Breastfeeding Your Newborn
Hopefully, you have already researched breastfeeding online and in books. Taking a breastfeeding class and attending some breastfeeding support groups can help get breastfeeding off to a good start. Breastfeeding is a natural act, but can sometimes use a little help and support. Proper positioning is key to transferring milk from your breast to your baby. A good latch makes breastfeeding comfortable and effective for both you and your baby.
The sooner the baby gets to the breast after birth, the better! Most newborns are eager to nurse during the first hour after birth. The length and difficulty of the birth and medications used during birth can affect your newborn. Some babies are very sleepy and need to be stimulated in order to breastfeed. Other babies are ready and latch right on. The first days with your newborn are very special, try not to miss a minute of it. A healthy newborn does not need any water or supplements. Your breasts have everything this little one needs. Colostrum is the precious first milk that comes in for your baby. It contains important nutrients and antibodies in the exact amounts that your bundle needs. Between the second and sixth day after birth, your milk will come in. Keeping mother and baby together during this time is important. Nursing on demand and watching your baby (not the clock), will help your milk supply and avoid engorgement. During these first two weeks, it is best to nurse your baby at least every two hours. Artificial nipples of any kind are not recommended until breastfeeding is going well and your milk supply has been established (around four to six weeks). Weight loss of five to seven percent of birth weight is considered normal during the first three to four days.
If things are going well, you will notice that your newborn is very satisfied when he comes off the breast or falls asleep at the breast. Most babies gain back their birth weight by two weeks of age. Many babies have a satisfied, milk-drunk face when they complete a feeding. One or two wet diapers a day are normal for the exclusively breastfed baby during the first two days after birth. Pain is a sign that something is wrong. Do not wait to get help from a Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
In the first few days, many newborns like to breastfeed often. It is normal for a newborn to want to nurse every hour. You will know that your newborn is getting enough milk by looking to see if the baby is filling out, gaining weight, active and alert, and wetting at least six disposable diapers a day. Frequent bowel movements also indicate that the baby is getting enough milk. Most breastfed babies gain about six ounces a week.
Some mothers mistakenly think their baby has diarrhea because breastfed babies have stool that is loose and mustardy. This is completely normal but is very different from a formula fed baby.
Sharing sleep is a great way to meet your baby’s needs and get the sleep you need. Whether it is at night or during the day, sleeping when your baby sleeps can help you feel more rested.
If you wait until your baby is crying to pick him up and start nursing, it may be very difficult to get him latched on. There are early hunger cues that you can look out for such as; baby turning his head to the side and opening his mouth, putting his hands in his mouth, making sucking noises, or rooting for your breast. These behaviors indicate a need for your breast. The more you put your baby to your breast, the milk you will make. It is all based on a supply and demand basis.
Newborns love to be close to mommy! Wearing your baby in a sling can help comfort your baby and stimulate your milk supply. You can even learn to nurse while wearing your baby!
Don’t forget to have someone take some pictures of you breastfeeding your little one, you will want to remember these moments later! This newborn time can seem demanding, but be assured that it will be over before you know it! Life with a newborn is magical, enjoy it!
