It's Raining Candy Hearts: The Effects of Sugar on Breastfeeding Babies

I enjoy writing these blogs. I had a dream last night that it rained candy hearts. It was my light bulb moment to write this blog on Breastfeeding andSugar. I guess I was thinking about Valentines Day. Happy Early Valentines Day. May your life always rain Happy and Sweet things. I am sending my love to everyone around the world. Blessings and peace to all. Love, Betty H.Greenman, IBCLC, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Founder and Owner of Breastfeeding With Love Breastfeeding is best for your baby.The American Academy Of Pediatrics recommends moms to breastfeed for at least a year. However, if you cannot breastfeed for the first year at least the first six months are especially crucial to breastfeeding. At this point, most babiesonly breastfeed exclusively and do not get solids. Therefore, all the nutrients come from your milk. Breast milk contains all the right nutrients your baby needs. It helps protect your baby from many illnesses.Furthermore, it is beneficial to your baby's health, protecting his digestive system, preventing earinfections, less diarrhea and respiratory illnesses. Since you the mom are supplying your baby with breast milk, it is very important for you to eat a well balanced and nutritious diet, filled with lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, foods filled with iron, calcium and all the other essential vitamins and minerals andnot too much sugar. Eating too muchfatty, high sugary snacks is not good for your baby. Your breast milk provides good carbohydrates, proteins, and fats needed to nourish your baby. Higher calorie foods is not good for your or your baby. Remember what you eat goes through your bodyand your breast milk. Breast milk contains less sugar. In fact, babies who breastfeed, are less likely to get tooth decay. Naturally occuring antibodies found in breast milk, stop the growth of bacteria in your baby's mouth. Therefore, breastfeeding is such a healthy choice for your baby. If your baby is fussy, has green poop, you may be giving the baby too much of your foremilk, the breast milk that babies drink in the first few minutes of breastfeeding. The foremilk contains lots of sugars and canirritate a baby's stomach. Pump off the foremilk for a few minutes and then breastfeed your baby. Mix this milk with other breast milk that you have pumped the same day. I hate to tell you to throw this milk away. By giving your baby the hind milk, the milk that comes after the first few minutes of sucking, you are giving the baby less sugar, allowing the baby to feel better.In conclusion, breast milk is known to provide the best vitamins for your newborn baby. It holds many magical components, protecting your baby from many harmful illnesses. Iam so proud of every new mom that attempts to breastfeed. I know it is a very hard thing to do sometimes because I have breastfed many children. Relax and enjoy your baby. It is such a blessed and special time for you both.