Your baby was born to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is a learned skill; it may take awhile before everything works smoothly. This article will give you pointers to help you get started. The pleasure and benefits of nurturing your baby through breastfeeding are well worth the initial efforts.
Getting Started
You should breastfeed your infant as soon as possible. Infants have a quiet alert period for about an hour after birth. This is the ideal time to put your baby to breast for the first time. Hold your baby skin to sin at your breast and let him familiarize himself with your breast and nipple. Colostrum is the first milk from your breast and is perfect for your baby. It provides antibodies and meets the complete nutritional needs of your newborn.
Initially, milk production begins as the pregnancy hormones decrease. It then becomes baby driven, the more the baby nurses the more milk you will produce. Feed your baby whenever he appears hungry. Feeding cues include putting hands to mouth, smacking his lips and "rooting" for the breast with his mouth.
Eight to twelve feedings in 24 hours are normal to build up your milk supply during the first few weeks, and will decrease the chance of excess weight loss and jaundice. If your baby is actively breastfeeding, do not switch breasts. Let him decide when hi is finished. If he seems hungry after the first breast, burp him and offer your other breast. Your infant may spend 20-40 minutes or longer at each feeding.
Your infant learns to use his tongue, lips, and jaw in a coordinated way to transfer milk from your breast. Some babies get confused if given a bottle or pacifier. If you avoid introducing bottles until breastfeeding is well established, you will create a plentiful milk supply and baby will be content.
If you are unable to breastfeed your baby, you should begin pumping your breasts within 24 hours after giving birth. Pump your breasts as frequently as if your baby were nursing.
Proper positioning and Latch
The basis for comfortable breastfeeding and abundant milk supply.
Get comfortably seated with your feet slightly elevated with pillows, water and snacks all close at hand. The cross cradle and clutch (football) holds are wonderful for first-time moms because you have the control of your baby that you need to teach him to feed in a way that will be comfortable for you and will create abundant milk for him. Once you are breast-feeding well, you can move to the more relaxed cradle hold and the restful lying down position. A correct latch is very important. If the baby is latching well your nipples may be tender during the first few days, but they will not be damaged with broken or scabbed skin.
Cross cradle hold instructions for left breast
Place your baby on a pillow or two so his nose is close to your nipple, facing you chest to chest.
Support him close to you, allowing his head to tilt slightly back with your right arm across his back. Your right and is behind his neck, supporting his head and shoulders. Support your breast with your left hand (shaping it in the direction of his mouth) to allow as much breast tissue as possible into his mouth.
Clutch (football) hold instructions for left breast
Your baby lies on a pillow at your side supported by your left arm, your left hand supporting the base of his head. Support your breast with your right hand.
Cradle hold instructions for left breast
Cradle your baby's head on the forearm of your arm. Support his body with your left hand. His body is chest to chest with yours. Support your breast with your right hand, if needed.
Lying down
Lie on your side, with a pillow under your head, behind your back and between your legs. Place your baby on the mattress facing you with a rolled blanket behind his back to keep him close to your body.
Breast support
You may have to support or shape your breast in any position so your baby can affectively latch. Sometimes a rolled up cloth diaper will give good breast support.
Latch
1. Touch the baby's mouth to the breast just below the nipple.
2. Your nipple should be up near the baby's nose.
3. Wait for him to open his mouth as wide as a yawn.
4. Bring him quickly onto your breast with the heel of your hand.
If your baby is latched well, he will have as much breast tissue in his mouth as possible. More of the areola below the nipple is in his mouth than the areola above the nipple. This is because the lower jaw moves the most during breastfeeding.
It includes tips on positioning your baby, caring for your nipples, increasing your milk production, common problems associated with breastfeed, and pumping & storing your milk.
UCSF
