- breastfeeding positions
- nipple care when breast feeding
- nursing frequency
Some common breastfeeding questions include:
Frequency of feeding
The baby should be fed in the delivery room if the mother and baby's health are adequate. The next feeding should be 4 to 6 hours later or after the baby has awakened from a deep sleep. It may take up to 2 weeks to establish a good milk supply. Most babies will gain weight if they are fed on demand or at least every 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Waiting more than 2 hours may cause the breasts to become engorged and painful. This decreases milk production. The goal of good nursing is to extend the time to about 30 minutes total. A baby should be nursed for 10 minutes on the first breast and then switched to the other breast and allowed to nurse for as long as he or she wants. Over 90 percent of the milk is obtained by the baby in the first 10 minutes. Nursing should not be rushed.
Amount of milk
By measuring a baby's output it is possible to make sure the baby is getting enough milk. Four or more bowel movements and six or more wet diapers a day is normal. All babies lose some of their birth weight but return to that weight by 1 to 2 weeks of age. This is why the pediatrician weighs the baby at this return visit.
If a breastfeeding mother offers any bottles during the first 4 to 6 weeks after birth. her milk supply may decrease. Using supplementary bottles prevents complete drainage of the breast, takes away from sucking time and may reduce the baby's appetite.
After 6 weeks, a breastfeeding mother may want to offer a bottle of expressed milk or water once a day. The baby can get used to an artificial nipple. This provides some free time for the mother to leave the baby with a sitter or family member. Babies usually do not need extra milk even if they have a fever or the weather is hot. Milk provides enough water, presuming the infant is not ill and is feeding well.
Nipples can become dry and cracked. Soap or alcohol should not be used to wipe the nipple because they remove natural oils. Loose clothing should be worn. Nursing pads can absorb excess milk leakage. Nipples should be exposed to the air when possible.
Correct positioning of the infant is important for preventing nipple soreness. The baby's whole body should face the mother rather than just the head. The baby's shoulders should be rounded forward to maximize head and tongue control. The baby should take in to his or her mouth most of the dark part of around the nipple. If the baby latches on only to the nipple, the nipples can become sore.
- side lying (mother's stomach to infant's stomach)
- sitting (cradling the infant, with pillow support to prevent mother having to bend)
- football hold (baby's legs and body underneath the mother's arm).