(lactation activist)
A Motherlode of Breastfeeding Information
Early Nursing
Breastfeeding is a natural continuation of the strong connection experienced during pregnancy. Women are designed to be able to feed their baby with nothing other than breastmilk for at least 6 months. This gives the baby the most essential foundation for good health. Breastmilk is formulated specially to suit the needs of each individual baby. Mothers of premature babies have milk that is different than the milk of mothers of older babies. Each mother produces the proper amount for her baby. Breastmilk contains digestive enzymes, antibodies and white blood cells, as well as the perfect balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Breastfeeding is the perfect nutritional food for babies.
Breastfeeding is a learned process, not an inherent talent. Which means it will come easily to some and with much work for others. With lots of education and support, anyone can breastfeed her baby with success. Preparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy increases the chances of success. Reading books about breastfeeding, talking to breastfeeding mothers and taking classes are all good ways of getting educated. La Leche League is a great resource, offering meetings, one-on-one support and lactation consultant referral. Gather as much information as possible, and know that it is a natural way to feed your baby.
Breastfeeding in the early weeks is the most challenging time. It is a time of great adjustments. The changes that your body goes through in the first 72 hours are remarkable. Hormonal levels shift and plummet, causing the breasts to begin their work of making milk. Breastfeeding is a supply and demand system where the more the baby nurses the more milk is produced, so scheduling doesn't help to produce milk. The way to produce the most milk is to have an on-cue nursing schedule. Nursing your baby when he is hungry and offering the breast frequently helps to ensure an adequate supply of milk. Water is also helpful to this process. Prenatal vitamins should be continued throughout the entire nursing time. The same good nutrition that was maintained in pregnancy should continue through nursing.
Once the baby is born, breastfeeding should be started as early as possible. The baby can be offered the breast almost immediately after birth. Some babies and mother will need a period to rest before nursing is established. Just keep trying and be patient. Offering the baby the breast at LEAST every 2 hours during the day and every three hours at night will keep the milk coming. It takes about 2-3 days for the colostrum to be replaced by milk. Babies are designed to handle this and will often lose weight in the first week. They should be back to their birth weight by 2 weeks. Frequent nursing in the first weeks will get the baby's weight back quickly. Some babies will nurse as frequently as every hour. Although this can be tiring, it does help to establish a very good supply and avoid trouble later. Use the support you have, and just stay in bed and nurse your baby often. If a baby is very sleepy in the early days, make sure to use gentle techniques to rouse her frequently to nurse. Even short nursing episodes help to establish milk. Of course, with frequent nursing, your nipples can become irritated and painful. Proper latching on will help to avoid this. Make sure that your baby is taking a large amount of your nipple in its mouth and that it is evenly placed in its mouth. Never pull your nipple out of their mouth, as this can cause nipple injury. Always break the suction with a finger first. Allow your nipples to air dry after each nursing to avoid irritation. A drop of breastmilk can be applied to each nipple, this will help to soothe and protect sore nipples. The early weeks can be frustrating and painful, (pain signals a poor latch, if you are having pain get help) but they do end, and it is well worth all the trouble to offer your baby such a great start.
For Questions or Comments
DISCLAIMER: This web site is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for medical attention, or diagnosis. If you are having breastfeeding difficulties, please contact an IBCLC near you for assistance. If you have any questions consult your family's health care provider. In some instances, the information represents opinion or judgment. Neither the information providers nor the Site owner guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information in this website nor will they be responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. The Site owner and the information providers will not be liable or responsible to any person(s) for any loss or damage caused whatsoever by the use of information or ideas referenced in this web site. Your participation in this service therefore is solely at your own risk.