One of the most important decisions you will make as an expectant mom is how you will feed your baby. Breastfeeding is truly best for your baby! Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend it. You will find breastfeeding to be one of the times you feel closest to your baby. The physical closeness and face-to-face position are conducive to feelings of intimacy and pleasure, and the contentment baby gets from feeding makes him or her feel secure.
Breastfeeding for many women is a beautiful and satisfying experience. Breastfeeding is one of the most valuable gifts you can give your newborn; the benefits to both baby and you are well documented.
Species specific
Perfect food for baby’s growth and development in the first year
Easily digested
Never too hot or too cold
Economical
Always fresh
Germ-free (no recalls)
Requires no mixing
Contains antibodies to promote wellness
Helps prevent allergies
Is one factor in preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Burns off fat
Encourages rest
Helps uterus return to normal size
Decreases vaginal bleeding following birth
Suppresses ovulation and menstruation (but is NOT a reliable form of birth control)
Decreases chances of premenopausal breast cancer
Protects against ovarian cancer
Put the baby to breast within the first hour of life, or ASAP.
Feed on cue (hands in or by mouth, rooting, sucking movements).
Don’t limit baby’s time at breast.
Room-in with baby for easy access to practice your skills and become proficient before going home.
Avoid rubber nipples and pacifiers while baby is learning to nurse.
Wear a supportive bra when your breasts begin to fill.
Wash hands before picking up baby and after changing diapers.
Clean breasts once a day during shower/bath with warm water only.
Avoid soaps, alcohol, and any drying agents on the breast/nipple.
Wear breast pads when leaking and change them often.
Air dry nipples 15-20 minutes after each feeding.
Cradle hold – Hold the baby so baby’s entire body is facing you and baby’s head is resting at the bend of your elbow; your hand should be holding baby’s buttocks or upper thigh.
Football hold – The baby is held alongside your body under your arm with your hand supporting the back of baby’s head and neck. Place a pillow or two under your arm to rest the baby on, and put another pillow behind your back.
Side-lying position – Lie on your side with pillows behind your back and between legs; top leg is bent and bottom leg is straight; your head is supported by pillows; baby lays on her side with mouth at the level of the breast (not just the nipple).
Sitting up – Be sure your back is straight and you are not leaning over the baby during the feeding. A footstool may be used to prop up your feet for comfort.
Get in a comfortable position.
Baby is positioned tummy to tummy with you.
Gently lift and support the breast with your fingers under the breast and the thumb on top (well behind the nipple and areola).
Gently stroke the baby’s lower lip with your nipple until baby opens wide, as in a yawn.
Bring baby quickly to the breast, centering nipple in baby’s mouth, making sure that baby’s mouth grasps a large portion of the areola. Baby’s gums should be on the areola not the nipple. You will experience a tugging sensation, which initially may be uncomfortable, but should let up in intensity after the baby has been nursing a minute or two. When baby comes off the breast, nipple should look like it is being drawn out evenly (not squashed or pinched).
Both breasts are offered at each feeding. Baby may nurse on both breasts equally, one not as long as the other, or only on one breast.
Breastfeed whenever your baby is showing signs of hunger. Babies’ behaviors vary. Some babies are quite active and require frequent feedings, while others are sleepy and need to be encouraged to nurse. By day four after the birth, your baby should breastfeed at least eight times in 24 hours. (It is normal for newborns to be sleepy and to nurse infrequently during the first 2-3 days.) Your milk production is directly related to how often you nurse (supply and demand); therefore, the more often you nurse, the more milk will be produced for the baby. By surrounding yourself with people who support your efforts to breastfeed and by seeking additional help from your physician, lactation consultant, or the La Leche League, you will be providing your baby with the precious gift of mother’s milk.