A New Beginning

ontinue to feed your baby 8 - 12 times in 24 hours and monitor wet and dirty diapers.

Newborn Tummies are Very Small!

Breastfeeding

It is common for babies to feed frequently during the first several days. Frequent feeding helps bring in a good milk supply.

DAY 3 Size of a cherry tomato 22-27 ml

DAY 7 Size of a strawberry 45-60 ml

MONTH 1 Size of a lime 80-150 ml

DAY 1 Size of a grape 5-7 ml

DAY 1-2 TIPS 1-2 hours after birth, babies become sleepy. This may last up to 24 hours. They still need to attempt to eat 8-12 times in 24 hours if baby is term and healthy. Some feedings may be more successful than others. 1. To encourage baby to eat, place baby in skin-to-skin contact 11/2 hours after their last feeding finished. 2. Offer the breast when you notice any one of these hunger cues: lip smacking, opening mouth, tongue thrusting, rooting, putting hands to their mouth. 3. Wake baby if baby doesn’t wake on their own by 21/2 hours. Tips for waking baby: Rub their back, change their diaper, change their position, talk to them, or hand express some milk on your nipple so they can smell it. 4. Ask your nurse for help with latching your baby if you need it.

DAY 3-4 TIPS Your baby may still cluster feed today. Continue to put baby skin- to-skin as much as possible before and after feedings. 1. Signs baby is getting enough to eat: – Baby is having at least 3 wet diapers in a 24-hour period. – Baby is having 3 dirty diapers in a 24-hour period. – Baby relaxes after feeding and may fall asleep or come off the breast. 2. Continue to keep baby in the room with you and do skin-to skin contact as much as possible before and after feedings. 3. Baby may still continue to lose weight. Babies may lose up to 10% of their birth weight during the first week after birth. This is normal.

DAY 5-7 TIPS Continue to feed your baby 8-12 times in 24 hours and monitor wet and dirty diapers. Be sure to take these feeding logs and baby’s hospital papers to baby’s first office visit. This information is important for baby’s health care provider. It ensures consistent care between the hospital and home. Prepare for baby’s first visit by: 1. Arranging someone to drive you to the visit. 2. Writing down all your questions and concerns about baby and taking them with you. 3. Making sure you understand baby’s provider’s instructions and when baby’s next appointment is. 4. Encouraging family support members to ask questions at medical visits.

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Chapter 9: Breastfeeding