Educate yourself before the baby gets here. Many hospitals and birth centers offer free classes. Take advantage of free community meetings offered by organizations such as La Leche League. Reading is also very beneficial.
Find support. When educating yourself, don't forget your support network. A few things that might save you future headaches are giving grandma a heads up that water for babies isn't the norm anymore and discussing with your partner that breast feeding is the one thing he can't do but that there are many other jobs that you need help with will also save some stressful moments. By providing this kind of knowledge before hand, you are ensuring that your support network will be in place and ready to help you in a positive manner. What support is available from your place of birth (hospital, birth center, etc.)? Is there a lactation consultant available? What hours does she work? Is she available on the weekends? What about a private lactation consultant or La Leche League?
Be prepared. A supportive birth team and pediatrician is a must. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breast feeding begin within the hour after birth, the sooner the better! Sometimes a baby will be sleepy or simply refuse to nurse. So, don't be frustrated, just keep offering!
Avoid bottles and sugar water. The majority of babies do not need these supplements after birth. Speak with your practitioners about when they should be offered. Offering bottles and pacifiers too early can cause nipple confusion. In other words, the baby may have a tougher time getting the idea of breastfeeding.
First Feedings
Holding your baby and preparing to nurse for the first time might be the most natural thing in the world for some moms. For others it will feel completely awkward and alien. However, one of the biggest keys to a successful breast feeding experience is to get the baby to latch on in the proper position:
- Make sure that the baby's mouth and nose are facing the nipple, not just the breast.
- You should be belly to belly with the baby.
- You can tickle the lower lip to encourage the baby to open wide. When the mouth is wide open, place the breast inside the mouth. You will feel a gentle tugging when the baby is latched on. The mouth should cover a large portion of the darker part of the breast (areola).
- Watch for the baby's ears to wiggle and listen for swallowing. This will ensure that the feeding is going well.
- Never hesitate to ask a professional to watch you nurse to ensure a proper latch.
- To break the suction (latch) simply slip a finger into the side of the baby's mouth and release their mouth from your breast. Never pull the baby off of the breast, it is painful and can cause damage to the breast tissues.
- Time limits aren't necessary in breastfeeding infants. Remember every baby has their own personality and that means that they will each nurse differently as well. Do have a general idea of how long they have been on the breast. Generally it will be about 10-30 minutes on the first breast. When the baby signals that they are finished burp them, gently rub their back, perhaps even change their diaper. Then offer the second breast.
- Newborns will feed 10-12 times a day in the beginning. One of the most common misconceptions is that these feeding will be equally spaced out. Sometimes the baby will nurse every hour for a few hours and then sleep for several hours, other times it will be evenly spaced and predictable, all within the same day.
