Breast milk changes to meet your baby's needs as she grows and gets
older.
For the mother:
Many women feel a bond with their baby when they breast feed.
It is inexpensive.
There are not mixtures to prepare or bottles to wash. Feedings can begin
more quickly.
It makes travel with the baby easier.
There is less vaginal bleeding after delivery.
It helps the uterus return to its original size.
It can help with weight loss.
It may decrease ovarian cancer and breast cancer.
How do I start?
Talk to your doctor about breastfeeding.
Although breastfeeding is a natural process, it still takes practice. Talk
to family and friends who have breastfed for help.
Wash your hands before you begin a feeding.
Feed your baby when she is hungry and for as long as she wants.
Newborn babies typically need to be fed every two or three hours.
Cradle the baby close to your breast instead of bending over to reach the
baby. This is easiest on your back. You may also lie on your side next to
your baby.
Stroke your baby's lower lip with your nipple. This will get the baby to
open wide.
Help your baby suck on part of the areola (area around the nipple). If the
baby sucks on only your nipple it could be painful.
Feed from both breasts. Start with a different one each time so each breast
continues to make enough milk.
Let your baby feed on one breast until it becomes soft, then burp the baby
and switch breasts if the baby is still hungry.
Your baby may stop to rest and relax while she is feeding. This is okay.
Don't rush.
Let your nipples air-dry when done.
If you are away from your baby at feeding time, have someone give her pumped
breastmilk (see below) or formula.
What should I eat?
Eat a variety of nutritious foods.
Avoid dieting while you are breastfeeding.
Limit intake of alcohol.
Talk to your doctor if you are taking medication.
Is my baby feeding well?
You can tell your baby is feeding well by these signs:
Baby makes swallowing sounds that sound like a "K." The "K" sound gets
longer and deepens as she drinks more milk.
The areola, the area around the nipple, moves with your child's jaw
as she sucks.
You can see your baby's jaw muscles move around her ears as she sucks.
You can see her ears wiggle.
Your baby is content after feeding.
It does not hurt you to breastfeed.
Your baby has 6 to 8 wet diapers in 24 hours.
She has at least one loose, yellowish stool per day during her first
month.
She gains weight.
Your baby may not be feeding well if:
You hear lip smacking instead of a sucking "K" sound.
Baby swallows very little.
Baby is not content after feeding.
It hurts you to breastfeed.
What are some helpful tips?
Avoid using soap on your nipples. It washes away natural oils that are good
for your skin.
Breastfeeding does not cause the breasts to sag. Appearance is affected
more by hereditary factors (what your mother's body was like), age, and childbearing.
If you leak breast milk, press down on the nipple with the heel of your
hand or put pressure across your chest by crossing your arms.
Some women wear pads, handkerchiefs, or cloth diapers in their bras to soak
up leaking milk.
It is best to let your nipples air-dry after a feeding.
Some doctors recommend extra vitamin D for breastfed babies.
If you smoke, cut back or quit.
When should I begin pumping?
Mothers may need to express (squeeze out or pump) breast milk if they are
going to be away from their baby at feeding time.
You can begin expressing breast milk after you and your baby have gotten
used to a feeding routine.
Push out the milk with your hand or use a breast pump.
Talk to your doctor about which pump will work best for you. It depends
on how long and how often you need to pump.
Check to see if your insurance company will cover the cost of the pump.
Store fresh breastmilk in a clean glass or plastic bottle. Mark with date.
Store for up to 48 hours in the refrigerator.
Breastmilk can be frozen in glass or plastic bottles.
Disposable plastic bags marked for breastmilk storage also can be used.
Examples include Medela CSF Bags, or Playtex Disposable Liners.
Frozen milk can be stored in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator.
Put it on the top shelf. It can be stored here for up to 2 weeks.
Frozen milk can be stored in a separate freezer (like a side-by-side) for
up to 6 months.
It is best not to put frozen and fresh milk together, but chilled fresh
milk can be added to frozen milk.
How do I prepare pumped breast milk?
Thaw frozen milk in warm water. Do not use a microwave.
Move the thawed milk into a feeding bottle.
If needed, warm up the milk by placing the bottle in warm water before the
feeding.
Shake the bottle of breast milk to mix it well.
Store thawed milk in the fridge. Thawed milk can be used for 24 hours.
Do not combine newly pumped milk with thawed milk.
What if I can't/don't breastfeed?
Many women in the 1950's did not breastfeed.
Attitudes have changed over the years and more doctors are recommending
breastfeeding.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the first
12 months of life.
Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. Most women can successfully
breastfeed. Some women cannot for a number of reasons.
Talk to your doctor if you would like to breastfeed but think that you can't
or have had problems breastfeeding in the past.
Don't stop breastfeeding in the middle of the night when you are very tired.
Try to continue. Once you stop breastfeeding, it is very difficult to start
again. Some women cannot start again. If you think you'd like to stop breastfeeding,
make the decision when you are thinking clearly instead of when you are tired.
If you can't or decide not to breastfeed, use iron-fortified formula for
the first 12 months.
When should I call the doctor?
Call your doctor if you are sick and already breastfeeding.
Talk to your doctor about which medications might effect your breast milk.
You should take your baby to the doctor regularly for well-child exams.
The doctor will make sure that your baby is feeding well by checking her weight
gain and growth.
Call your doctor immediately if you get mastitis (a breast infection). Symptoms
include red, sore breasts and fever.
Talk to your doctor if you or your baby have problems with breastfeeding.
Quick Answers
Breast milk has nutrients that meet your baby's first food needs.
Although breastfeeding is a natural process, it still takes practice. Talk
to your doctor or family and friends who have breastfed for help.
Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. Most women can successfully
breastfeed.
If you breastfeed, eat a variety of nutritious foods, avoid dieting, and
limit your intake of alcohol.
You can tell your baby is feeding well if she is gaining enough weight.
Take her to the doctor for regular well-child exams.
It is best to let your nipples air-dry after a feeding.
Mothers may need to express (squeeze out or pump) breast milk if they are
going to be away from their baby at feeding time.
Do not combine newly pumped milk with older milk.
Talk to your doctor if you or your baby have problems with breastfeeding.
References
Canadian Pediatric Society. Breastfeeding. Caring for Kids. 1998 (cited
2002 February 11).
Obstetrics and Gynecology. Breast is Best! Virtual Hospital.
2000 December 22 (cited 2002 February 11).
MayoClinic. Breastfeeding: How to get started and keep going. 2000 September
15 (cited 2002 February 11).
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