Posted March 18, 2011 - 9:40am by Tracy
5 breastfeeding tips for new moms
Well Community recently reported on learning to breastfeed in the hospital and the importance of those first hours to successful breastfeeding. But what happens after mom and baby head home?
Breastfeeding is thought to be one of the most natural human practices. And yet, the first weeks and months at home can be difficult for many new moms who are nursing.
This is the time when schedules, rhythms and good habits are formed, and can set the stage for many more months of breastfeeding, so it is essential to overcome challenges early, according to Kathleen Gale, an Internationally certified lactation consultant and registered nurse at Swedish Covenant Hospital.
“If you are struggling with breastfeeding early on, it’s so important to seek out and accept help,” Gale said. “Little problems can lead to big problems. When a baby is not getting a good latch, the breasts are not getting emptied, and this can cause a low milk supply. This will result in a fussy, hungry baby and a downward spiral of difficulties."
Fortunately, help comes in many forms, Gale said. Support can range from professional help from a lactation consultant, to advice from a local support group like LeLeche League Chicago or KickSprout, to family members who can simply take some responsibilities off your plate.
To get started, Gale typically tells moms to keep a few simple tips in mind when breastfeeding:
1. Skin-to-skin contact is key — Put the baby skin-to-skin as soon as possible after birth until the first breastfeeding occurs. Then do it as often as possible after that, especially if the baby is fussy or not eating often enough. This stimulates the baby to eat, increases mothers milk supply, regulates the baby's blood sugar, temperature, heart rate and breathing. It also encourages bonding and lower stress hormones. Dad can also bond with baby through skin-to-skin when baby isn't hungry. These dads often have a stronger bond with their children. Put just a diaper on the baby, lay him or her on your bare chest, and then cover up with a blanket.
2. Watch baby, not the clock — The baby needs to eat 8 to 12 times every 24 hours. When you see the baby mouthing, sticking out the tongue, having clenched fists and bent arms with hands by the face, you know it's feeding time. If you feed the baby when you see those early feeding cues, the baby will do much better than if you wait until he or she is crying. As your baby fills up, hands and arms will relax, and he or she will look like a little rag doll. Some feedings will be one hour apart, some two, some three, up to a four-hour stretch. While mom is trying to establish a good milk supply, she should never go more than four hours without emptying her breasts.
3. Don’t let visitors or obligations interrupt breastfeeding — Especially in those first few months of life, a lot of family and friends will want to meet your baby and congratulate you. However, it is very important that you do not let these visits throw off when your baby should be eating.
4. Keep a feeding and diaper log — In the first week, the number of dirty and wet diapers increases each day. If the baby isn't having adequate output, he is not having adequate intake and it is time to call your doctor.
5. Take care of yourself — Get all the help and support you can. Try to nap at least once or twice a day with the baby. It is very important that you are emotionally engaged and available for your baby — not just taking care of physical needs. If you are happy and mentally and physically healthy, your baby is more likely to be as well.
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