Breastfeeding Support and Complementary Feeding Best Practices

Breastfeeding: Nursing Activities to Promote It

Prenatal Consultation: Education and Misconceptions

LM. Nursing activities to promote it. In the prenatal consultation: Report on its advantages. Clarify misconceptions (e.g., breast deformity or alteration of sexual relations).

Maternity Ward: Initiation of Breastfeeding

In the Maternity Ward: Start early breastfeeding (within 30 minutes of delivery; the newborn has maximum suction capacity). Teach proper positioning and breastfeeding technique.

Teaching Breastfeeding Technique

• Adopt a comfortable position.
• Prepare the nipple: gentle massage if needed.
• The face of the infant should be directly in front of the chest, turned, able to swallow.
• Induce rooting to encourage a good latch.
• Alternate breasts during feeding.
• To release the suction: insert a finger gently between the areola and the baby's lips; never pull the baby away from the breast.

Maternity Ward: Nipple Care and Management

• Nipple care recommendations and observation for any trauma.
• Sucking time and establishment of a feeding schedule as needed.
• Manual expression technique (in cases of hypergalactia — excess milk production).
• Use of supplemental bottle feeding when clinically indicated.

Instructions to Mother

• Rest adequately between feedings.
• Maintain a balanced diet and adequate fluid intake.
• We recommend drinking a glass of water, milk, or other liquids at each feeding.
• Ensure intake of calcium and vitamins as advised by a healthcare professional.
• Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and limit caffeine.
• Observe stool characteristics in breastfed infants.
• Infant weight control: aim for a weekly weight increase of more than 150 g.

Complementary Feeding (Beikost)

Complementary feeding. Beikost. The German term beikost is used to describe foods other than milk that a child eats in the first year of life — in other words, complementary feeding. Before 1920, feeding during the first year of life was based on milk alone. The first supplements included cod liver oil and orange juice. The optimal ages for introducing these foods have changed since then.

Rationale for Complementary Foods

Rationale: From the 6th month onward, breast milk alone is generally insufficient to meet the nutrient and energy needs of a growing infant.

Child Development Considerations

• Loss of the extrusion reflex.
• Decreased esophageal reflux.
• Improved neuromuscular control of the neck and head.
• Presence of the first teeth.
• Ability to sit with support.

Advantages

1. Improvement of swallowing and chewing skills.
2. Introduction to the use of a spoon.
3. Exposure to new flavors.
4. Often more economical.
5. Greater independence for working mothers.

Disadvantages

1. Potential interference with exclusive breastfeeding.
2. Risk of excessive intake or imbalance; excess sodium can be a concern.
3. Potential for food allergies.
4. Risk of promoting overweight or obesity if introduced or maintained inappropriately.

Introduction of Foods

Introduction Food:

• Cereals, fruits: around 4 months (as per local recommendations and clinical readiness).
• Vegetables: around 5 months.
• Dairy (as appropriate, e.g., yogurt or cheese, not cow's milk as main drink): around 6 months.
• Meat: around 7 months.
• Fish: around 9 months.
• Eggs and legumes: around 12 months (introduce according to allergy risk and local guidance).

Note: Timings above may vary according to regional recommendations, infant readiness cues, and pediatric advice. Monitor tolerance, growth, and developmental milestones closely when introducing complementary foods.