7 tips for getting off to a good startBreastfeeding is normal. It is not special, it is not scary, it is the natural, biologically normal way to feed our children. That said, it does not always come naturally – particularly since many of us have grown up in a culture which has normalized formula feeding and in which we may have few breastfeeding role models among our close friends and family. Here are seven tips which can help you and your newborn learn to breastfeed effectively, and establish a breastfeeding relationship that can continue for as long as you and your child wish.
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1. Initiate breastfeeding within the first hour. A full-term healthy baby is born with strong instincts to
breastfeed, which peak about 20 to 30 minutes after birth, and then begin to wane. After this time, it
may be more difficult for baby to take the breast.
2. Feed often - including at night. Maternal levels of prolactin (the hormone which produces milk) are highest at night, and night-time feeding helps to establish a good milk supply. Baby’s tummies are very small at birth – they can only take 5-7ml of milk at one time – so they fill up quickly but empty quickly so will feed at least 8-12 times in 24 hours (more is normal too!). Learn your baby’s hunger cues, and put your baby to the breast every time they display readiness to feed. These cues include: opening/closing mouth; sucking on lips or anything in proximity to mouth; rooting; fidgeting; fussing; looking around. Crying is a late cue; at this point, it is often harder for baby to take the breast. After a medicated delivery, baby may be too sleepy to display these cues. Do not let baby go for more than 2-3 hours during the day – 4-5 hours at night – without a feed. Wake/stimulate baby to feed if necessary.
3. Keep baby close, skin-to-skin where possible. Close contact helps to stimulate prolactin, and also allows baby unrestricted access to the breast.
4. Feed for as long as baby needs. Allow baby to come off one side of their own accord, then offer the second (which they may or may not take).
5. Experiment with positioning and find something which works for you. Many mums find the crosscradle hold helpful in the early weeks; side-lying may also be helpful in allowing you to rest while your baby feeds. Reclined positions, with mum leaning back well supported and baby lying tummy down on mum’s front, can also be very relaxing and can allow baby’s natural latching instincts to kick in, facilitating a better latch.
6. Avoid artificial nipples for the first few weeks. While some babies will have no problems taking the breast after bottle or dummy use, others will find it more difficult (especially if the bottle has been introduced before baby has learned to feed effectively).
7. Have help lined up. A “breastfeeding buddy” – a friend with experience of breastfeeding – can be invaluable to cheer you on. Attending breastfeeding group meetings can be very helpful (both before and after the birth). And if things don’t go according to plan – contact a helpline or consult an IBCLC for help.
2. Feed often - including at night. Maternal levels of prolactin (the hormone which produces milk) are highest at night, and night-time feeding helps to establish a good milk supply. Baby’s tummies are very small at birth – they can only take 5-7ml of milk at one time – so they fill up quickly but empty quickly so will feed at least 8-12 times in 24 hours (more is normal too!). Learn your baby’s hunger cues, and put your baby to the breast every time they display readiness to feed. These cues include: opening/closing mouth; sucking on lips or anything in proximity to mouth; rooting; fidgeting; fussing; looking around. Crying is a late cue; at this point, it is often harder for baby to take the breast. After a medicated delivery, baby may be too sleepy to display these cues. Do not let baby go for more than 2-3 hours during the day – 4-5 hours at night – without a feed. Wake/stimulate baby to feed if necessary.
3. Keep baby close, skin-to-skin where possible. Close contact helps to stimulate prolactin, and also allows baby unrestricted access to the breast.
4. Feed for as long as baby needs. Allow baby to come off one side of their own accord, then offer the second (which they may or may not take).
5. Experiment with positioning and find something which works for you. Many mums find the crosscradle hold helpful in the early weeks; side-lying may also be helpful in allowing you to rest while your baby feeds. Reclined positions, with mum leaning back well supported and baby lying tummy down on mum’s front, can also be very relaxing and can allow baby’s natural latching instincts to kick in, facilitating a better latch.
6. Avoid artificial nipples for the first few weeks. While some babies will have no problems taking the breast after bottle or dummy use, others will find it more difficult (especially if the bottle has been introduced before baby has learned to feed effectively).
7. Have help lined up. A “breastfeeding buddy” – a friend with experience of breastfeeding – can be invaluable to cheer you on. Attending breastfeeding group meetings can be very helpful (both before and after the birth). And if things don’t go according to plan – contact a helpline or consult an IBCLC for help.