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Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world. However, if you're feeling a little nervous about nursing your baby when the time comes; or if you still have some questions or doubts you're too embarrassed to speak to your gynae about, here are some useful tips about breastfeeding to help put you at ease and give you the confidence boost you need.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="8/12"][vc_column_text]<strong>When can I start?</strong>

As soon as the first hour your baby is born! Not only will you and your baby get to practice right from the start, the 'first milk' (colostrum) your body produces in the beginning will give baby crucial protection from infection.

<strong>How often?</strong>

Anywhere between 8 to 12 times a day. However, instead of setting a number, look out for your baby’s hunger signals. If she seems more alert, starts mouthing or searching for your nipple, then it may well be that she is ready for her next feed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="4/12"][vc_column_text]

<img class="alignnone wp-image-8652" src="http://tollyjoy.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/breastfeed-1.png" alt="breastfeed-1" width="205" height="200" />

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="8/12"][vc_column_text]<strong>How much milk will I be producing?</strong>

It depends on how much your baby is drinking. The more she drinks, the more milk your body will produce. The production rate will then plateau as your baby grows older. Because of this, it is important that you establish a good feeding pattern in the initial few weeks to get your body producing adequate amounts of milk throughout the entire nursing stage.

If your baby hasn't yet learnt to nurse properly, or if you are separated from her, pump often (8-12 times in 24 hours) so your body continues to produce milk.

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<strong>Will it hurt?</strong>

Breastfeeding, if done correctly, can cause some tenderness or soreness in the nipple area (particularly in the first 2 weeks). Nonetheless, it should not hurt. If it does, check with your doctor or lactation consultant for signs of infection, or if your baby is latching on properly.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="4/12"][vc_column_text]

<img class="alignnone wp-image-8654" src="http://tollyjoy.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/breastfeed-3.png" alt="breastfeed-3" width="170" height="200" />

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="8/12"][vc_column_text]<strong>What if my baby doesn’t latch on?</strong>

One of the main causes of nipple soreness or pain during breastfeeding is you're your baby is not latching on properly. If this is the case, there are a few things you can do to help her along.
<ul>
	<li>Cradle her on her side with her entire body facing you</li>
	<li>Pull her in close at chest level</li>
	<li>With your free hand, support your breast with your free hand by placing your thumb at the top and fingers at the bottom (in a shape of a C), and gently coax her to latch on</li>
	<li>Try to have baby's mouth cover your entire nipple and most of the areola</li>
</ul>
Don't worry if you encounter some hurdles at the initial stage. With time and practice, you will soon be nursing with ease!

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<strong>Does size matter?</strong>

Absolutely not. The ability and capacity to nurse your baby does not depend on the breast size as a whole, but on the amount of glandular tissue in the breast – the component responsible for milk production.

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<strong>When should I stop?</strong>

This is for you and baby to decide. Some mothers wean their babies earlier than others. However, the WHO and UNICEF recommend that you breastfeed exclusively for at least 6 months, and then up to 2 years together with complimentary foods<a href="http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/exclusive_breastfeeding/en/" target="_blank" name="_ftnref1">[1]</a><sup>,<a href="http://www.unicef.org/nutrition/index_24824.html" target="_blank" name="_ftnref2">[2]</a></sup>.

The key to a successful and enjoyable nursing experience is to relax and be patient. Bear in mind that this is a learning process for both you and your baby. Nonetheless, should you have other concerns or doubts, always refer to your doctor or lactation consultant for professional support.

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<img class="alignnone wp-image-8653" src="http://tollyjoy.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/breastfeed-2.png" alt="breastfeed-2" width="263" height="200" />

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如同宝宝成长的所有重要里程碑，宝宝从喝奶进入吃固体食物阶段同样也是令人充满期待的兴奋时刻。然而，正确掌握这个变化发生的时机可能有些棘手，尤其你恰好又是新手爸妈。你到底应该在宝宝几岁时才尝试喂食固体食物？你该如何进行？初次喂食应该选择什么类型的食物？如果你对这些问题心存疑问，阅读下列有用建议帮助你家宝宝顺利进入下一个人生阶段。

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<img class="alignright wp-image-8646" src="http://tollyjoy.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Time.jpeg" alt="time" width="187" height="200" />

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="8/12"][vc_column_text]<strong>正确时间</strong>

每个宝宝都是独一无二的存在。虽然专家建议喂食固体食物的正确时间为宝宝4-6个月阶段，但最好的指示还是来自于宝宝本身。以经验法则作为参考，你的宝宝应该展示出某些她已经准备就绪的生理性或行为认知迹象。这包括可以自主挺直头颈部、可以坐直（在你给予支撑的时候），以及体重增加或减少（大约等于出生时的两倍）。另外，她也可能需要更频密进食或进食份量增加，同时她也可能对你吃的食物感兴趣并想要自己试吃。

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<strong>正确方法</strong>

首先如同往常般使用瓶子喂食，接着使用软性塑胶汤匙将少量食物放在她的嘴唇边。关键是让她可以有时间适应新的食物气味、味道和质感。

若宝宝在开始阶段抗拒，不必太过担心。保持耐心在下次喂食时或几天后再度尝试。记住！转换至固体食物的过程对宝宝而言是重大过程，所以应循序渐进。一旦她发现固体食物的美味，她一定会吵着想要更多！

另一个重要关键是，如果你在宝宝出生后第一年尝试喂食固体食物，牛奶或配方奶粉仍然必需是宝宝饮食中的重要组合。在这个阶段，固体食物应该是添加副食品，而不是完全取代牛奶或配方奶粉喂食。[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="4/12"][vc_column_text]

<img class="alignright wp-image-8645" src="http://tollyjoy.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/solid-food.png" alt="solid-food" width="260" height="200" />

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="8/12"][vc_column_text]<strong>选对食物</strong>

让宝宝开始吃哪些食物并没有对或错。有些父母发现，初次喂食选择米糊或燕麦混合牛奶成功率很高。其他选项则包括水果蔬菜泥，例如：香蕉、梨子、番薯和红萝卜。

无论你选择哪些食物作为初次喂食，请记得这对你或宝宝都是尝试期。每次喂食一种食物，然后享受观察宝宝对每种食物反应的乐趣。你很快会发现宝宝明显更偏爱某些食物。[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="4/12"][vc_column_text]

<img class="alignright wp-image-8644" src="http://tollyjoy.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/right-tools.png" alt="right-tools" width="200" height="200" />

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="8/12"][vc_column_text]<strong>慎选工具</strong>

当宝宝可以在无需支撑情况下坐直，不妨在喂食时间增添一些新意，例如：让她坐在高椅上、穿上围兜，甚至是准备一套塑胶碗盘餐具。这样一来，不但可以鼓励宝宝学习正确坐姿，也可以在她尝试自己进食时锻炼从手到口的协调能力。

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<strong>保持警惕</strong>

喂宝宝固体食物是一个非常重要的阶段，你应该尽情享受每个瞬间。与此同时，随时注意可能发生的噎食意外。每次喂食记得让宝宝坐直，喂食比较大块和/或坚硬的食物之前，确保宝宝已经懂得正确咀嚼方法及可以吞咽。

另外，时刻保持警惕留意宝宝是否对某些食物过敏或有所抗拒（例如：蜂蜜、花生及全职牛奶）直到宝宝年龄渐长。若有任何疑惑，请咨询小儿科专科或专业建议。[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][:]