support breastfeeding

1. Breastfeeding
1. 1. Benefits of Breastfeeding
2. 2. Breastfeeding When it comes to good positions to use while breastfeeding, your comfort
as well as the ease with which your baby will be able to feed is the first and foremost
concern. Finding a position that you are most comfortable and happy with will make it easier
for your baby to latch on to your breasts and feed with ease.Here are some of the best
breast-feeding positionsthat you might use when you are breastfeeding.
3. 3. Introduction• Breastfeeding is the optimal source of nutrition. The Human Milk is specie
specific and it provides all the essential nutrients necessary for the growth and development
of the newborn infant.• The AAP, AAFP and WHO recommend exclusive breastfeeding for
the first six months of life , and continuous breastfeeding for at least 12 months of life.• The
Target of USDHHS “Healthy People 2010” initiative is to achieve breastfeeding at birth of
75%, 50% at 6 month and 25% at 12 months of life.• 2008 data published by the CDC shows
that 77% of initiate breastfeeding at birth. Only about 30% of women continue with
breastfeeding of the infant to 6months of age.
4. 4. “Breast fed infants, are Healthy Infants.”
5. 5. Anatomy and Physiology of Lactation Structure of the Human Breast
6. 6. Structure of the Human Breast• The Human breast are modified sweat glands responsible
for lactation (milk production).• The breast contains adipose tissue and fibrous connective
tissue.• Different hormones are responsible for the development of the breast and changes
that occur during pregnancy.• The major hormones affecting breast development and
enlargement are estrogen, progesterone and prolactin.• Each breast contains about 20
lobes, each lobes contains several lobules which at the end have alveolar in which milk is
produced.• Milk production and secretion are responsive to two major hormones – prolactin
and oxytocin; and the sucking reflex.• After production of milk in the alveolus, the milk moves
through the ducts and are stored in the lactiferous sinus. When the
7. 7. Suckling Hormonal Reflex Arc
8. 8. Suckling Hormonal Reflex Arc (Cont’d)• The sucking reflex arc is a hormonal positive
feedback mechanism.• The sucking of the breast by the infant stimulates the nipple; this
sends messages to the spinal cord and subsequently to the brain.• Prolactin is released from
the anterior pituitary for milk production and oxytocin from the posterior pituitary for the milk
let down.• Prolactin receptors are established within the first eight days of delivery.• Suckling
at breast increases prolactin levels, so at each feeding, levels rise, hence more milk
production.
9. 9. Types and Composition of Human Breast Milk• Types of Breast Milk: 1. Colostrum or Early
Milk 2. Transitional Milk 3. Mature Milk• Colostrum or Early Milk is produced in the late stage
of pregnancy till 4 days after delivery; and is rich in antibodies.• Transitional Milk produced
from day 4 –10 is lower in protein in comparison to Colostrum.• Mature milk is produced from
approximately ten days after delivery up until the termination of the breastfeeding.
10. 10. Types and Composition of Human Breast Milk (Cont’d)• Fat -The main lipids found in
human milk are the triglycerides phospholipids and essential fatty acids.• Protein –Whey ;
lactoferrin, lysozymes, immunoglobulin , A- lactalbumin, Casein; lower concentration in
human milk.• Carbohydrate –Include lactose and oligosaccharides.• Leukocytes -Include
neutrophils, marcrophages , lymphocytes.• Non protein nitrogen –urea, uric acid.• Other
constituents: steroid hormones, peptides, insulins, growth factors, minerals, vitamins, lipase.
11. 11. Storage of Breast Milk• Human milk can be stored at room temperature for 6-8 hours.•
Expressed milk can be stored in an insulated cooler bag with icepacks for 24hours.• Breast
milk can be stored in the refrigerator for about 5 days at about 40°F.• It can also be kept in a
freezer compartment of a fridge for up to two weeks at 0 -5°F• It can be stored in a deep
freezer for about 3-12 months .• Breast milk should be stored in BPA (Bisphenol A) free
containers.

