The next breast thing

MANILA, Philippines - The first 24 hours after a mother gives birth to her young is critical to the success of breastfeeding. This was revealed by Dr. Anthony Calibo of St. Luke’s Medical Center‘s Breastfeeding Committee at the Philips Avent Joyful Parenting: Breastfeeding Fair held recently at the SM Podium.

According to Dr. Calibo, the first hour after birth is when the sudden surge in hormones, particularly the oxytocin, occurs. Called by some scientists as the love hormone, this chemical is also responsible for the production of breast milk.

“But don’t expect any breast milk within the first 24 hours,” cautions Dr. Calibo. “For those who underwent caesarian operation, it may take 48 up to 72 hours,” he adds. 

No matter, it is advisable for babies to start latching on their mother’s breast to help stimulate milk production. Sucking of the nipples triggers oxytocin, which in turn causes milk to be let down into milk ducts where it can be expressed by pressing the areola and sucking the nipples.   

Calibo mentions that the whole lactation process involves the four Bs: baby, breast, breast milk, and brain. Some fail to consider the vital role of the brain in the whole process. That’s why it is important for mothers to be in a good disposition when breastfeeding. Depression, anger, and pain can hinder breast milk production.

Breast milk is a dynamic human substance. It contains over a hundred maternal antibodies not present in animal milk. As shared by breastfeeding advocate and birthing instructor (Bradley Method) Chiqui Brosas-Hahn, the first substance that will actually come out of the breast is the colostrum. New mothers get startled by its yellowish color, thinking it’s rancid and not fit for feeding. But the colostrum is actually rich in immunoglobulin IgA, which acts as a primer by coating the baby’s gastrointestinal tract and protecting the newborn until its own immune system is functioning properly.

The first six months is especially important as exclusive breastfeeding protects the infant from diarrhea and respiratory tract infection. Supplemental breastfeeding is encouraged from six months up to two years. However, both Dr. Calibo and Hahn claim that there is no required age for termination of breastfeeding.

“Your child will dictate when he or she wants to stop,” said Hahn. 

Working mothers need not bereave their babies the benefits of breast milk when they go back to work. Breast milk can be pumped out and stored in the freezer for up to two weeks (less if the refrigerator door is always opened). They just need to invest in storage bottles and a good-quality breast pump.

Philips Avent’s line of breast pumps includes ISIS iQ DUO, a revolutionary electronic breast pump that combines the soft petal massager and fingertip sensitive control of the original ISIS manual pump with the speed and effortlessness of an electric pump. Milk flow is initiated by a simple depressing of the handle, and a push of the button activates the pump’s electronic brain to continue using the mother’s exact pumping rhythm. The twin pump allows mothers to express milk from both breasts simultaneously. Ultra quiet, the ISIS iQ DUO helps to relax mothers, in turn making them express more milk faster.

GMA7’s resident chef and restaurateur Mitchie Sison recently prepared tasty food for babies who are starting on their first solids. Using the Philips Avent mini steamer and blender, Chef Sison whipped up a nutritious carrot-apple puree that babies will surely love. For breastfeeding moms, she demonstrated how to create panfried cream dory with malunggay pesto and cauliflower mash.

The Philips Avent breastfeeding line also includes accessories such as breast milk storage sets, breast pads, and nipple protectors. Aside from breastfeeding products, Philips Avent also has products for parents’ and babies’ every need, including training cups and feeding sets, warmers, and sterilizers. Philips Avent is available at the infant section of leading department stores, specialty stores, and hypermarkets nationwide. More information about Philips Avent is available at www.avent.com.

Meanwhile, Philips Avent is set to conduct a Baby Fair event at Rustan’s Alabang on October 3 and again on October 10 at Rustan’s Makati. For inquiries about this event and other Philips Avent nationwide activities, check out www.ljs.com.ph or e-mail your inquiries to avent@ljs.com.ph.