Breastfeeding your newborn Baby!
Many mothers think that they may not be able to breastfeed because they don’t have ‘enough’ milk….in fact, almost all mothers DO have enough milk….they just don’t know it!!
How much is enough? - During pregnancy and in the first few days after birth, your body makes colostrum - this is the ‘first milk’. If you are pumping, you may see only drops, so you think there is not enough….when you are breastfeeding, a baby that is latched well is able to get more than a pump, and colostrum is enough for your baby until your milk “comes in” (usually between days 3 and 5).
If breastfeeding is painful, get help fast!! If baby is not latched far enough on the breast (it’s not called nipple feeding!!) then it can be painful, and baby may not get enough… www.ilca.org has a registry of Lactation Consultants or call your health care provider…
How often should I feed? – Ask your baby! Babies can’t tell time, and only ask to feed when they need it…so breastfeed often (on demand) to help your body make a lot of milk for your baby (at least 8 -12 times in 24 hours) especially in the first few days.
Cluster feeding (feeding VERY often) is normal, because the baby knows that to bring milk in, sucking has to happen!! Also, try not to ‘waste’ sucking in the first few days, by avoiding pacifiers!! Remember, your baby was just born, and it is normal for her to want to be with her mom!
- Follow your baby’s hunger cues. It is normal for newborn babies to feed at least every 1 to 3 hours during the first month. (A newborn baby’s stomach is only the size of a chickpea!)
· Feed your baby whenever she is showing signs of hunger.
· Feed on the first breast until baby is finished..ie. falls asleep or pops off (there is no time limit!!), then try to burp baby & change the baby’s diaper. Then offer the second breast.
Baby shows that she is hungry in many ways. These are called Feeding Cues and may include:
o moving her head as if searching for your breast
o turning her face and opening her mouth wide when her cheek or lip is touched (called the “Rooting Reflex”)
o sucking and licking movements of her mouth
o sucking on her hands
o beginning to wake from sleep & having fast eye movements under her eyelids
o beginning to stretch and increase body movements
o making small sounds
BREASTFEEDING TIPS:
· Feed baby as soon as he shows ‘feeding cues’ (before he is too upset and crying loudly)
· Your baby's sucking pattern changes from quick and shallow sucks to slow and deeper sucks early in the feed
· You may or may not notice signs of the milk ejection reflex or letdown (It may feel like a tingling sensation and/or your other breast leaks)
· You should be able to see or hear your baby swallowing
· Your baby's cheeks should not dimple or pucker
· Your baby should not make smacking or clicking sounds during breastfeeding.
· Your breast should not slide in and out of your baby's mouth when he sucks or pauses
· Your baby should be content and settled between most feeds
· Your nipple should not be misshapen or compressed when your baby unlatches
· Your breasts may feel softer after the feeding (once your milk has ‘come in’)
· Use breast compressions to increase baby's milk intake especially if she is sleepy or has a weak suck
You may feel that you do not have enough milk because when you pump or hand express you may get very little or don't get any milk. This does not mean that there isn't enough milk for your baby. Your baby is much better at taking milk from your breasts than any pump or hand. If your baby is latched well and feeding on demand you will start to produce enough milk.
Signs your baby is breastfeeding well and getting enough breast milk:
o You can see and hear your baby swallowing
o Baby looks relaxed and content after the feeding
o Baby is content and settled between feedings
o Your breasts are softer after the feeding
o Baby is gaining weight well
o Baby is having lots of wet diapers (pees) and soft, yellow bowel movements (poos)
WHAT IF: “My baby is feeding all the time and is very fussy”
There are times when your baby may want to feed more often than usual and be very fussy. This can happen during a period of rapid growth known as a growth spurt.
Babies have growth spurts around three weeks, six weeks, twelve weeks of age and at other times as they get older. These times can be tiring and concerning for parents.
Many mothers worry that they do not have enough milk during a growth spurt. It is important to remember that breastfeeding works by supply and demand. When your baby is breastfeeding more than usual, you will produce more milk to keep up with his needs. Growth spurts often last a few days until your body starts to make more milk for your baby. Supplementing him with formula is not necessary during a growth spurt. Supplementing during a growth spurt will prevent your body from getting the message to make more milk.
WHAT IF: “My breasts feel softer than before”
During the early weeks you may often feel that your breasts are full between feedings. As your baby gets older, your breasts are softer. This is normal and does not mean that there isn't enough milk for your baby. Breast milk production settles down to match your baby's needs. Feed whenever the baby shows interest and your body’s supply will match his demand.
HOW LONG SHOULD I KEEP BREASTFEEDING?
- It is recommended that a child is breastfed exclusively for six months. Breastmilk is all your baby needs for the first six months.
- At six months, complementary foods can be introduced, with breastmilk remaining the most important food until 12 months of age.
- Breastfeeding can continue as long as mother and baby wish!
- The World Health Organization (WHO) encourages mothers to breastfeed for up to 2 years and beyond, for continued health benefits.
Contributed by:
Angela Grant Buechner, BA, BScN, RN, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant
Recent Articles:
