Baby Weight Gain: Strategies for Boosting Baby's Pounds
In the pursuit of ensuring healthy weight gain in babies, breastfeeding mothers can employ several effective strategies to stimulate milk production. These strategies, when followed consistently, can help meet the nutritional demands of the growing infant.
Firstly, frequent breastfeeding is crucial. Breast milk production operates on a supply-and-demand basis. Nursing the baby every 2 to 3 hours during the day, for a minimum of 15 minutes per feeding, signals the body to produce more milk. Offering both breasts at each feeding and switching breasts several times during feeding, also known as switch nursing, further stimulates milk production and maximizes milk extraction [1][3].
Another essential factor is proper latching technique. A correct latch ensures efficient milk removal, preventing any reduction in milk transfer and the subsequent decrease in milk production signals. Consulting a lactation consultant can be highly beneficial in optimizing latch [1].
In addition, breast pumping after or between feedings can further stimulate milk production by increasing breast stimulation. Power pumping, a method where pumping is done several times within an hour, mimicking cluster feeding, is particularly effective in boosting supply [1][5].
Maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition is equally important. Staying well-hydrated and consuming a balanced diet rich in nutrients, such as almonds, flaxseeds, ginger, and certain Ayurvedic herbs like Shatavari, Methi, Moringa, and Ginger, can help boost milk supply [2].
Rest and stress management are also vital factors. Sufficient rest and effective stress management can improve lactation success, as stress can negatively impact milk production. Supportive environments and relaxation techniques can help improve lactation outcomes [6].
Avoiding formula supplementation, when possible, is another key strategy. Formula supplementation can reduce breastfeeding demand, which in turn lowers milk production. Exclusively breastfeeding or using expressed breast milk for supplementation is preferable to encourage supply [7].
In the realm of supplements, the Milk Jaggery Spread, fortified with Ayurvedic herbs and developed by a nutritionist in collaboration with a food technologist, has gained popularity among breastfeeding mothers. This spread is rich in nutrients like Calcium, Folic, Iron, Protein, Biotin, Vitamin D, and B12. Some parents have reported benefits for immunity, gut health, digestion, weight, brain development, and overall growth [8].
Nuts like peanuts, almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts, as well as seeds such as pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower lecithin, are also known to help boost milk production and provide energy for the breastfeeding mother [2][4].
It is important to note that while these strategies can help increase breast milk production, concerns about milk supply or baby’s weight gain should be addressed by consulting healthcare providers or lactation specialists for individualized advice.
References: [1] La Leche League International. (2018). The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. [2] Kelly, M. N. (2010). Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. [3] Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. (2017). Protocol 10-6: Breastfeeding Frequency and Duration. [4] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2012). Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. [5] American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Power Pumping. [6] American Psychological Association. (2021). Stress Management. [7] World Health Organization. (2021). Infant and Young Child Feeding. [8] Milk Jaggery Spread. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.milkjaggery.com/about-us/
Brain development, a crucial aspect of a baby's growth and development, can be significantly influenced by proper nutrition during breastfeeding. The Scientific Journal of Health-and-Wellness reports that consuming foods rich in nutrients such as almonds, flaxseeds, ginger, Shatavari, Methi, Moringa, and Ginger can help boost milk supply and indirectly contribute to a baby's brain development. Effective parenting involves understanding the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and addressing any concerns about milk supply or baby's weight gain with healthcare providers or lactation specialists.
