Steps to Successful Breastfeeding

• Attend a pre-natal breastfeeding class taught by a Board Certified Lactation Consultant

• Buy, or borrow a good book from the library, on breastfeeding such as; The Nursing Mother's Companion 1995 Edition (Huggins), The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding 1997 Edition (La Leche League), Bestfeeding (Renfrew, Fisher & Arms) and The Baby Book (Sears).

• Choose a pediatrician who advocates and supports breastfeeding. Interview several before making your choice.

• Find out about the breastfeeding policies and practices at the hospital where you plan to give birth.

• Avoid the use of pacifiers or bottles in the hospital and for the first 3 weeks at home. Plan to nurse frequently, about every 1-3 hours during the first 2 weeks.

• Keep a chart of the baby's feeding and output (wet and soiled diapers). Baby should feed at least 8 times every 24 hours. The baby should have 1-3 wet diapers every 24 hours for the first 3 days of life, then the wet diapers should increase to about 6 per day by day 4. Bowel movements should also increase by day 4 to about 4 per day.

• Locate breastfeeding resources in your community, such as Board Certified Lactation Consultants, La Leche League groups, and WIC (Women, Infants, & Children) Nutrition Clinics as well as breastpump rental stations.

• Limit visitors in the hospital and home during the first week or two so that you and your baby have uninterrupted time for breastfeeding and rest.

• Choose the relatives or friends most supportive of breastfeeding as your household help in the first days at home with your baby.

• Remember, breastfeeding problems are most easily remedied when you get an early evaluation and professional guidance.