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There are numerous positions mothers can use to breastfeed their babies conveniently and appropriately. However, whether newborns should be breastfed lying down is a matter that many mothers are curious about when caring for their children.
Breastfeeding not only helps infants get the best nutrition from breast milk, one of the best sources of nutrients for babies, but also helps foster a sacred bond between mother and child. There are three different breastfeeding positions: cradling the baby in front of the chest, underarm hold, and lying down. So, should babies be breastfed lying down? Mothers, let's explore the article below.
Should newborns be breastfed lying down?
Doctors often advise against breastfeeding babies lying down. Because when newborns are in the breastfeeding stage, their esophagus does not have an immune gland, and their bodily tissues are not fully developed and matured. The size of the stomach is small, and when babies breastfeed lying down horizontally, the cardiac sphincter of the stomach does not close tightly like in older children, so babies are prone to vomiting and regurgitation. Moreover, when babies breastfeed lying down, it also makes it difficult for them to swallow milk downwards. The milk will have difficulty moving down the stomach, causing the milk to move back up the esophagus, and babies will regurgitate it out.
When babies regurgitate milk, it can cause reflux in the child, which is very dangerous, especially for weak newborns. When lying down, if the regurgitated milk flows out, it can flow into the baby's ear, and if it remains there for a long time, it can cause ear infections. If the baby has an ear infection, the mother needs to detect and treat it promptly to avoid affecting the baby's hearing.
Furthermore, breastfeeding while lying down can lead to the habit of tilting the baby's head to one side, which if done frequently, can cause the baby's head to become misshapen. At this stage, the baby's skull is still fragile, and the bone joints may not be fully fused. Therefore, mothers need to regularly rotate the baby's head to avoid the baby developing a misshapen head.
However, there are situations where breastfeeding lying down is necessary, such as when the mother has had a cesarean section, preterm birth, or if the mother is too weak... then breastfeeding lying down is unavoidable. At this time, the mother is still weak or the surgical incision has not healed, so she cannot sit up to breastfeed the baby.
Some points to note when breastfeeding lying down:
- If mothers find themselves in a situation where they have to breastfeed the baby lying down, they should ask for help from family members to ensure that the baby is in the most comfortable lying position. Incorrect breastfeeding lying down can cause the baby to swallow a large amount of air. This air can enter the stomach and cause vomiting, making the baby uncomfortable and causing stomach pain.
- If mothers are able to sit up, they should limit breastfeeding lying down to reduce the risks that may occur when breastfeeding the baby.
OTHER CONCERNS FOR MOTHERS
