National Breastfeeding Promotion Day | Nine Essential Facts about Breastfeeding（Ⅱ）

chinacdc.cn | Updated: 2024-05-20

VI. Responsive Breastfeeding: Fundamental Elements for Meeting Infant Needs and Enhancing Maternal Lactation

Recognizing hunger and satiety cues in infants and responding promptly with appropriate breastfeeding is essential.

The early feeding phase represents a period of mutual adaptation between mother and infant. There is no need to impose restrictions on the frequency and duration of breastfeeding per day, as regular feeding patterns will naturally emerge as part of the parent-infant bonding process.

Encouraging synchronized rest and nighttime breastfeeding boosts prolactin secretion, leading to increased milk production and allowing infants to consume more milk.

VII. Proper Breastfeeding Positioning and Latching: Key Techniques for Successful Breastfeeding

Adopting the correct breastfeeding position and ensuring proper latching can prevent issues like breast engorgement and nipple cracking.

During breastfeeding, it's important for both mother and infant to maintain a comfortable posture. The baby's body should be close to the mother's head and body, forming a straight line without twisting. The infant should take in most of the areola into their mouth, with their lower jaw pressed firmly against the breast.

VIII. Assessing Infant Milk Intake: Essential Skill for New Mothers

Monitoring changes in weight and frequency of urination serves as crucial objective indicators of adequate breastfeeding.

Within the first week after birth, physiological weight loss in newborns should not exceed 10% of their birth weight. Infants should urinate at least six times a day, and they should exhibit healthy weight gain. For exclusively breastfed newborns, a weight gain of at least 600 grams by their first month indicates sufficient milk intake.

Signs such as slow, deep sucking, audible swallowing, or expressions of satisfaction from the infant, along with the softening of the mother's breast from fullness, provide cues for mothers to understand when their baby is full.

IX. Adhering to the "Feed as Much as Possible" Principle When Mother and Baby are Separated

In any situation where mother and baby are separated, such as hospitalization or maternal employment, it's advisable to continue breastfeeding, with direct feeding encouraged whenever possible.

Mothers are advised to express or pump milk every three hours to maintain milk production. Expressed breast milk should be stored in a clean container at room temperature (25°C) for up to 4 hours, in a refrigerator (4°C) for no more than 2 days, and in a freezer (−20°C) for up to 3 months before being promptly fed to the baby.

Seek prompt assistance from healthcare professionals at medical facilities for any breastfeeding-related issues, ensuring that feeding is maximized whenever possible.

National Breastfeeding Promotion Day | Nine Essential Facts about Breastfeeding（Ⅱ）

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