breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is crucial as it provides nutrients that no... Read More

Breastfeeding is crucial as it provides nutrients that no alternative source can. According to Breastfeeding in a Healthy Ireland 2016 – 2021 Action Report (BHI), the national breastfeeding initiation rate stands at 56.9%, compared to 79% in the USA.    

 A mother should start breastfeeding as soon as the first hour of a child’s birth. The BHI recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a baby’s life. After 6 months, supplement breastfeeding with complementary foods until the child is at least two years old.

Sometimes, a nursing mother might have excess milk that won’t stop dripping. To avoid the resultant mess, she should try out breast milk storage solutions like breast pumps and breast milk storage bags. Did you know that it is acceptable to store breast milk in the freezer for up to a year?

 If you intend to store the milk for a shorter period, expressed (pumped) milk will only stay fresh for 4 hours at room temperature, and for 4 days when refrigerated at 4°C.

In rare cases, a baby might have difficulty latching on to the breast because of prematurity or tongue tie. Or maybe she’s producing too much milk, breastfeeding is too painful, or she has cracked nipples that are aren’t healing quickly enough.

Such situations necessitate the use of nipple shields, a brilliant temporary solution to such breastfeeding issues. They are made of soft silicone in the shape of a nipple and help the baby latch onto the breast.