Congrats on your new baby!
You are one of the many women who plan to breastfeed………… …Now what??
Knowing where to reach out for guidance and continued support is the first step!
Today, MaternalWell will walk you through with our fast guide to breastfeeding.
Start breastfeeding immediately or in the first few hours after delivery. Direct skin-to-skin contact promotes breastfeeding.
So ladies, pull back that itchy hospital gown and feel your newborn’s baby soft skin against yours. (This also helps release hormones that decrease your stress and promote healing!)
But don’t worry if you are not able to – it will NOT be harder or impossible to breastfeed if you start a bit later or are unable to do immediate skin to skin.
Express and store the milk…….although it is a small amount this early breast milk packs a punch!
(Also this can mimic baby sucking which stimulates more milk production when you and baby are ready to start breastfeeding)
Correct!
Colostrum is a thick and yellowish milk that your body makes in the first few days after delivery. It may look like it isn’t enough for your newborn…….but it is!
Colostrum has all the good stuff your baby needs for the first few days of life!
It is your baby’s SUPERFOOD with so much packed in those little drops! It is high in protein, carbohydrates, growth modulators, antioxidants and infection fighting antibodies and white blood cells. This helps boost your newborns immune system and digestion and helps prevent jaundice and low blood sugar.
Even if you are not planning to breastfeeding you should give your baby colostrum. This is the perfect first food for your newborn for a healthy start!
Sorry, not this time!
It is perfectly normal and expected for all babies to lose some weight in first few days….Don’t worry! (If only it was this easy for us to lose our pregnancy weight!)
Your baby will regain this weight at two weeks after delivery.
Remember….the more your infant nurses the more it stimulates milk production. So within 3-5 days you will have larger amount of milk.
Oops, missed this one.
You baby will regain this weight at two weeks after delivery.
There are many positions available to hold your baby while breastfeeding. The best position is the one that is most comfortable for you and let’s baby latch on the best.
Depending on baby’s size or your medical condition and where you choose to feed (bed or chair) certain positions may work better.
Sorry, not this time.
No matter which you position you choose to hold your baby- follow these steps:
And most importantly RELAX! This may not happen the first or second try and may take many attempts! That is okay!
TIPS
Use pillows/supports and foot stools to support yourself so that your arms, shoulders and neck don’t get tired.
You know you have a good latch if you are comfortable and your baby’s mouth is around most of the areola, baby’s chin is touching your breast and lips are turned out like a fish. The first 30 to 60 seconds you may feel a bit discomfort but there should be no pain.
If you have persistent pain or discomfort that could be a sign of a poor latch STOP and TRY AGAIN! Insert your clean fingers into baby’s mouth to break the seal in order to prevent more pain or nipple trauma.
Oops, missed this one!
Let the feeding begin!
Remember over 90% of women have problems breastfeeding and about 50% is due to latching challenges which can be overcome with support and education*.
*Seek support through your health care provider, local LaLeche league groups or from home via MaternalWell text support, group sessions, video learning or individualized care through our HIPPA compliant telehealth with our certified lactation counselors.
Relax, keep trying and enjoy this experience as a mother!
All Done!
Great job getting through today's material. Keep it up and have a great day. We'll see you tomorrow.
As always, drop us a line or reach out to your care coordinator if you need assistance with anything. We're available if and when you need us.
