Breastfeeding Your Newborn
This information is about breastfeeding your newborn. It provides information on breast-feeding techniques to make breastfeeding a pleasant experience for you and your baby.
Breastfeeding can be enjoyable, rewarding, and a successful experience if you are well prepared and motivated. What else should you do to prepare? Remember that you need to be relaxed, rested, and have the support of your partner and family.
Breastfed babies receive important natural protection against some infections and allergies. Breastfeeding is also convenient and inexpensive. You don’t have to buy or wash bottles, or make formula. Most of all, breastfeeding is a special time that only you and your baby can share.
Here’s what to expect when you breastfeed. Your milk may come in gradually or suddenly, usually two to five days after the birth of your baby. You may feel fullness in your breasts until your milk comes in. Early milk, or colostrum, will be the first type of milk your breasts will produce. It’s yellow and very rich in nutrients and protection for your newborn. After a few days, your milk will change from yellow to bluish white. This milk will be thinner, but just as healthy for your newborn. As your baby continues to breastfeed, the milk supply will increase.
Here’s how to nurse your baby. First, wash your hands. Then to help your milk flow, gently massage your breast with your fingertips. Do not touch your areola, which is the dark area surrounding your nipple. Make yourself comfortable, and relax. Many mothers find that a rocking chair is most convenient and comfortable. If you’re sitting up, put a pillow on your lap to raise the baby. Also, using a pillow protects the sore tummy of mothers who delivered by cesarean section. When your baby begins to suck, you may feel a tingling in your breasts, milk dripping from the other breast, and/or cramps caused by contraction of the uterus. These are normal signs of the letdown reflex as the milk begins to flow.
The following steps will help make breastfeeding successful and enjoyable. Position your infant so your baby’s tummy and your tummy touch, with the baby lying on his or her side. Make sure the baby’s face, tummy and knees are facing your body, so that his or her head is directly facing your nipple. Or, cradle the head in your hand with the baby’s lower body under your arm. This is called the football hold. Try all of the breastfeeding positions, and experiment until you and your baby are comfortable. Support your breast with your hand by placing your thumb on the top of your breast and the remaining fingers below your breast. Your hand will form a “C.” Bring the baby to your breast, tickle your baby’s lips with the nipple, or touch the baby’s outer cheek with your nipple. When the baby opens the mouth wide, like a yawn, move his or her body closer until the mouth encircles your entire areola. This is called “latching on.”
Don’t let the baby suck only on the tip of your nipple. If you feel pain, or if you cannot see your baby’s lips above and below the nipple, or your baby is making loud smacking noises; the baby is not “latched on” properly. Unlatch the baby and try again. Unlatch baby by putting one of your fingers between your breasts and the outer corner of the baby’s mouth. Do not pull the nipple from your baby’s mouth without breaking the suction first. This will prevent pain and soreness.
Don’t worry if at first your newborn is not interested in nursing, or has problems latching on. This is a new learning experience for both of you. Try again when baby is completely awake, rested, and hungry.
How often to nurse your baby?
Well, let your newborn lead you. Once your baby is nursing correctly with long, drawing sucks, allow nursing until the baby releases the nipple. Feedings usually last 10 to 15 minutes for most babies. Unlatch the baby and change to the other breast when sucking slows down. Once you and your baby have a good nursing technique, most infants nurse about every 2 hours from the beginning of one feeding to the start of the next. Feed your baby whenever hungry. Also when starting the next feeding, use the breast that your baby nursed last during the previous feeding. For example, if your infant nursed last on your right breast, start the next feeding on the right. Use a safety pin or a ribbon on your bra as a reminder. Alternating breasts helps prevent your breasts from getting too full. Also your baby will get all of the nutrients from both breasts.
Remember these key points:
- Breastfeeding is a natural process for you and your newborn, but many people find that they need additional help or tips.
- It takes patience and practice.
- You will need support from family and friends.
- If you experience discomfort, don’t wait. Call your pediatrician or talk with a lactation consultant.
