Breast milk production begins during pregnancy when hormones like prolactin and oxytocin prepare the mammary glands. After birth, the baby’s sucking stimulates nerve signals, triggering prolactin to produce milk and oxytocin to release it through the milk ducts (let-down reflex). The milk supply is regulated by demand; frequent nursing ensures continued production. Initially, colostrum is produced, rich in nutrients and antibodies, transitioning to mature milk over a few days. The process is a natural cycle designed to meet the baby’s nutritional needs effectively.

Breast milk is a complete source of nutrition, tailored to meet a baby’s developmental needs. It contains macronutrients like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in perfect balance for growth and brain development. Micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals support immunity, bone strength, and overall health. Breast milk also provides antibodies, enzymes, and probiotics that protect against infections and promote gut health. Its composition adapts over time to suit the changing needs of the baby, making it an unparalleled source of nourishment.

Breastfeeding provides the ideal nutrition for babies, supporting growth and strengthening their immune system while reducing the risk of infections and chronic diseases. For mothers, it aids postpartum recovery, reduces the risk of certain cancers, and fosters a strong emotional bond with their baby through oxytocin release. It is convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable, eliminating the need for formula or feeding equipment. Overall, breastfeeding is a natural and essential practice that benefits both mother and child, promoting lifelong health and well-being.

Mega Seminar Tangisan & Tidur Anak 0-6 Tahun at Olympic Hotel, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, 21st December 2024.

Breastfeeding myths often create unnecessary confusion and stress for mothers. These myths overlook the natural adaptability of a mother’s body to meet her baby’s needs and the unique nutrients in breast milk. Many myths also discourage breastfeeding by exaggerating dietary restrictions or undermining a mother’s confidence in her ability to feed her baby. Educating mothers with accurate information is key to debunking these myths and promoting successful breastfeeding.

Milk management in breastfeeding involves proper handling, storage, and use of expressed breast milk to ensure its safety and nutritional value. Breast milk should be stored in clean, sterilized containers and labeled with the date of expression. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer periods, depending on storage guidelines. Thawed milk should never be refrozen and must be used within 24 hours. Effective milk management supports the baby’s health and helps mothers maintain an adequate milk supply.

Milking, or expressing breast milk, is crucial for maintaining milk supply, especially when direct breastfeeding is not possible. It helps relieve engorgement, prevent clogged ducts, and reduce the risk of mastitis. Expressed milk provides essential nutrition for the baby when the mother is away or unwell. Milking also supports lactation for mothers of premature or hospitalized babies. Consistent expression ensures that milk production aligns with the baby’s needs, supporting a successful breastfeeding journey.

Breastfeeding FAQs address common concerns and provide guidance for mothers. Topics often include how to establish milk supply, ensure proper latch, and recognize if the baby is getting enough milk. Other frequent questions involve managing discomfort, dealing with challenges like engorgement or mastitis, and balancing breastfeeding with work. Clear, evidence-based answers can help build confidence and promote successful breastfeeding experiences.

The first month of breastfeeding is crucial for establishing a strong milk supply and helping the baby adapt to feeding. Newborns often feed frequently, about 8–12 times daily, as they learn to latch and nurse effectively. Mothers should focus on direct breastfeeding to strengthen the bond and ensure proper milk transfer. Challenges like sore nipples or fatigue are common but can be managed with proper support and positioning. Seeking guidance from lactation experts early can help address any difficulties and build confidence in breastfeeding.

A perfect latch ensures breastfeeding is effective and comfortable for both mother and baby. The baby’s mouth should cover most of the areola, not just the nipple, with lips flanged outward. The chin should press against the breast, and the nose should remain free. Feeding feels painless for the mother, and the baby exhibits a rhythmic suck-swallow-breathe pattern. A good latch promotes efficient milk transfer and helps prevent nipple pain or damage.

Newborns getting enough milk show signs such as steady weight gain and contentment after feeding. They typically produce 6-8 wet diapers and 3-4 bowel movements daily after the first week. You may hear swallowing sounds during nursing, and their cheeks appear full, not sunken. Breastfeeding should feel comfortable, with no prolonged pain for the mother. A well-fed baby is alert and active during waking hours, signaling they are thriving on breast milk.

After childbirth, it’s normal for breastfeeding to feel like a learning process for both mother and baby. Expect frequent feedings, as newborns nurse every 2-3 hours to establish milk supply. Early challenges like sore nipples or finding the right latch are common but can improve with practice and support. Skin-to-skin contact and nursing on demand help stimulate milk production and strengthen bonding. It’s important to remain patient, seek guidance when needed, and trust the process as breastfeeding becomes more natural over time.

Preparing for breastfeeding before childbirth helps set a strong foundation for success. Expectant mothers should learn about breastfeeding basics, such as proper latching, feeding cues, and common challenges. Attending prenatal breastfeeding classes or consulting a lactation expert can build confidence and clarify expectations. Stocking up on essentials like nursing bras and breast pads and creating a comfortable feeding space is also helpful. Emotional readiness and support from family ensure a smoother start to the breastfeeding journey.

The principle of demand and supply in breastfeeding means the more a baby nurses, the more milk the mother produces. Milk production is regulated by how often and how effectively the baby empties the breasts. Frequent feeding signals the body to produce more milk to meet the baby’s needs. If feeding sessions are skipped or reduced, milk production decreases accordingly. This natural feedback loop ensures a tailored milk supply for the baby.

