Learning to Breastfeed
New mothers naturally want to do what’s best for their babies. We know breast is best, but what can a new mom do to help ensure she is able to breastfeed successfully?
It can take up to four weeks for breastfeeding to become well established, so be patient with both yourself and your new baby as you learn this new skill together. Here are some very important guidelines that can help you get breastfeeding off to a good start:
Take a Breastfeeding Class
Learn all you can about breastfeeding before baby arrives. Classes are available at many locations, including local hospitals and birthing centers. Find a local LaLeche League chapter and attend a meeting, or read a good breastfeeding book. Talk to a friend who has breastfed successfully, but remember, every breastfeeding couple is unique.
Breastfeed Early
New babies are ready to nurse soon after birth, within the first hour. Ask for newborn care to be delayed for the first hour so you and your baby can get to know each other. Place your undressed baby on your bare chest and watch as your baby begins to search for the nipple. Your nurse can help you too, and many hospitals now have lactation consultants on staff to assist with learning to breastfeed. Use them!
Breastfeed Often
At the first breastfeed, your baby receives colostrum, aka Liquid Gold, to prepare the digestive tract for milk, as well as provide antibodies for protection from infections. After the first breastfeed, it’s normal for your baby to sleep for several hours. When s/he wakes, it’s dinnertime! You may find your baby wants to nurse very frequently for the first few days. This is normal. Baby’s tummy is quite small, holding only a teaspoon at birth. Feed your baby for about 10-15 minutes on each breast. Make sure the baby is latched properly, as this will help to get more milk and prevent sore nipples. Avoid any artificial nipples or pacifiers for the first four weeks, as these can interfere with proper latch. Breastfeeding babies should receive nothing to eat except breast milk unless medically necessary.
When your milk comes in, usually around day 3, you may experience fullness and pressure in your breasts. Engorgement typically lasts up to 48 hours. Nurse your baby frequently to help reduce the fullness. Warm compresses and gentle massage before nursing, and cool packs after nursing can help reduce swelling. After your milk comes in, the first breast is “Dinner”; the second breast is “Dessert”. Remember to begin with the “Dessert” breast at the next feeding.
Feed your baby 8-12 times in 24 hours. Watch for hunger cues- licking lips, rooting, sucking fists. Babies wake up hungry, crying is a late hunger cue. Until your baby has regained his birth weight and your doctor has given the ok to sleep longer, wake your baby to eat if s/he has been sleeping for 3 hours.
Sometimes new parents worry they might “spoil” their baby. Newborns often seem to cry every time you put them down. It seems you’re always carrying them around to keep them happy. While this may be frustrating, it is very normal. Mother means safety, security, and survival. Try wearing your baby in the early days and weeks in a kangaroo camisole or a sling. Also, your baby may be less likely to wake if you wait an extra twenty minutes after she has fallen asleep before you put her down. As your baby grows, she will become more independent. Enjoy this time…it won’t last!
How to Know Breastfeeding is Going Well
By day five, your baby should be having at least 6-8 wet and 3-5 yellow mustard colored poopy diapers the size of a quarter. More is ok. You should be able to see your baby sucking and hear your baby swallowing, and your breasts should feel softer after a feeding. Your baby should wake up for most feedings to let you know it is time to eat, nurse for at least 20 and up to 45 minutes, and seem satisfied after nursing.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all breastfeeding mothers and babies have a breastfeeding evaluation during the first week of breastfeeding. It’s important to determine early if breastfeeding is going well, so problems can be identified and steps can be taken to correct them.
During a breastfeeding evaluation, the baby is weighed before and after breastfeeding to determine how much milk the baby is actually drinking from the breast. Any questions are answered and concerns are addressed. Most common breastfeeding problems can be resolved in 1 to 3 visits.
Studies show early intervention and ongoing support from a lactation professional increases breastfeeding initiation and duration, helping mothers to reach their breastfeeding goals. Lactation consultants can be found in some pediatric offices, hospital inpatient and outpatient services, and in private practice. Home visits are available in some areas.
To find a lactation consultant near you, contact your local hospital, your physician, or check online for the lactation consultant directory. Congratulations on your decision to breastfeed!
