BREAST FEEDING

Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both

the mother and infant. Breast milk contains all
the nutrients of what an infant-needs in the
first six months of life. 

Breastfeeding protects against diarrhea and

common childhood illnesses such as pneumonia,
and may also have longer-term health benefits for
the mother and child, such as reducing the risk of
overweight and obesity in childhood and
adolescence. 
 GUIDELINES AND PRINCIPLES
WHO and UNICEF recommend that children initiate
breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively
breastfed for the first 6 months of life – meaning no other foods or
liquids are provided, including water. Infants should be breastfed
on demand – that is as often as the child wants, day and night.
RA 7600: Rooming-In and Breast-Feeding Act of
1992.  (Republic Act 7600) affirms that the state adopts rooming-
in as a national policy to encourage, protect and support the
practice of breastfeeding.
 EO 51 is the National Code of Marketing of
Breastmilk Substitutes, Breastmilk Supplements,
and Other Related Products. EO 51 is popularly
known as the Philippine Milk Code of 1986.
Milk Code of the EO 51 regulates the marketing of infant milk
formula, other milk products, foods and
Philippines beverages, as well as feeding bottles and teats.
(ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES) 
 Advantages
 Breastfed babies have: 

◦ Stronger immune systems

◦ Less diarrhea, constipation, gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux, and preterm necrotizing
enterocolitis (NEC) 
◦ Fewer colds and respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus
(RSV) and whooping cough 
◦ Fewer ear infections, especially those that damage hearing
◦ Fewer case of bacterial meningitis
◦ Better vision and less retinopathy of prematurity
◦ Lower rates of infant mortality 
◦ Lower rates of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
◦ Less illness overall and less hospitalization 
◦ Parents have up to six times less absenteeism from work.
Advantages
 Breastfed babies have: 

◦ Promotes faster weight loss after birth, burning about 500 extra calories a
day to build and maintain a milk supply. 
◦ Stimulates the uterus to contract and return to normal size. 
◦ Less postpartum bleeding 
◦ Fewer urinary tract infections 
◦ Less chance of anemia 
◦ Less risk of postpartum depression and more positive mood
◦ Breastfeeding produces the naturally soothing hormones oxytocin and prolactin that promote
stress reduction and positive feelings in the nursing mother. 
◦ Increased confidence and self-esteem 
◦ Increased calmness. Breastfed babies cry less overall, and have fewer incidences of childhood
illness. Breastfeeding can support the wellness of body, mind, and spirit for the whole family. 
◦ Breastfeeding makes travel easier. Breast milk is always clean and the right temperature. 
◦ Physical/emotional bonding between mother and child is increased. Breastfeeding promotes more
skin-to-skin contact, more holding and stroking. Many felt that affectionate bonding during the
first years of life help reduce social and behavioral problems in both children and adults. 
◦ Breastfeeding mothers learn to read their infant’s cues and babies learn to trust
caregivers. This helps shape the infant’s early behavior. 
◦ Breastfeeding reduces the risk of acute infections such as diarrhea, pneumonia,
ear infection, Hemophilus influenza, meningitis and urinary tract infection (1). It
also protects against chronic conditions in the future such as type I diabetes,
ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. 
◦ Breast milk helps keep your baby healthy.
◦ It supplies all the necessary nutrients in the proper proportions.
◦ It protects against allergies, sickness, and obesity.
◦ It protects against diseases, like diabetes and cancer.
◦ It protects against infections, like ear infections.
◦ Breastfeeding reduces the risk of acute infections such as diarrhea, pneumonia, ear
infection, Hemophilus influenza, meningitis and urinary tract infection (1). It also
protects against chronic conditions in the future such as type I diabetes, ulcerative
colitis, and Crohn's disease. 
◦ Breast milk helps keep your baby healthy.
◦ It supplies all the necessary nutrients in the proper proportions.
◦ It protects against allergies, sickness, and obesity.
◦ It protects against diseases, like diabetes and cancer.
◦ It protects against infections, like ear infections.
◦ it is easily digested – no constipation, diarrhea or upset stomach.
◦ Babies have healthier weights as they grow.
◦ Breastfed babies score higher on IQ tests.
◦ Breast milk changes constantly to meet babies' needs.
◦ The milk changes in volume and composition according to the time of day,
nursing frequency, and age of baby to promote healthy growth. Breast milk is
the perfect food for your baby.
◦ Breast milk is always ready and good for the environment.
◦ It is available wherever and whenever your baby needs it.
◦ It is always at the right temperature, clean and free.
◦ No bottles to clean.
◦ Breastfeeding has no waste, so it is good for the environment.
 Facts:
Mothers who breastfeed: 
◦ Have a reduced risk of Type 2 Diabetes and certain cancers such as breast cancer.
◦ May find it easier to return to what they weighed before they got pregnant.
◦ Strengthen the bond with their children.

