Feeding-Is Breast Best for You?
There is a lot of talk at the moment about “the breast is best”. Yes certainly breast milk is more nutritious for your baby, especially initially when you are building up his biome microbes, his resistance to infection, and giving him a good healthy start in life. Your initial breast milk after giving birth contains colostrum.
However it is your choice; if, and for how long you wish to continue, or maybe are able to continue breast-feeding. There are many articles about breast-feeding if you are questioning it. There is also a great deal of conversation about feeding in public places at the moment. You must decide what is right for you, and not feel guilty about the choices you have made, it is a completely natural behaviour, but your choice. Although I made an effort to breast feed initially, I seemed unable to produce sufficient supplies for my hungry babies.
You may feel odd pains when your babies are suckling; it is a strange feeling but natural. If you get sore nipples speak to your heath visitor for advice, or see you doctor if you develop red, hot, painful areas within your breast it could be mastitis, antibiotics soon correct this and you can continue feeding your baby or your breasts will become engorged with milk; do have plenty of rest. With a bit of practice you will settle into breast-feeding, a little tip, you may find a pillow on your knee helps to support your baby and make you both more comfortable, especially in the early days.
Fashions change as and when to give your baby solids and when they should sleep through the night etc. I went with my gut instincts, ideas and recommendations were different in the 1960s! You will probably be surprised but the youngest was fed on evaporated milk diluted with boiled water, there actually used to be a feeding chart on the major suppliers tins. This was very convenient with so many little ones to care for as I had two other little ones and I was a foster mum. People would frown these days but she wasn’t overweight and grew up to be the strongest of them all, helping lift a cast iron bath at 6 yrs old and years later a gymnast.
How recommendations change over the years! You health visitor will advise you on the current trend, but if your baby cries a lot and isn’t overweight, he may need a little solid food like easily digested baby egg custard or baby cereal as he gets bigger. Soon he will be ready for baby meals together with his milk. There are many pots and packets to choose from. Once again join a baby group other mums will give you confidence and you will enjoy sharing tips and ideas. Also you will get some much-needed adult conversation and support, and perhaps make some new friends. Enjoy you early years with your baby they soon grow-up as every mum will tell you!
1960s fashion
