Breastfeeding the baby 255
Breastfeeding the baby
If possible, breastfeed your baby. Colostrum, the first
yellow-colored milk that comes out of the breasts for the
first 2 or 3 days after birth, is the best possible food for
the baby. It is good for the baby’s stomach, has all the
nutrition a new baby needs, and protects against disease.
Babies who breastfeed as often as they want do not need
herbs or teas or sugar water. If possible, give your baby
nothing but breast milk for the first 6 months. If it is too
difficult to breastfeed your baby, remove the milk from
your breasts by hand (see pages 257 to 258) so it can be
fed to the baby by another method.
Breast is best!
Feeding a baby breast milk is important because:
• breast milk is the perfect food to help a baby grow healthy and strong.
• breastfeeding helps the mother’s womb stop bleeding after birth.
• breast milk passes on to the baby the mother’s defenses against illnesses such as
diabetes and cancer, and infections like diarrhea and pneumonia.
• breastfeeding helps the mother and baby feel close and secure.
• breastfeeding can prevent some women from becoming pregnant again during
the first 6 months (see page 199).
• breast milk is free.
Most women with disabilities can breastfeed their babies. Some disabled women
need help holding the baby in a good position. Others may not produce enough
milk. Some disabilities make women feel too weak and tired. You must decide for
yourself whether or not you can breastfeed your baby.
How to breastfeed
Most babies are born knowing how to suck. But they may need help getting enough
of the nipple in the mouth. The baby should have a big mouthful of the breast with
the nipple deep inside.
This baby
has a good
mouthful
of breast.
This baby
does not have
enough breast
in its mouth.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007