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How much increased calories should be consumed during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Increase calorie intake by 150Kcal per day in the first term of pregnancy, 300-350Kcal from the fourth month onwards and 500Kcal during breastfeeding. What are the preferred foods? 50% of calories should come from carbohydrates from rice, pasta and cereals. 25-30% fats (cheese and milk) and in particular fatty acids mono and poly- unsaturated (olive oil and various seed oils). The rest should be protein from meat, fish, eggs, cereals and peas and beans. Finally fresh fruit and vegetables are essential and it is advisable to drink at least 2 litres of water. Why is folic acid fundamental both at preconception and during pregnancy? Folic acid or vitamin B9 is an essential vitamin for the correct development of the infants organs and also to meet the mother’s increased need, to be precise it increases blood production and the growth of the placenta. For how long is it advisable to continue breastfeeding only ? OMS (the worldwide organization for healthcare) urges mothers to breastfeed exclusively for at least the first 6 months of the child’s life and to maintain breastfeeding up to one year and over while gradually introducing other foods. Which ways aid the flow of milk? It can be useful to use a hot pack or have a hot shower before breastfeeding. Then apply a cold pack after the feed to reduce swelling and tension in the breast. What type of bra should be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding? It is advisable to use a model without underwire (which could press on the ducts) and during breastfeeding - a complete opening of the cup which does not press on the breast. The form and dimension of the breast does not affect the capacity of milk production. How often between feeds? Initially feeds could be between 8 to 12 in a 24 hour period, when to feed during the day various from baby to baby. It is recommended to feed each time the baby seams hungry. When the milk production has been established it is best to feed every 2-3 hours to avoid stressful rhythms for the mother. What is the correct position for breastfeeding? The mother should not lower her breast over the baby, the baby should be brought to the breast. The baby should be in a horizontal position turned towards the mother’s body, tummy against tummy with his nose in front of the nipple and his knees opposite the other breast and supported by one or both of the mother’s arms. What to do in the absence of milk? It is extremely rare that the breast doesn’t produce milk however sometimes it can happen that the milk does not come naturally. In this case as in the case of too little milk production the paediatrician will advise the correct solution. How can breast cracks be prevented? Pay attention to the correct position of the infant during the feed, clean well the nipple before and after the feed, avoid using soaps and detergents, keep the nipple dry and aired, it is best to use breathable breast pads. Apply to the nipple area a suitable cream in order to keep it soft and prevent inflammation. What is mastitis? It is an acute inflammation caused by germs accumulating in the cute, where depending on the temperature and humidity and due to the nourishing substance of the breast milk they reproduce in the breast gland. The breast becomes heated and painful and can result in redness and a temperature. |
