New Research shown at the Royal Nursing College in Dundee suggests that nursing while lying down or in a semi-reclined position may actually increase the chances of success.Forty healthy, full-term babies, and their mothers were observed while feeding at 6 weeks of age. When they observations were analyzed by Dr. Suzanna Colson, she found that while there were 17 reflexes seen in the babies who were nursed lying down, there were only 3 seen while mom fed while sitting upright.
Many mammals practice the lying down position while feeding and it is believed to be the most natural way to nurse for humans too. The majority of the women in the study complained of experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding, yet all of the women continued nursing after using the reclined position advised by Dr. Colson.
Dr. Colson said, "I wanted to look at whether something called 'biological nurturing' where babies are placed lying close to the mother's breast, for example, while sleeping triggers primitive reflexes seen in many other mammals which encourage feeding. What was interesting to note is that when mothers were lying flat or semi-reclined babies could find the breast easier and in many cases attach themselves and feed whilst asleep."
Bottle feeding your baby in a lying down position is generally not recommended by physicians because of the increased risk it causes in ear infections. The liquid can sometimes enter the Eustachian tube and introduce bacteria or viruses into the middle ear. Breast milk however, has many antibacterial qualities that help prevent the bacteria from becoming bothersome. If breast milk does back up into the Eustachian tube and into the ear, human milk is less irritating than formula and juice on the delicate tissue of the inner ear. Breastfed babies also have fewer respiratory allergies, another cause of fluid building up in the middle ear, which sets the stage for bacteria to grow and cause ear infections.
So, if you know, or are a new mom, or intend of breastfeeding your next baby, you might want to lie down to make it easier on both of you.
2 comments:
Breastfeeding lying down is also very comfy and great if you're cosleeping. Often times we would nurse in bed like that and we'd both fall asleep and he would find his way back, nurse some more, unlatch and go back to sleep with hardly any assistance from me! But, it can be a tricky position to get used to and takes some practice.
well i guess i don't really have much to add here. I didn't breastfeed my child she only had formula!
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