm and secure feeling soothes a frightened or tired baby.

Wean your baby from gradually and with lots of love. Otherwise the baby may feel neglected. It will be a little ackward for both you and your baby. Substitute one feeding with things like reading a story, doing puzzles or going for a walk. It may take a little time to let go completely. So be patient and strong.