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When we become mothers, many doubts form in our heads about the health and well-being of our children. So the question is common: Can I bathe before or after breastfeeding?
Before moving on to breastfeeding and the right time to bathe , it is important to understand the reasons that lead many mothers to feel this doubt.
Does Bathing with a Full Belly give Congestion?
Almost all of us remember the beach or pool days of our childhood, when our parents said to us: “don’t go into the water after eating because you will have a congestion! ”.
It was with this phrase or something similar that we learned to fear the bath after the meal , and it is because of it that the doubt about the baby’s bath before or after the feeding is so latent.
Many studies have shown the idea that swimming or bathing after a meal does not affect digestion or promote any kind of illness or drowning. It does not interfere with the baby’s bath before or after breastfeeding.
What is the Best Temperature for Baby Bathing?
The problem is not the moment when the baby takes a bath, but the temperature change between the baby and the water, which can cause very threatening consequences.
This is because, when the body is fed, its temperature is high due to digestion, and when it comes in contact with much colder water, it causes a reaction in which breathing and blood circulation stop, which can cause a syncope.
This reaction is called Hydrocution (we all experience the sensation of not being able to breathe when we come in contact with the cold water of the shower or the pool).
What really matters is the baby’s body temperature at the time the bath takes place, and not whether the baby’s bath before or after feeding is harmful. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid a sudden change in temperature.
If the question about bathing the baby before or after breastfeeding has not yet been clarified, let us look at some factors to be considered regardless of the mother’s choice in relation to her baby’s well-being.
Breastfeeding After the Bath
If the mother chooses to breastfeed after having bathed the baby, it will have some advantages, as the baby will be ready to feed and rest.
In addition, it is common for babies to fall asleep after feeding, so bathing the baby at night can be useful so that, having fed, you can relax and sleep faster.
Breastfeeding Before Bathing
Breastfeeding before bathing is the least used option by mothers. Although it has its advantages, for example, it does not allow the baby to cry because he is hungry.
However, the agitation of the bath, provoked by the movements, albeit gentle, combined with the removal and change of clothes or the cleaning of the little body, can make the baby sick and make him end up vomiting.
Breastfeeding does not directly affect the bath, so bathing before or after breastfeeding is not a rule. However, the experts’ answer says the following: It is advisable to bathe the baby before breastfeeding to avoid possible risks.
The reason is that during the digestive process, the baby’s stomach is functioning more than usual and the amount of blood , as well as the body temperature, increase.
It is important to control the temperature of the water so that it does not vary too much from the body temperature (that is, about 35 to 37ºC). If it is, for example, at 26ºC, then the baby is put at risk by inserting it quickly, regardless of whether he has breastfed or not.
Tips for a Bath Without Surprises: Bath Routine
Routines are critical to creating happy and healthy babies. They provide rhythm and custom to the world that is confused and susceptible .
Bathing is one of the most important routines, where the mother-baby bond is established , along with support for development. The bath before or after breastfeeding, depending on the mother’s choice, can be added to a bathing routine. That will be calming and relaxing, introducing excellent habits to the baby in the coming years.
The baby’s bathing routine is also an essential step in establishing a sleep routine. After a bath, the baby is relaxed and will fall asleep easily.
Preparation for baby bath
Getting ready for the baby’s bath is one of the fundamental parts of the routine. A children’s bathtub, a soft bath towel, baby soap, washcloth or sponge for lathering, a plastic cup for rinsing hair, shampoo, rinse ointment and a diaper should be within reach of your hands in the bathroom (or wherever you are bathing in drink). Maintaining the water temperature is the main part of the bath.
In the bath
After preparing everything, take the baby to the bathroom. Do not put the baby in the water right away. The baby’s entry into the water has to be progressive.
The problem is that the newborn is more susceptible to having any kind of problem because he is more sensitive than a child or an adult, so you need to be very careful when bathing , regardless of whether the bath is before or after feeding .
The order to know how to bathe the baby and how to put him in the water is : first the neck, then the wrists and, little by little, the legs, back and belly. Thus, the temperature change will be gradual and there will be no problem.
Then, soak your hands in warm, soapy water and wash other parts of your body. Pay special attention to skin folds and clean them carefully. Be very cautious when dealing with the wet and slippery baby, and hold it gently, but firmly.
After the shower
After drying the baby completely with a soft towel, apply the diaper ointment before putting on the diaper. Dress the baby in clean clothes, according to the climate and temperature of the house. The baby is ready for a hug and kiss.
For the success of creating a bath routine, just don’t forget to keep it. Bath time can be a refreshing wake-up routine or the start of a good sleep routine.
The bath can be done at any time , that is, the baby’s bath before or after breastfeeding is the sole and exclusive choice of the mother or caregivers. The precautions that must be taken are to ensure that the child does not get, does not receive any thermal shock when entering the water and also does not get cold when leaving the water, since he will be at a higher temperature.
See also: Know Your Baby’s Reasons Not to Sleep
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
