The Long-Awaited Arrival
After nine long months in the making, your little one is finally here, nestled in your arms.
Like all human babies, they are not yet fully mature. Their brain, immune system, and digestive balance will continue to develop over the first months of life. But their parents are there to care for them and provide everything they need to grow.
Mom, Breastfeed Me!
Breast milk is perfectly suited for babies—far better than formula. Why? Because beyond containing the same nutrients as formula (without cow’s milk proteins), it also provides antibodies, prebiotics, and probiotics to support your baby’s gut flora. Additionally, the act of suckling helps maintain good cranial mobility. And let’s not forget the comfort of a cuddle, which reassures the baby.
No, dads are not excluded. They can give a bottle of expressed breast milk, help with bath time, or be present in countless other ways.
This article is not here to make anyone feel guilty. Parents may choose, with full awareness, not to breastfeed. Formula is an adequate replacement that meets micronutrient needs, but it lacks the other benefits. It is also made from cow’s milk, which can be allergenic (Cow Milk allergy)
Myths About Breastfeeding
We’ve all heard them: "My breasts are too small," or "My milk isn’t rich enough."
Mechanical Issues
Physiologically, it is extremely rare for a woman to be unable to breastfeed. The most common reasons are related to breast surgeries or inverted nipples. Even then, solutions exist.
Most difficulties stem from the baby’s position during feeding or issues with their jaw and swallowing. Seeing an osteopath at birth is highly recommended to help establish comfortable breastfeeding. If the baby does not latch properly, milk production can quickly decline, and painful cracks can develop.
Seek guidance from a lactation consultant.
Not Nutritious Enough?
Breast milk is always nutritious. Even women in severe malnutrition can feed their babies; nature always prioritizes the next generation. A mother will deplete her own reserves to feed her child, sometimes at her own health’s expense.
Why do people say some milk isn’t nourishing enough?
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In the 1980s, researchers analyzed the composition of breast milk at the start of a feeding. When they start suckling, milk is mainly water and sugar, designed to quench thirst. When a baby is hungry, they nurse longer, and the milk becomes fattier towards the end. If your baby cries a lot and seems hungry, keep them on the same breast longer; he will get more nutrients.
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Sometimes, babies cry and seem inconsolable, wanting to nurse constantly. They might be going through a growth spurt, signaling the body to adjust milk composition.
Breastfeeding is a fascinating dance between mother and baby—one we understand much better today. Don’t get discouraged, and seek help as soon as possible.
Breastfeeding should not be painful; it is a natural process that may just take some time to adjust. As for cracked nipples, they heal well with breast milk compresses.
Prematurity and Omega-3 Deficiency
A premature baby hasn’t had the time to fully develop. Unlike full-term babies, they haven’t had the chance to store fatty acids under their skin before birth.
The first consequence is increased sensitivity to cold due to a lack of insulation. But these essential fatty acids, omega-3, also play a crucial role in brain function, gene regulation, fat cell production, inflammation control, and cell communication. They are truly indispensable.
A premature baby will need to make up for this omega-3 deficiency through diet. DHA, in particular, is essential for brain development. The best approach is to supplement the mother, who will then pass them to her baby through breast milk. Later, after six months, DHA-enriched oils can be used during food diversification.
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Reflux is different from simple spit-up. If your baby drinks too much and regurgitates fresh milk without discomfort, there’s no need to worry. But if they vomit digested milk while crying, they likely have reflux.
Symptoms of Reflux
Most babies exhibit multiple signs:
- Crying when laid on their back
- Wanting to nurse constantly (to soothe esophageal burning)
- Night time waking with screams
- Frequent hiccups, sometimes with choking sounds
- Persistent dry cough
- Recurrent ear infections
Reflux is caused by acid rising up and burning the esophagus. It is very painful, and most medications are not very effective, often causing long-term side effects. Proton pump inhibitors reduce stomach acid, disrupting digestion and affecting the entire digestive system.
Why Do Some Babies Have Reflux?
Some babies struggle to control the valve that closes their stomach. A good osteopathy session can help restore proper function.
If reflux persists, diet should be examined.
Reflux is a warning sign from the body that an ingested food is not being well tolerated. No medication will fix this. The baby is likely suffering from a food intolerance.
But What if They’re Exclusively Breastfed?
Many proteins pass through breast milk, particularly casein (cow’s milk protein) and gliadin (gluten).
The best way to test for food intolerance is to eliminate cow’s milk products for one week. If there’s no improvement, try removing gluten for another week.
In most cases, reflux will resolve. The effort required for the mother is significant, but it’s only temporary. Avoidance is needed only during breastfeeding, and many babies outgrow their intolerance.
What if They’re Formula-Fed?
Try a rice-based formula (available in supermarkets and pharmacies) or goat’s milk formula.
However, do not give homemade plant-based or goat’s milk directly. Only infant formulas with controlled and balanced compositions should be used, to prevent serious deficiencies.
If a healthcare provider dismisses reflux with "That’s just how babies are," don’t accept it. Spit-up from an immature digestive system is normal. But a baby suffering from refluxs in pain, and there are alternatives beyond medication.
Infant Colic
Colic has three main causes. Like reflux, colic should not be dismissed as "normal" if a baby cries in pain after each meal. Solutions exist.
1. Low-Fat Milk Intake
A baby who frequently switches breasts may consume mostly the watery foremilk rather than the fattier hindmilk. This can lead to greenish stools, bloating, and discomfort.
The solution is simple: let the baby finish one breast before switching. If one breast is still full after feeding, start the next session on the same side and pump the other side to prevent engorgement. Stools should return to a golden-yellow color.
2. Food Intolerance
Some foods irritate the baby’s intestines—spicy dishes, cabbage, onions, cow’s milk, gluten… Ever noticed how your milk smells like curry after a spiced meal? Some babies take time to process strong flavors. If they react, consider avoiding those foods.
If colic is frequent, identify the culprit or try eliminating cow’s milk and gluten. If formula-fed, switch to a non-cow’s milk formula.
3. Imbalanced Gut Flora
A baby’s gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, nutrient absorption, and overall well-being.
In the womb, the baby lived in a sterile environment. At birth, they populate their intestines with bacteria from the mother’s vaginal flora, skin, and breast milk.
A C-section limits exposure to maternal vaginal flora, which can delay microbiome development. Similarly, maternal yeast infections can lead to overgrowth of Candida in the baby’s gut, disrupting balance.
In such cases, restoring the baby’s gut flora is essential. Signs like oral thrush may indicate an imbalance. Seek professional advice if needed. Candida is best handled with energetic methods to avoid the use of toxic antifungal treatment.
Conclusion
A baby in distress is neither normal nor inevitable. Incessant crying is heartbreaking for parents, but solutions exist. Trust your instincts, seek support, and know that most of these issues can be resolved.