Breastfeeding tips

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Breast feeding

Overview

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Football hold:

Cradle the back of your baby's head in your hand, with the body under your breast and toward the elbow. Place a pillow under your elbow to help you support your baby's bottom. Use your other hand to support your breast. This position allows you to control the baby's head and assures good positioning to latch on.

Side lying:

Lie on your side with one arm supporting your head. Your baby can lie beside you with the head facing your breast. Pull the baby in snugly and place a pillow behind to support the infant.

Rarely, a baby may have a sucking disorder which will need to be observed by a health care provider. A certified lactation consultant can be of tremendous help in teaching a baby to breast-feed.

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NURSING FREQUENCY

Most babies normally breastfeed every 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours during the first month. Breast milk is digested more quickly than formula so breastfeeding is needed more frequently. Even if you cannot measure the amount of milk your baby drinks, you can tell that the baby has had enough if: baby nurses every 2 to 3 hours, has 6 to 8 really wet diapers per day, and is gaining weight appropriately (about 1 pound each month). The frequency of feeding does decrease with age as the baby can eat more at each feeding. So, don't get discouraged; you will eventually be able to do more than sleep and nurse!

NIGHTTIME FEEDING

While you were pregnant, your baby was continuously fed and didn't know hunger. After birth, babies need to be fed frequently. During the first few weeks, your baby will want to breastfeed around the clock. This is perfectly normal. Some mothers find that bringing the baby in bed at night or placing a bassinet within reach, allows them to meet the child's needs while losing minimal rest. Other mothers prefer to keep the baby in a separate bedroom, and have a comfortable chair there. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you should not sleep with your infant. While nursing an infant in bed is acceptable, you should return the infant to their crib or bassinet when the feeding is done. Avoid bringing an infant into bed if you are very tired or taking medications that cause drowsiness.