Breast Feeding
Getting Off to a Good Start
There are many choices that mothers must face during their pregnancy and delivery of a baby. The need to make choices can be overwhelming and it is important to understand what options are available. Research shows that breastfeeding contributes to the development of healthier and smarter babies, and healthier mothers.
Reasons to Breastfeed
Breastfed infants have a lower risk of getting ear infections, diarrhea, other gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections, diabetes, allergies, and obesity among other things from infancy to young adulthood. There are also benefits for the breastfeeding mother. Some of these benefits are a shorter recovery time after having the baby, and a reduced the risk of ovarian cancer and premenopausal breast cancer.
How do I get started?
To get the best start in breastfeeding here are some things you need to do:
- Let your doctor know during your prenatal office visits that you will beBreastfeeding.
- Gather information and ask questions about breastfeeding.
- When you are admitted to the hospital tell the nurse(s) that you are going to breastfeed your baby.
- Start breastfeeding in the delivery room or recovery room soon after the delivery. During this time your baby will be awake and alert and this is the perfect time for the baby to learn the latching process. Do not rush the baby but allow him to snuggle at the breast and make attempts on his own.
- When the baby is nursing you will feel a strong tugging sensation. If the baby is not latched on correctly you may feel pain. If you feel pain or are concerned about the way the baby is nursing, ask the hospital’s Lactation Consultant to observe a feeding.
- Provide lots of skin to skin contact with your baby. You do this by undressing your baby down to just a diaper and placing him/her against your bare chest. Pull your blanket around both of you so that only the baby’s head is peeking out of the blanket. Do this as much as possible during the early days. Your baby will cry less and be more eager to latch when you do this.
How do I know that my baby is getting enough?
A breastfed baby should have at least one wet diaper on day 1, two wet diapers on day 2, three wet diapers on day 3, and at least 6 soaking wet diapers on day 6-7 and after. Watching the bowel movements is actually more important than counting the wet diapers. Your baby will initially have black tarry stools called meconium. They will change to a lighter color by day 3-4 and by day 4-5 they should turn to mustard yellow and be runny and seedy. A baby who continues to have black tarry bowel movements on day 4 or who goes 24 hours without any stools needs to be seen by the hospital’s Lactation Consultant and have her observe a feeding.
How long should I feed my baby?
A newborn will need to be nursed for as long as he stays latched. Once the baby latches on to the first side, allow him to stay latched until he unlatches on his own or falls asleep at the breast. Then burp him and switch to the second side but if he refuses it, he may be full. Some babies will only nurse on one side at a feeding. If he takes a few suckles and then falls asleep at the breast, it may be that he is not attached correctly and is not getting enough milk. While he is nursing, listen for swallows and eventually gulping as the week progresses.
How often should I feed my baby?
As frequently as the baby wants but at least 8-12 times per day.
When do I need to take my baby to the doctor?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a baby be seen by the doctor or other heath care professional at age 3-5 days and then again at 2-3 weeks.
For more information: www.indianaperinatal.org/consumers-breastfeeding.aspx
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