The Basics of Breastfeeding
Every mom and baby is different, and whether you choose to
breastfeed or formula-feed your baby, you’ll make the decision
that’s right for you. If you do choose to breastfeed,
don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t come easily at
first. A little know-how — and some time and practice — will help you
and your baby establish a fun and stress-free breastfeeding
routine.
The first few days
Shortly
after you give birth, you’ll notice a yellowish substance
called colostrum, which is your baby’s first food. Colostrum
is full of protein and disease-fighting antibodies which help keep your
baby healthy. Your actual breast milk will likely come a few days
after your baby is born.
Most hospitals have a breastfeeding class or a lactation expert to help
you get started. This is a great place to learn the basics: how to get
your baby to latch onto your breast and how to tell whether she is
nursing the right way.
Got milk?
Establishing
your milk supply takes is a healthy diet, plenty of fluids, and rest.
Some nutrients, like calcium and vitamin D, are especially important,
since breastfeeding can reduce bone mass. You can get calcium and
vitamin D from low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese, as well as from
fortified cereals. Drinking plenty of liquids is also important, but
avoid consuming too much caffeine and alcohol. Too much caffeine can
make your baby fussy, and alcohol can actually decrease your milk
supply.
If your baby still
seems hungry right after a feeding, and you have no more milk to give,
try drinking more fluids and getting more rest. Over time,
you’ll become accustomed to changes in your
newborn’s demands. Remember: As long as your baby is peeing
and having regular bowel movements, she is getting plenty of
milk.
Timing is everything
In
the early days, nurse your baby whenever she appears hungry.
Don’t fret about sticking to a schedule. If she starts to
sleep for long stretches, consider waking her up to breastfeed. The more
often your baby nurses, the more she will help you build your supply.
Also, avoid using pacifiers in these early weeks, so your baby can do
all her suckling at your breast.
Know the signs
When
your baby is a newborn, feed her only when she’s hungry,
which is basically whenever she is crying. Most newborns will nurse 10
to 12 times in a 24-hour period. That’s because their stomachs
are really tiny, and they can’t eat much at one
feeding.
You’ll know your newborn is hungry when she’s:
Rooting
(The rooting reflex occurs when she opens her eyes and turns her head
towards the position of the breast.)
Nuzzling at your breast
Making sucking motions
Putting her hands in her mouth
Crying
Introducing a bottle
If
you’re breastfeeding, try to wait until your baby is at least
2 to 4 weeks old before introducing a bottle. Getting your baby to take
a bottle usually works best when someone else does the feeding. Get Dad
to feed her while you disappear into another room. Watch out: If your
baby knows you’re nearby, she might go on a nursing
strike!
Start with half an ounce of breast
milk that you pumped, and try to give the bottle to your baby an hour or
two after a regular feeding. She will be most alert and motivated at
this time, but not so hungry that she’ll be frantic and
upset.
What’s enough?
Knowing
how much your baby eats when you breastfeed isn’t easy. One
way to tell is how well she sleeps after a meal. On a full tummy and
with a clean diaper, your baby is likely to doze off right after
a meal.
Back to work
Fortunately,
most women can continue to breastfeed after going back to work. Many
employers now provide private rooms for you to pump, and allow for more
flexible schedules. If your employer doesn’t make
accommodations, talk to your human resources department. They can
probably help you settle in and make the transition smooth, easy, and
stress-free — as it should be!