Information on Breastfeeding Tips

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Breastfeeding Tips

Your new baby may be nursed for the first time immediately after delivery or some time later if you or the baby has medical that require immediate attention. A newborn is alert and most ready to feed during the first two hours after birth; therefore many physicians recommend that mother offer the breast during that time if at all possible. However, even if first feeding must be delayed several hours or even days, you can still get good start.

Whenever you begin, you and your baby should be able to find a poster that not only is comfortable but also allows him to latch on to the breast. This occurs when his mouth closes over the areola and forms a sealgums. His tongue should be positioned against the underside of the nipple and then with wavelike motions, compress it, emptying the milk-containing ductsthe areola.

If you repeatedly clamps down on the nipple only and not the areola, you will develop some major pain and cracking in the nipple before long—andi-ustrated baby as well because he won't get much milk this way. Some babies at first seem more interested in licking or nibbling than in grasping the breast While it is a good idea in general to:ottle feedings during the first several days ss absolutely necessary, it is particularly important that these "lick and chew" newborns stay away from formula and pacifiers until they catch on to latching on.

If you nurse immediately after delivery, it will be easiest to lie on your side with theentire body facing you, stomach. This position will also be very useful in the:lowing a cesarean delivery, in order to prevent weight of the baby from pressing on your sore domen. In this position you will need to lift a breast with the opposite hand to movenext to his mouth. More common is the sitting cuddle position, in which the infant's head is craddled in the bend of your elbow with your forearm supporting his back and your hand holding his bottom or upper leg. An alternative sitting position, called the football hold, places your baby's body at your side supported by your arm with your hand holding his head. This is another position if you have had a cesarean birth, minimizes pressure on your incision site. It is also useful for mothers of twins who wish to nurse both babies simultaneously.

Once you are positioned comfortably, gently lift your breast and stroke your baby's cheek or lower lip with your nipple. This will provoke his rooting reflex. When his mouth opens wide, gently pull him to you so that your areola enters his mouth. You will need to make this move relatively quickly before his mouth closes. Be sure not to "meet him halfway" by leaning forward, or else you will have a very sore back before long. It helps to.compress your breast slightly between thumb and palm or between two fingers in a scissorlike position, using your free hand, but stay a couple inches behin,Lareola when you do so.

When your baby begins sucking, nerve endings in the nipple send a to the pituitary gland at the base of your brain. The pituitary in turn secrete hormone prolactin, which stimulates more milk production, and oxyto, which causes tiny muscles that surround the milk ducts to squeeze milk tow the areola. This event is called the let-down reflex, which you will probably feel as a change of pressure or, less commonly, as a tingling within the breasts. Some women, however, can't feel the let-down reflex at at. Once your milk has in, you may notice anything from a slow drip of milk to a full-blown spray during let-down. Many women will experience let-down not only in response- to their baby's sucking but also when their baby—someone else's—begins to cry. During the first days after delivery, you will also feel contractions of the uterus in response to the oxytocin released by the pituitary gland. While these might he uncomfortable, they are carrying out the important function of reducing the size of your uterus.

The let-down reflex may be inhibited by certain drugs, as well as by ing. Let-down also may not function as well if you are upset or tense. It is- fore important that your nursing times he as relaxed and calm as possible. Youmight consider setting up a comfortable "nursing corner" at home, where your favorite chair (very often a rocker) and a table with soft light, a few key supplies, soft music, and even something to read are within easy reach. A small stash of healthy snack food and some water or juice may be a welcome addition as If you live in a multistory setting, you may want to set up one of these "nursing stations" on each floor. Take the phone off the hook and savor these moments, not worrying about whatever else you think you should be doing. Watch your baby, caress him, talk or sing softly to him, or take some time to pray quietly. These can be sweet times of reflection and meditation during otherwise busy days.

Remember that for the first three or four days you will be producing colostrum, the yellowish, high-protein liquid full of antibodies and white cells.:re exception, this is all your baby will need, since he was born with extrahis system that compensates for the relatively low fluid volume of When your milk supply begins to arrive, you will notice some increased fullness, warmth, and probably tenderness. During this process your.re said to be engorged, and they may actually swell so much that your:ave trouble latching on to them. Should this occur, you can gently express some milk from each breast, softening it so your baby can grasp more easily. To express milk, grasp the edge of the areola between thumb and fingers and then repeatedly squeeze while pushing gently toward your chest. A warm compress or hot shower may be needed to get the milk flowing.) Engorgement typically lasts only a day or two.

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