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Benefits
of Breastfeeding
Getting
Started
Fathers
and Breast Feeding
Adequate
Milk Supply
Challenges
and Concerns Engorgement
Plugged Duct
Mastitis
Drugs
and Breastfeeding
Storage
of Breast Milk
Nutrition
During Lactation
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Getting
Started:
-
Breastfeed
your baby as soon after he is born as possible. Talk to your doctor
or hospital about this before you go in for delivery.
-
Do not offer your newborn baby
formula, pacifiers, bottles. Breastmilk is the ideal food.
-
A new baby needs to be fed every
1 1/2 to 3 hours both day and night. A baby's stomach is very small
and will do best on small frequent feedings
-
If your baby seems hungry, feed
him, no matter what the clock says. Most babies will settle into
a schedule, but give yourselves time to find the schedule that is
just right for the two of you.
-
The more you nurse, the more
milk you will make. If you are concerned about making enough milk,
put the baby to the breast more often.
- Try to feed the baby at both breasts at every
feeding.
- Do ask a lactation consultant or breastfeeding peer
counselor for help if you need it. Don't ask for advice from friends
who used formula for their babies.
- You can breastfeed discreetly in public. Wear shirts
with buttons and tops that can easily be pulled up. Carry a sweater
or baby blanket with you to cover the baby with. Ask another mom who
successfully breastfed her baby for suggestions.
Steps to get started:
- Find a comfortable position
for yourself so you can relax It is a good idea to have your feet
well supported and an armrest or pillow for your arms.
- Support your breast with one hand.
- Pull your baby in close to you. Make sure her tummy
is close to you - not pulling away from you.
- Tickle your baby's lips with your nipple. Get him
to open WIDE!
- Pull your baby onto your breast (most baby's get
the hang of this quickly!). Make sure the baby takes the whole nipple,
plus a lot of the areola or brown part of your breast into his mouth.
His nose and chin should touch your breast.
Steps to ending a feeding:
Use your little finger to break the suction. Don't
just pull the baby off your breast - that could cause very sore nipples.
Often a baby will fall sound asleep as he gets full
and will let the nipple drop from his mouth.
Breastfed babies don't need to be burped on any special
schedule - get to know your baby's needs.
  
  
 
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