Breastfeeding a Newborn
Date :
Monday, October 31 2011
Source:
Autourina Mains
Having a newborn is exciting and scary at the same time. Deciding whether you are going to breastfeed or bottle feed your newborn is a decision you should think and talk about before the baby is born. Though breastfeeding may seem natural, it is not always easy and new moms may need help and support. Let your doctor and the hospital know that you are breastfeeding so that as soon as the baby is born, he/she can be place on your chest for feeding. Sometimes it takes the newborn a couple of hours to find his/her way to the breast. Usually the new moms just want to give their newborn the breast but letting him/her find his way to the breast and latching on is better for the newborn. By finding his way, he is going to be stronger at breastfeeding. The time it takes to find the breast also allows the mom and the newborn to bond during the very first few hours of life outside of the womb
The first couple of days of nursing, the newborn gets colostrum until the milk begins to come in-- colostrum gives the newborn immunity, it's Mother Nature’s natural immune booster. Breast milk is the best nutrient for the newborn and it is also soothing. Sometimes the baby is latched on but not necessarily for eating, more for sucking and self-soothing. Breastfeeding is a special time of bonding for mom and the newborn so take your time and enjoy the few minutes it takes to hold and feed your newborn. Here are a few tips to help brand new moms with successful breastfeeding:
· Make yourself comfortable (use a pillow to prop the baby up or you can lie down on your side)
· Get yourself a glass of milk, juice or water (you need to rehydrate yourself as you are feeding your baby)
· Eat well balanced meals and make good snack choices
· Offer the breast on demand (most newborns eat every 1.5-2 hours)
· If the baby is having a hard time latching on, gently stroke the cheek nearest to the breast to help her find her way. She should automatically turn her face towards the breast as you gently stroke her.
· Talk to your baby during breastfeeding (this will help develop positive attitude towards eating and make feeding time pleasant).
· Follow the baby’s schedule. If the baby is sleeping through the night, then let him/her (consult with your physician to make sure the baby is growing and gaining weight)
It is recommended that you hold off on offering a pacifier and or bottle to a newborn because they can interfere with the newborn latching on to the breast. Perhaps the most important suggestion is to find a support system that can help you when have questions or concerns. Your doctor can help you with this. In Wyoming we also have a program where the Public Health Nurse come to visit new moms and their newborn to offer help, support and answer any questions (Nurse Family Partnership). There is also a national program known as the La Leche League that offers online support, discussion forums, and literature.
Helpful Books--
The New Baby By: Ruth Shane
Tumble Bumble By: Felicia Bond
Ten Tiny Tadpoles By: Debbie Tarbett
Helpful Web Sites--
http://www.breastfeeding.com/ This is a fun and educational site to help new moms with breastfeeding questions.