Breast milk production begins during pregnancy when hormones like prolactin and oxytocin prepare the mammary glands. After birth, the baby’s sucking stimulates nerve signals, triggering prolactin to produce milk and oxytocin to release it through the milk ducts (let-down reflex). The milk supply is regulated by demand; frequent nursing ensures continued production. Initially, colostrum is produced, rich in nutrients and antibodies, transitioning to mature milk over a few days. The process is a natural cycle designed to meet the baby’s nutritional needs effectively.

Breast milk is a complete source of nutrition, tailored to meet a baby’s developmental needs. It contains macronutrients like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in perfect balance for growth and brain development. Micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals support immunity, bone strength, and overall health. Breast milk also provides antibodies, enzymes, and probiotics that protect against infections and promote gut health. Its composition adapts over time to suit the changing needs of the baby, making it an unparalleled source of nourishment.

Breastfeeding provides the ideal nutrition for babies, supporting growth and strengthening their immune system while reducing the risk of infections and chronic diseases. For mothers, it aids postpartum recovery, reduces the risk of certain cancers, and fosters a strong emotional bond with their baby through oxytocin release. It is convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable, eliminating the need for formula or feeding equipment. Overall, breastfeeding is a natural and essential practice that benefits both mother and child, promoting lifelong health and well-being.

In order for the baby learn to sleep with a sleep props instead of on the human’s body, babies should be laid down while drowsy but still awake, allowing them to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. Also, preventing overtiredness is key, as an overtired baby may become fussy, cry more, and have difficulty settling. Help a tired baby calm down quickly with the Cuddle Cure technique that we have learned in previous episodes. Watch for early signs of tiredness, such as yawning or rubbing eyes, helps parents put their baby to sleep at the right time, ensuring smoother transition into slumber land.

To help their baby sleep, parents can use a combination of swaddling, a white noise machine, and a swinging cradle. Swaddling provides a sense of security by mimicking the snugness of the womb, helping the baby feel calm. A white noise machine creates a soothing sound that drowns out background noise, promoting relaxation and sleep. The gentle motion of a swinging cradle helps to further soothe the baby, mimicking the natural movement they experienced in the womb, encouraging them to drift off to sleep more easily. Together, these elements (sleep props) create a comforting sleep environment for the baby.

Our baby has slept with a lot of womb element such as the womb sound, constant swinging from being floating in the amniotic fluid and the hugging sensations through the womb wall wrapping . That’s the reason all babies can sleep well while in the womb. So, after birth, the baby also needs to sleep with enough elements (sleep prop) when the parents cannot hold the baby and need the baby to sleep not on their body.

The sucking step in the Cuddle Cure involves giving the baby something to suck on, such as a pacifier, bottle, or clean finger, to help soothe and calm them. Sucking is a natural reflex that provides comfort and can help reduce crying and stress in babies, especially during times of fussiness or colic. Take note that this step is only an option if the baby is unable to calm down with the initial 4 steps before that.

The swinging step in the Cuddle Cure involves gently rocking or swaying the baby to mimic the movements they experienced in the womb. This rhythmic motion helps calm and soothe babies, especially when they are fussy or crying. The swinging should be slow and controlled, using a side-to-side or up-and-down motion to promote relaxation and comfort.

The shushing step, part of the Cuddle Cure, involves making a gentle “shh” sound to mimic the womb sound babies hear in the womb. This sound is calming and helps soothe a crying or fussy baby. The shushing should be louder than the baby’s crying but steady and rhythmic to encourage relaxation and provide comfort, once the baby calms down.

The right way to hold and handle a crying baby involves providing comfort and security through proper positioning. Techniques like the “reverse breastfeeding” (supporting the baby’s head in your hand and their body along your forearm) or holding them on their side or stomach can help ease crying, especially for babies with colic. This is because these positions best replicate the way the baby sits while in the womb.

Swaddling is a technique where a baby is wrapped snugly in a blanket to mimic the secure feeling of the womb. It helps babies feel calm, reduces startle reflexes, and promotes better sleep. To swaddle safely, ensure the blanket is snug around the arms but loose around the hips and legs to allow for movement and prevent hip dysplasia. Swaddling is the first and important step in implementing The Cuddle Cure Technique.

Babies may cry a lot and be difficult to soothe for several reasons. Common causes include hunger, tiredness, and discomfort, such as from a wet diaper, temperature changes, or tight clothing. Digestive issues like gas, colic, or acid reflux can also lead to prolonged crying. However, the main reason newborn babies cry a lot is because of the poor adaptation of the transition from the womb to the world. The first 3 months after birth is the baby’s adaptation phase and is called the 4th Trimester.

Babies may cry a lot and be difficult to soothe for several reasons. Common causes include hunger, tiredness, and discomfort, such as from a wet diaper, temperature changes, or tight clothing. Digestive issues like gas, colic, or acid reflux can also lead to prolonged crying. Additionally, babies might cry due to overstimulation, a need for physical closeness, or because they are sick or experiencing pain. Understanding the underlying cause is key to providing effective comfort and care.

Babies can generally be categorized into three types based on their temperaments and needs. Easy Going Babies are calm, adaptable, and easy to soothe, with predictable routines that make caregiving stress-free. High Demand Babies require more attention and care due to their sensitivity and intensity; they cry frequently and need consistent routines and physical closeness for reassurance. Colic Babies experience frequent, intense crying spells, either due to digestive discomfort or poor adaptation of the transition from the womb to the world. They benefit from specific soothing technique that replicate the womb like the Cuddle Cure.