How to Establish a Successful Breastfeeding Relationship in the Hospital

According to a 1999 study in PEDIATRICS, the support of the health care system is a key factor in the success and continuation of breastfeeding. There are several ways to make sure you receive the support necessary during your hospital stay so that you and your baby can both reap the multitude of benefits breastfeeding provides.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A trusted support person (baby's father, your mother or sister, a friend, etc.)

1. TELL EVERYONE IN THE HOSPITAL THAT YOU ARE BREASTFEEDING. Let them know you do not want your baby to have bottles or a pacifier.
2. HAVE YOUR BABY SKIN-TO-SKIN on your chest as soon as possible after the birth. The pair of you can be covered by a blanket. He may or may not latch right away, but skin-to-skin (also known as "kangaroo care") will calm him and keep him warm. If you need to be separated due to something such as a cesarean, perhaps the baby's father can do skin-to-skin until you are ready.
3. KEEP YOUR BABY IN THE ROOM WITH YOU. Unless there is a real medical need for your baby to be elsewhere, you two should be together. Try to have your baby's father, your mother or sister, or another trusted individual stay with you. They can watch the baby while you shower or nap. They can go with the baby if he goes to the nursery to be weighed, bathed or tested.
4. LET THE BABY 'HANG OUT' AT THE BREAST AND NURSE AS OFTEN AND AS LONG AS HE WANTS. He doesn't need a lot of colostrum - a teaspoon or two each feeding is fine. Enjoy this time as you both get the hang of breastfeeding. There is no need to supplement with formula before your milk "comes in". Don't worry that you don't have enough milk if he's nursing very frequently - he's just practicing. Try to feed him before he gets hungry enough to cry.
5. DON'T HAVE TOO MANY VISITORS! There'll be plenty of time later on for everyone to meet your new baby. You need to rest and spend this special time bonding with your baby. And you'll be putting your baby to breast often, which is easier without an audience. The nurse or your helper can clear visitors out of the room whenever you need privacy.
6. A HEALTHY BABY WON'T NEED ANYTHING BUT YOUR BREASTMILK IN THE FIRST 48 HOURS. Sometimes the nurse, baby's grandma, or someone else may suggest supplementing. If it's really needed, the baby's DOCTOR will order supplementation. Otherwise, everyone should be patient and give mom and baby time to figure things out.
7. IF YOUR BABY DOES NEED TO HAVE SPECIAL CARE IN THE NURSERY, YOU CAN BE WITH HIM AS OFTEN AS YOU LIKE. Your touch and the sound of your voice can comfort him like no one else's. If he's too sick to be put to breast, tell the staff you want to start pumping right away.
8. IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS, ASK FOR HELP. Ask to see a lactation consultant - most hospitals have them on staff.

Tips & Warnings

• Studies have shown that when babies go to the nursery, their mothers do NOT get more rest!
• Newborn babies' stomachs are the size of a marble! Your colostrum (early milk) is enough for your baby until your milk comes in.
• Colostrum is like baby's first immunization - it protects baby from illnesses and boosts his immune system.
• Beware well-meaning family members who question whether or not your baby is getting enough to eat. Nurse frequently ("on demand") and you can be assured he is getting what he needs!