I have been breastfeeding for a very long time. 59 months and counting to be exact. That’s almost five years. I’ll be honest. I had gotten a little cocky about my breastfeeding knowledge. And then I had my fourth baby.
Penelope has been nursing pretty well from the get go, but we’ve certainly had our hiccups in the first month of breastfeeding. I am so thankful for the lactation consultant that came to reassure me in the hospital this time!
6 Tips for the First Month of Breastfeeding That You May Never Have Heard
- Whenever possible, be skin to skin with your baby right after birth for at least the first hour. Put her on your chest and cover both of you to keep baby warm. Let her get interested in feeding. Did you know newborns can even crawl to the nipple by doing what is called the breast crawl?
- It’s ok if your baby is sleepy. Baby should have 1 wet and 1 dirty diaper in the first 24 hours of life. Your newborn may be very sleepy (especially if jaundiced) and may not be ready to nurse every 2-3 hours like your doctor recommends. That’s ok. If you are struggling to get baby to eat, don’t fret. You aren’t racing a clock. Let her try any time she is interested. Try any time she stirs. There is no reason in most cases to start supplementing right away (and if baby is born with low blood sugar, have a lactation consultant or nurse help you express some colostrum for baby – just a few drops will do – before using formula). Check out these tips if your baby is struggling to latch.
- Use skin to help baby wake to eat. Skin on skin can help baby latch and eat those first few days. The smell of the milk can help to wake sleepy babies to find a snack.
- Try a dark room! Since baby is used to being active when mama is sleeping or still (and rocked to sleep when mama is active) during pregnancy, use it to your advantage in those early days. Try making the room dark and quiet. The stillness may encourage your newborn to wake and try to eat.
- Be willing to try different positions. Many babies have more success nursing in the laid back position or side lying position because it helps them position themselves so they can latch on better with a wider mouth.
- The growth spurts the first month might take you by surprise! If you feel positively empty around weeks 3, 4, and 6, very likely your supply is fine and you are just experience a growth spurt. Relax and hydrate. Baby is increasing your supply for the long haul!
What tips would you add to the list of tips for the first month of breastfeeding?3
Original article and pictures take www.breastfeedingplace.com site
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