2. 12. 12. Achieving Optimal Breastfeeding• Activities, attitudes and procedures during the delivery
and post partum period have an impact on breastfeeding .• There is well documented
evidence that skin to skin contact between infant and mother helps to maintain the body
temperatures, reduce risk of hypoglycemia, enhance oxytocin release and beneficial nutrition
with intake of colostrum .• Skin to skin contact should occur for about 1-2 hours after
delivery. Procedures after delivery like weighing, administration of vitamin K, eye prophylaxis
and other procedures should be delayed.
13. 13. Achieving Optimal Breastfeeding (Cont’d)• Breastfeeding should be started and fully
established before discharge from the hospital• Physicians and health care professionals
should observe at least one feeding and ensure this is done properly and breast milk is
produced.• Lactation specialist should also work with parents that are having difficulty with
breast feeding.• Early follow up after leaving the hospital is required.
14. 14. Signs of Effective Breastfeeding• Frequent feedings 8-12 times daily.• Intermittent
episodes of rhythmic sucking with audible swallows should be heard while the infant is
nursing.• Infant should have about 6-8 wet diapers in a 24 hour period once breast feeding is
established.• Infant should have minimum of 3-4 bowel movements every 24 hours.• Stools
should be about one tablespoon or larger and should be soft and yellow after day 3.•
Average daily weight gain of 15 -30g.• Infant has regained birth weight by day 10 of life.
15. 15. Good Breastfeeding Techniques• The baby should be properly positioned to achieve
effective latching.• The mother should wear comfortable apparel, with the breast well
exposed for the infant to be able to latch.• The infant’s mouth, chin and umbilicus should be
lined up with the head in a neutral position.• The infant is brought to the breast, with the nose
touching or close to the breast.• The gum line should overlap the areola, and the nipple
straight back into the mouth.• The tongue moves forward beyond the lower gum, cupped and
forming a reservoir.• Milk is removed for the lactiferous sinuses, the jaw moves down
creating a negative pressure gradient that helped transfer milk to the pharynx.
16. 16. Good Breastfeeding Techniques
17. 17. Breastfeeding Positions Cradle Hold• This is the most common position used by
mothers.• Infant’s head is supported in the elbow, the back and buttock is supported by the
arm and lifted to the breast.
18. 18. Breastfeeding Positions Football Hold Position• The infant’s is placed under the arm,
likeholding a football.• Baby’s body is supported with the forearmand the head is supported
with the hand.• Many mothers are not comfortable with thisposition.• Good position after
operative procedures.
19. 19. Breastfeeding Positions Side Lying Position• The mother lies on her side propping up her
head and shoulder with pillows.• The infant is also lying down facing the mother.• Good
position after Caesarean section.• Allows the new mother some rest.• Most mothers are
scared of crushing the baby.
20. 20. Breastfeeding PositionsCross Cradle Hold Position• Ideal for early breastfeeding.•
Mother holds the baby crosswise in the crook of the arm opposite the breast the infant is to
be fed.• The babys trunk and head are supported with the forearm and palm.• The other
hand is placed beneath the breast in a U-shaped to guide the babys mouth to your breast.
21. 21. Breastfeeding PositionsAustralian Hold Position• This is also called the saddle hold.•
Usually used for older infants.• Not commonly used by mothers.• Best used in older infants
with runnynose, ear infection.
22. 22. Benefits of Breastfeeding to Infants• Helps in Gastrointestinal development and function.•
Helps in development of the immune system.• Helps in cognitive development of the infant.•
Infants who are breastfed have reduced risk of infection compared to formula fed infants.•
Breastfed infants have reduced risk of obesity later in life compared to formula fed infants.•
Reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome, Hodgkins lymphoma, Leukemia and Type 1
Diabetes.• Lower risk of infections e.g. otitis media, Lower respiratory tract infection,
Diarrheal diseases, Allergies , eczema, Meningitis and inflammatory bowel diseases.

3. 23. 23. Benefits of Breastfeeding to Mothers• Enhance early maternal –infant bond.• Aids
involution of the uterus.• Long term breastfeeding helps in loss of the excess weight acquired
during pregnancy.• Prolonged Breastfeeding prolongs anovulation.• Documented long term
effect of breastfeeding include reduced risk of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers.
24. 24. Supplements that increase lactationHerbal dietary supplement - Fennel fruit - Aniseed
fruit - Coriander fruit - Fenugreek seed - Blessed thistle herb - Not FDA approved.
25. 25. Socio-economic Benefits of Breastfeeding• Income savings –average of $1000 -$1200
per infant per year.• Reduced risk of infections and diseases hence reduced hospital visits
and attendant medical cost.• Mothers are more economically productive since they will
spend less time caring for a sick child.
26. 26. Barriers To Effective Breastfeeding• Lack of confidence in mother.• Belief that breast milk
is not sufficient.• Lack of adequate support system.• History of previous breast surgery.•
Breast engorgement, cracked and sore nipples.• Retractile nipples.• Embarrassment by
mother• Jealousy by Partner and siblings• Chronic illness in mother; psychosis, Cancer.
27. 27. Contraindication to Breastfeeding• HIV , HLTV 1 & 11 infections.• Active Tuberculosis.•
Herpes lesions on mother’s breast.• Infant with Inborn error of metabolism; galactosemia,
phenylketonuria.• Mothers on certain medications ; anticancer therapy, radioactive isotope
etc.
28. 28. Reason for Supplementation• Birth weight < 1500 g or GA < 32 weeks.• Severe
hypoglycemia.• Acute water loss.• Hyperbilirubinemia related to poor intake.• Delayed bowel
movement or dark stools at day 5.• Delayed milk production.• Weight loss >8% of birth
weight.
29. 29. Role of the Family Physician• Provide education about breastfeeding at first prenatal
visit.• Physical exam should include breast exam.• Ensure rooming-in after delivery.• Ensure
breastfeeding is started and established before discharge after delivery.• Observe at least a
session of breastfeeding to ensure it is done correctly.• Office should be breastfeeding
friendly.• Staff should be well trained and willing to answer questions mothers might have.•
Prenatal package should have literatures and patient hand out that outlines benefit of
breastfeeding.• Prenatal records should have a checklist that ensure all question are
addressed.
30. 30. Conclusion• Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for a healthy term infant.• AAP,
AAFP and WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six month of life and for at
least twelve month of life.• Human milk is human specific and contains nutrients that are
essential for the proper growth and development of the newborn.• Breast milk is beneficial to
both infant and mother.• Proper positioning on the breast helps ensure adequate latching on
and subsequently adequate breastfeeding.• Breast milk can be stored away, and utilized
later when needed.• There are absolute contraindications to breastfeeding, these include
HIV, 1 and 11 , HTLV 1 and 11, active TB and active herpes simplex lesions on the breast.•
The family physician has a significant role in promoting breastfeeding.