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St. Maarten Medical Center
Ob/Gyn ward
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Human milk is a complex living, biological fluid. It contains just the right amounts of nutrients, in the right proportions for your baby. It is processed gently through the baby’s digestive system so that nutrients are easily absorbed. Breast milk's features include special factors and hormones that contribute to the optimal health, growth and development of infants.
Babies who are breastfed have a decreased chance of developing:
Adults who were breastfed as infants have a decreased risk of developing:
Colostrum: yellowish, translucent fluid secreted during the first few days of breastfeeding. It contains easy to digest proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antibodies.
Transition milk: marks the change from colostrum to regular breast milk in about three days from the onset of breastfeeding. It has high levels of fat, lactose, and vitamins to help the baby regain any weight lost after birth.
Mature milk: nature’s most perfect, nutritionally balanced food for your baby. 90% is water, which is necessary to maintain hydration of the infant and 10% is made up of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which are necessary for growth and energy. There are 2 types of mature milk: foremilk and hind milk.
Some parents find it helpful to keep a diary of when their infant eats, has a wet diaper, and has a bowel movement
Your infant should be seen by your midwife or your gynecologist 1 week after discharge. He/She can provide you with help and support during your breastfeeding experience.
Engorgement: painful, hard, and swollen breasts. Helpful tips:
Sore nipple. Helpful tips:
Plugged ducts: areas in the breast where the flow is blocked. Helpful tips:
Difficulty latching on. Helpful tips:
Breastfeeding, one of the most natural acts in the world, takes practice. Learning how to hold and support your baby in a comfortable position calls for coordination — and patience.
Yet finding a nursing hold that works for you and your infant is well worth the effort. After all, the two of you will spend hours breastfeeding every day.
Here are some time-tested positions to try, plus tips to make nursing go smoothly.