A New Beginning

Breastfeeding

In the Early Days

Offer both breasts each feeding to help stimulate milk production. • Your baby chooses to take only 1 breast at a feeding, make sure you then begin with the other breast at the next feeding. • Alternate which breast you begin each feeding. This will help with adequate milk removal. Following these steps will help to ensure regular milk removal, increase milk production, reduce breast engorgement and nipple tenderness, and maximize your baby’s weight gain.

Early removal of colostrum (your first milk) is an important part of getting off to a great start. Hand express your milk into a spoon (your nurse will show you how) and give it to your baby after every breastfeeding. This will give your baby more calories and enhance your milk production. Be very attentive to feeding cues in the early days and first few weeks after birth. Ensure your baby has 8 to 12 feedings in 24 hours. You may need to: • Wake your baby in order for them to get enough feedings. Unwrap your baby from blankets, undress them down to their diaper, you may need to rub the bottom of their feet or back to stimulate or wake them up. • Put baby skin-to-skin to encourage frequent breastfeeding. • Keep baby awake and interested by talking to them during feedings. • Massage and compress your breast during the feeding to increase milk flow to the baby. This will gently “remind” them to continue sucking.

Weight gain is an important clue that your baby is feeding well. Most offices will allow you to bring the baby in for a weight check. Most babies lose up to 10% of their weight after birth. Expect weight gain of 4 to 7 ounces per week once milk is in greater supply. Your baby should be back to birth weight by day 10.

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Chapter 9: Breastfeeding