Some helpful hints for mothers: 

◦ Breastfeed soon after birth and breastfeed frequently 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period.
◦ Hold your baby skin-to-skin.
◦ Keep your baby with you in the hospital.
◦ Do not give a pacifier or bottle until breastfeeding is well established.
◦ Give only breast milk.
 Mother may feel discomfort, particularly during
the first few days or weeks. 

There isn’t a way to measure how much the

baby is eating. 

Disadvantages: 
Newborns eat frequently. Keeping up with a
feeding schedule may be difficult if you need to
return to work or run errands.
(Though pumping can help!). 
 INFANT CONDITIONS: 
◦ Infants who should not receive breast milk or any other milk except specialized
formula 
◦ Infants with classic galactosemia: a special galactose-free formula is needed. 
◦ Infants with maple syrup urine disease: a special formula free of leucine,
isoleucine and valine is needed. 
◦ Infants with phenylketonuria: a special phenylalanine-free formula is needed
(some breastfeeding is possible, under careful monitoring). 
Contraindications: 
Conditions when mothers cannot breastfeed their babies: 

 1. Active and Untreated Tuberculosis 

2. HIV-Positive 
 3. HTLV Type 1 or 2 Infection 
 4. Use of Illegal Drugs 
 5. Chemotherapy 
 6. Receiving Radio Logic Tests 
 When Can Babies Not Breastfeed? 
If babies have: 
◦  Down syndrome, cleft palate or lip, or are simply born preterm may not be able to
breastfeed soon after birth. 

◦ The babies may be fed pumped breast milk, and gradually they may shift to
breastfeeding on their own. 

◦   Some of the conditions when babies cannot be breastfed if they have: 

 1. Galactosemia 
 2. PKU or Phenylketonuria 
 3. Maple Syrup Urine Disease 
 Steps and Signs of a
Good Latch
STEPS TO A GOOD LATCH:
1. Tickle your baby's lips with the nipple. This will help
baby open their mouth wide.
 2. Aim the nipple just above your baby's top lip. Make sure
the baby's chin isn't tucked into their chest.
 3. Aim the baby's lower lip away from the base of the
nipple. Baby's lips should be turned outward like a fish.
The baby should lead into the breast chin first and then
latch onto the breast. The baby's tongue should be
extended, and the breast should fill the baby's mouth.
PROPER HOLD TECHNIQUES 
Cradle position
◦ Rest the side of your baby's head in
the crook of your elbow with
their whole body facing you. Position
your baby's belly against your body so
they feel fully supported. Your other,
"free" arm can wrap around to support
your baby's head and neck or reach
through your baby's legs to support
the lower back. 
Football position
◦Line your baby's back along your
forearm to hold your baby like a
football, supporting the head and neck
in your palm. This works best with
newborns and small babies. It's also a
good position if you're recovering from
a cesarean birth and need to protect your
belly from the pressure or weight of
your baby.
Side-lying position
◦ This position is great for night feedings in bed.
Side-lying also works well if you're recovering
from an episiotomy, an incision to widen the
vaginal opening during delivery. Use pillows
under your head to get comfortable. Then
snuggle close to your baby and use your free
hand to lift your breast and nipple into your
baby's mouth. Once your baby is correctly
"latched on," support the head and neck with
your free hand so there's no twisting or straining
to keep nursing. 
Cross-cradle hold
◦ Sit straight in a comfortable chair that
has armrests. Hold your baby in the
crook of your arm that's opposite the
breast you will use to feed them.
Support their head with your hand.
Bring your baby across your body so
your tummies face each other. Use your
other hand to cup your breast in a U-
shaped hold. Bring your baby's mouth to
your breast and cradle them close, and
don't lean forward.
Laid-back position
◦ Lean back, but not flat, on a couch or
bed. Have good support for your
head and shoulders. Hold the baby so
your entire fronts touch. Let the baby
take any position they're comfortable
in as long as their cheek rests near
the breast. Help the baby latch on if
they need it. 
 How to perform breast massage: 
◦ Follow these steps: 
1. Focus on one breast at a time. Place four fingers of one hand on the top
of the breast and four fingers of the other hand on the bottom. Massage in
a circular pattern. This may feel best if your hands are warm. 
2. Move your attention to the sides of your breasts, continuing in a circular
pattern. You may even want to make fists with your hands and gently roll
Breast Massage  or knead your breast. 
3. Try using your fingertips to tap and massage all over your breasts as
well. 
4. If you do wish to hand express, position your index finger behind the
base of your nipple. Bring your fingers together while gently applying
pressure to the breast, pushing the milk toward the nipple, expressing
(removing) the breast milk. Adjust your position as needed. Squeeze
rhythmically, at the rate of a heartbeat. 
5. Hand expression before and after pumping may also help you empty
your breasts. 
Breast Feeding Problems: 
◦ Sore or cracked nipples 
◦ Not enough breast milk 
◦ Breast engorgement 
◦ Baby is not latching on properly 
◦ Too much breast milk 
◦ Breastfeeding and thrush 
◦ Blocked milk duct 
◦ Mastitis 
◦ Breast abscess
◦ Breastfeeding and tongue tie