As the best source of nourishment for your newborn, breastfeeding is very important to protect your baby's health, especially during the first 6 months of their livelihood. During this pandemic, however, a number of questions have been raised to the safety of breastfeeding for mothers and their babies. A number of experts, including WHO, states that breastfeeding is safe to do during the pandemic and is even recommended in order to build antibodies and protect the baby from unwanted illnesses. Therefore, on this week's journal, we will be suggesting a number of tips you can do to breastfeed safely during this time, as well as ways to sustain your breastmilk production. Read on!
1. Practice necessary hygiene
During the time of a pandemic, one should practice precautionary measures to safeguard themselves from unwanted illnesses. While close contact is kept to a minimum due to COVID-19, WHO states that breastfeeding is deemed safe and a necessity for mothers and their young children. You might want to keep yourself always clean and hygienic before breastfeeding, as well as keeping the surroundings sanitized. There are no conclusive studies yet about the virus transmission through breastmilk. However, wearing a mask when breastfeeding can be done to reduce transmission of droplets from mother to baby.
2.Drink enough water
Breastmilk production will generally increase as you go, from having a mere 50 ml on the first day, to 750 ml a day when it is a well established routine. Breastmilk also consists of 88% water, which is why it is very important to keep yourself hydrated during this period. Not only is water important to maintain proper hydration throughout your system, breastfeeding mothers also need to ensure that they fulfill their daily water intake, at least 1.5 to 2 liters a day. While it doesn't mean that your milk supply will be disrupted when you drink less, this may lead to dehydration which can hinder you from feeling well.
3. Consume nutritious foods
The nutrient needs of a woman reach the all time high during breastfeeding. Eating the right diet ensures that a woman can breastfeed her baby successfully. Optimal nourishment helps to support milk production and maintains the ideal nutrient quality of breastmilk.
Generally, there are changes to your body during and after pregnancy. However, one thing that should stay the same is the habit of consuming a healthy diet. Your baby relies on you to obtain their vital nutrients during these developmental stage, and therefore you need to ensure that you're consuming the right foods. For example, you may want to steer clear from alcohol as you breastfeed, as well as reducing caffeine consumption to a minimum in order not to pass through to your breastmilk.
Most mothers may experience increased hunger during breastfeeding. Ensuring healthy food intake, like fruits, vegetables, lean meat, fish, whole grains, nuts, and certain dairy products may help sustain hunger while giving your body the nutrients it needs. Make sure to include enough fiber, protein, carbohydrates and fat in your diet, as they are the main building blocks for your body during breastfeeding.
4. Fulfill your vitamin and mineral intake
These crucial components are key when it comes to breastfeeding. The need for vitamin A, C, and B complex is needed in order to give your baby the nutrition they need. Minerals like iodine, zinc, and calcium are also important to be consumed. Zinc can be obtained through meat, poultry, eggs, and nuts. Calcium can be obtained through dairy products and vegetables, while iodine-rich foods consists of seafood, fish, and seaweed. Not only are these components important for the growth and development of your baby, they are also beneficial for maintaining your overall health and ensuring your system to function well.
5. Take natural supplements
Lastly, supplements, especially natural ones, can be beneficial in aiding your breastmilk supply. Some mothers who are struggling with production of breastmilk often opt for daun katuk and daun kelor (moringa) as supplements. Herbana's Relief Sari Daun Katuk and Relief Sari Daun Kelor provides mothers with newborns a practical solution in boosting their breastmilk supply. Made from 100% natural herb extract, these supplements are the perfect fit to be consumed regularly, with minimal to no side effects.
