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Breastfeeding not only is one of the most rewarding experiences
of motherhood, it’s the healthiest way to feed an infant
during the first year of life.
Breast milk is the best first food
for babies because it contains all needed nutrients, as well
as immune substances that may provide protection from some illnesses
and infections.
Our Lactation Program is designed to provide women
with information about the benefits of breastfeeding, as well
as the skills to successfully nurse their babies.
While
breastfeeding is the natural way to feed a baby, it also is
true that nursing an infant requires making a major commitment.
In some cases, new mothers need special assistance from others
to help in making breastfeeding successful.
Most breastfeeding difficulties can be remedied if they are
recognized and treated early.
Monmouth Medical Center's certified
lactation consultants provide breastfeeding instruction and
counseling to new mothers.
These registered nurses have passed the International Board
of Lactation Consultants examination and have the expertise
to answer a breastfeeding mother's questions.
Once a new mother's milk comes in, which
usually occurs two to four days after delivery, a breastfed
baby should gain about one ounce each day for the first several
months of life.
Ways to ensure that the baby is getting enough milk include
assessing the infant's contentment after a feeding and making
sure the baby wets an ample amount of diapers each day.
New mothers should look for these patterns, which are typical
of well-nourished breasted infants.
- Your baby should latch on the breast correctly and suck
rhythmically for at least 10 minutes per breast.
- However, it is fine to nurse on just one breast per feeding
if your baby is satisfied.
- Let the baby decide when the feeding is over; he will
let go on his own and probably fall asleep.
- Good positioning – not time limits – prevents
soreness.
- Your newborn should nurse at least eight times in 24-hours
period.
To breastfeed successfully, it's important to nurse whenever
the baby is hungry, which usually works out to a feeding every-one-and-a-half
to three hours (timed form the start of one feeding to the
start of the next).
- Your baby should appear satisfied after nursing and will
probably fall asleep at the second breast.
- Your breast should feel full before each feeding and softer
after your baby has nursed.
- Your baby should urinate six or more times a day.
- Your baby should have two or more bowel movements a day.
- Your nipples may be mildly tender for the first several
days of nursing.
- If pain persists beyond a week, your baby may be nursing
incorrectly.
- Your baby will want to eat more frequently during growth
spurts.
- Support your baby by lying her on her side with her knees
touching you.
- A pillow can help bring her level with your breasts.
- Stroke you baby's lower lip with you nipple.
- When your baby opens wide, as in a yawn, quickly bring
him in close.
- Your baby needs to take both the nipple and some of the
areola (the dark area surrounding the nipple) into her mouth.
- Avoid pushing on the back of your baby’'s head; bring
his entire body toward you.
- Your baby's nose and chin should touch your breast.
If there are more than a few moments of discomfort, or if
your baby is sucking only on the nipple, break the suction
with your finger, remove the baby and try again.
(Remember, if mom's nipple---rather than a bottle or pacifier---is
the first nipple a baby meets, she will have an easier time
learning to breastfeed.)
Your baby should swallow after every few sucks.
You can tell he is swallowing if you:
- Hear him swallow.
- See him swallow.
- See his throat move.
- Notice your breasts are softer after a feeding.
It's important to watch
for feeding cues, even if your baby is asleep.
Try to feed before she starts crying.
Watch and listen for:
- Sucking movements of the mouth and tongue.
- Restlessness or increased body movements, especially hand-to-mouth
movements.
- Small sounds.
- Crying (a late feeding cue).
On day three or four after birth, your
breasts may feel very full, warm and sore.
These are signs that your milk supply has come in, but it
also may leave you temporarily uncomfortable and discouraged.
The discomfort will pass in 24 to 48 hours, but the following
tips may help you feel more comfortable:
- Nurse often; don't skip feedings.
- Apply warm packs to the breasts and hand express a small
amount of milk before feedings.
- Apply cold packs between feedings to reduce swelling.
For more information on Monmouth's Lactation Program,
call
732-923-6857.
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