Breastfeed

It has become popular now in Malaysia to breast feed your child rather than use baby formula. Even in the Putrajaya Hospital which I and hubby has registered for our 1st newborn delivery, has become a policy for mother to breast feed the baby within 1 hr after labour until 6 months of age without need to feed the baby with water or any soft foods.

And, if the mother is capable to proceed.. it will be a bonus for the child to breast feed for another beautiful 1 year and 4 months. I am not sure how natural and easy this can be to be able to breast feed for 2 non stopping years.. Hmm.

Anyway, in the magazine which I have read (well.. rather unusual of me to read magazine..but due to baby's sake.. JUST DO IT !! (Mami&baby Oct 2009 released, pg 69), it mentioned that:

i. On the first 3 days after labour, there will be only colostrum coming out from mommy's breast. Colostrum is viscous, yellowy liquid which is important for baby's growth and immune system!! Colostrum also helps to assist baby to do its 1st pooh easily - the 1st pooh contains meconium and its black in color (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meconium) and failure to dispose the meconium will cause baby to suffer jaundice...**yikes**

The amount of colostrum is small about 37mL within 24hrs.. however it is also mentioned that this is enough for the baby's small tummy which is as big as a peanut!!

ii. After the 3rd day, milk will start to come out from the breast. The amount of milk will increase through time- build up to 750mL / day from the 3rd to 5th months and becomes almost 1 L / day on the 6th months!!