I AM GOING TO HAVE A BABY ABROAD ...             

BREASTFEEDING

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	Babies don't care either if they are breast or bottle fed. What is important for them is to be fed in an happily atmosphere
	Breastfeeding is a natural thing to do. Most women can do it, even if your breasts are small or your nipples are inverted
	THE ADVANTAGES :
	The maternal milk fits the best to the baby, because its composition varies naturally and progressively according to the age of your baby. Indeed the first milk, called the colostrum, is yellow, thick and has a high level of protein. Its aim is to purge the baby's intestine, which is full of meconium. Some days after, the colour of the milk changes and becomes more liquid and orange. It is full of lipids and sugar. Around three weeks after the delivery, the milk suckled by the baby is the final one, which is composed of all the elements the baby needs to grow.    The milk varies also during the suckling : It is liquid and clear at the beginning of the suckling, then it becomes thicker and fatter.   The maternal milk contains the mother's antibodies against virus like poliomyelitis but also against intestine germs, like this of gastro- enteritis . That is why a breastfed child is less ill than a bottle fed one. The colostrum is full of all types of antibodies. That's why it is good to breastfeed during the first days of your baby even if you move some days after to bottle feeding.   Maternal milk is antibacterial. It contains the right level of minerals, proteins, sodium, and fat for the new born baby.    The taste of the maternal milk changes according to the mother's nutrition.     Breastfeeding helps the mother to lose fat and weight rapidly. It also helps the uterus to go back to its normal place and size.    Breastfeeding can create a stronger bond between the baby and her mother.   Milk in your breast is always available. It is always pure, so you don't need to sterilize it,  except if you use a breast-pump. Moreover it always has the right temperature and is economical.
	THE DISADVANTAGES :
	Always being available for giving the suck. That is the major problem. But you can pump off the milk of your breast thanks to a breast pump (electric or manual) and then the milk can be given to your baby when you are absent. Your milk has to be put into sterile bottles, put into the refrigerator and then freeze it. Once frozen, you can keep during three months.   The mom doesn't know how much the baby has taken. But don't worry about it, when your baby stops suckling it's because she has enough suckled. Moreover the pedestrian who will follow your baby will weigh her during the compulsory visits.
	THE PROCESS :
	During her first days, the baby suckles around seven or eight times per 24 hours.   If you have opt for the breastfeeding, the nurse will put your baby to your breast few minutes after the delivery. The baby instinctively knows how to suckle.   The first days you will put your baby on each breast during around 10 minutes. It thus prepares your breasts to the lactation production. Around day 3 your breasts are bigger, full of milk. At this stage you can just give one breast at one suckle and the other breast at the next one. Thus the milk production is renewed. Since then, you will always alternate the breast.   After having cleaned your nipples, you can put your baby to your breast. You have to find a comfortable position, either in the bed putting pillows around you, or in an armchair. You can even lie down for the suckling. The thing to remember is to put your baby in a perpendicular position to your breast, the nipple and the areola have to be in your baby's mouth.   After feeding your baby, hold her in an upright position to allow her to burp. You can help her by patting softly her back.   Sometimes when the baby finishes to suckle, she spits up. Don' t worry it is normal even if you think she rejects a lot of milk. However if the fact of spitting up seems to be painful for your baby, tell it to the paediatrician.
	HOW TO CLEAN YOUR BREAST :
	In order to avoid cracks, you have to get a strict daily hygiene of your bosom. You have to clean your nipples with (mineral) water before and after each suckling. It is no need to use soap. Water is enough. Dry them gently by patting them. Be careful because cracks are acused by wetness. That's why it is also advised to use your milk drops to clean your nipples and let it dry in an airy way.   You will wear all day and night a nursing bra, in which you can put a pad inside. This pad will absorb the milk you may leak. Change the pad frequently because wet pad or wet nipple favour cracks and sores.   If your breast is hot and painful go and see your doctor.

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